Fun with friends - and dogs

We just love our neighbors!! We have so enjoyed their company so much this year, Part of the fun about being friends with Dave and Denise is also being friends with their dogs Angus and Tyler! They have an annual bday party -this year on Christmas eve afternoon where we exchanged our people presesnts and the dogs had bday snacks. Angus also got a manacure from our family as a little joke. I know the whole thing is crazy - but fun.

A few of these pics are from when we went out as families - us, Dave and Denise and also with Jeff and Kris and their boys.

Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas. It was great to have my mom stay for 2 weeks. We all had fun spending time with her. It was especially fun to play games and bake and make honey candy with her. We also had a fun suprise visit from Todd's brother and his family after Christmas. The cousins had a great time hanging out, sledding and rock climbing together. We also had our traditional sleep by the Christmas tree on the 23rd - (we are all getting too big for our little front room!) and Nativity play Dec 24th with Todds parents and the missionaries and neighbor friends.

Mainly it was nice to relax and enjoy the spirit of the season. We were also very blessed that Todd was able to take the week off before Christmas from work. That is a rare occurrence - but it looks like he may have it off for next year too.

Eagle Court of Honor

December 16th we finally had Brandon's Eagle Court of Honor. It was held in the chapel so I didnt get all of the pictures that I wanted, but it was really nice! It was a was a wonderful ceremony and so exciting to see him receive this great honor.

Tree Trimming

This year the kids mainly decorated the tree. They did a great job. Todd and the boys put it up. I think that I was feeling stressed at the time - so I said to go for it and be careful with the fragile ones. Its nice to sit in the front room and see the lighted tree and read or just contimplate the blessings of the season.

Starlighting - let the Holidays begin!

A yearly tradition for our family - Starlighting. we love it. we cant stay away. This year the weather was good - a bit windy but nice still. The live nativity, being with friends, seeing people all around, Todd and Brandon playing together this year in the band on the street, treats and free hot chocolate, Santa and of course the Starlighting itself. Good times!! Great memories!

Trevor's Tenderfoot

Trevor recently received his Tenderfoot award and his first merit badge - Fishing- no surprise there. He is very close to first and second class. This was also the first time Brandon had helped to present awards to the other boys and conduct. He received a bunch of merit badges too. Great job boys!

Thanksgiving 2009

Catching up - again -- anyhow we had a great Thanksgiving dinner with Todd's parents. we had a really nice day together before we drove to their house and then there too. We are so blessed to live close to them! We played several wild rounds of Pit - a new old favorite. My friend Denise had taught Christen and I how to make apple pies. I impressed everyone - including myself. They were beautiful! We have been making a lot of homemade egg nog lately too. - Started by Brandon - Brandon got an early birthday gift of a new art set by Grandma and Grandpa. The kids spent the night Thanksgiving night to decorate their house for Christmas the next day. Todd was working and this gave me a chance to go out early with Denise on Black Friday. Very productive!