Love Note Tree

I stole this idea from a friend - a love note tree.  I put conversation hearts in the bottom then added fake branches.  We have all left "love notes" for each other and the one below is by far the most heart felt. 

Pure, love.

Pickers

Eric has been spending lots of time in Elko, Nevada, and came across an old motel from the 50's that was shutting down.  If you know Eric, you know he loves a good bargain.  Well, these two signs were a real bargain (from his point of view) and he has high hopes for them.  Like...our family room.  Heaven help me.

13th Birthday Party

Kennedy wanted to have a sleepover for her birthday party this year and we decided it was time.  We dined at The Chicken Shack, had a scavenger hunt at Target, and then came home to makes movies, watch a movie, play games, and eat some more.

We finally sang Happy Birthday to her over breakfast and topped the morning off right.  I was so nervous about entertaining 13 and 14 year olds but these girls were dreamy!  No drama, no fighting, no leaving anyone out.  Just good old fashioned fun.  

So far, Kennedy is a pretty mellow 13 year old.  She is a great daughter and friend who likes to stay on the straight and narrow (thank goodness).  My sister gave her a card for her birthday that said, "You are finally a teenager and a very beautiful, smart one.  Don't let being a teenager make you stupid."  I love that advice and I am sure it will stick with Kennedy.  

a Christmas Story

We spent the holidays in Washington with my family (Jenks side) and Eric's brother, Mike and family, in Seattle.  We drove over 4000 miles and made every minute count.  We left December 22 and returned home January 2.  I'm going to let the pictures do most of the story telling.

Pre-Christmas dinner with Santa (aka, Tom Bateman)

Christmas eve at Mark and Ashley's house where they entertained 70 family members.

Christmas morning ready for church at 8:30 am.

December 26th we went to the local movie theatre to see "We Bought a Zoo" with the whole fam and chowed on pizza beforehand.  Pizza wasn't worth taking a picture of but Sara sure was and the backside of all the boys playing in the arcade.

The 27th the adults and kids 12 and up ventured to the Columbia River Temple to do baptisms and dine at PF Chang's. 

December 28th was Eric's 38th birthday.  Matt & Jodi hosted everybody at "Hope Valley Ranch" for paintball, shooting and roasting hot dogs.  It was definitely a highlight.  

Guess who is the 2nd one in, standing? Kennedy!  She means business when it comes to paintball.

By the 29th we cruised over the mountain to University Place to Mike and Marie's house.  The first evening we walked around the Tacoma campus of the University of Washington, picked up cupcakes and ate dinner at a hip restaurant (can't remember the name but it was yummy).

The 30th we hung out and watched football, Marie treated us girls to pedicures while the boys went bowling.  It was my idea of a perfect holiday, day.

The 31st we drove to Bremerton to catch the ferry to downtown Seattle, where we watched "Tin Tin" at the IMAX theatre and toured Pike's Market.  We drove a car, rode a boat, boarded a train and did lots of walking.  It was a highlight of our trip.

We rang in the new year with a fancy dinner and sang happy birthday to Kennedy.  She is officially a teenager. 

  

7 children with their respective spouses, 22 grandchildren with 2 making their entrance in a few weeks, and 1 angel granddaughter.  This is what it's all about.  The greatest gift is family and we are so grateful we were able to share the holiday with them - Jenks and Bateman.  Thank you for making it special.  We love you!

Christmas Cards Through the Years

What has changed?  The kids, weight and wrinkles but I think it's time for some new hair styles.  Maybe a perm?  Just kidding.  Change is needed and I think 2012 is going to bring that.