three hundred thirty-four

Ready and anxiously waiting for one of our favorite Christmas traditions.

three hundred thirty-three

Traditions: Nativity Scenes

Tonight we decorated for Christmas and trimmed the tree. Every ornament survived - a miracle with all the helping little hands!

three hundred thirty-two

Having fun at an open house after an excellent mission farewell of our great friend.

three hundred thirty-one

Celebrating a score during "The Holy War"

Who needs a trampoline, they just taught themselves how to flip without it.  

three hundred thirty

4:30 a.m. on Black Friday.

Oh yes we did!  

(photo taken by my 14 yr. old son on his phone, what a trooper and great sport)

three hundred twenty-nine

Happy Thanksgiving

three hundred twenty-eight

My Thanksgiving food assignment.  

three hundred twenty-seven

The Kindergarten class enjoyed a great feast today!

three hundred twenty-five

Lazy Day.

In fact, I am sick and stayed in bed all day.  

three hundred twenty-five

The fruits of their labor.  Enough snow for a snow fort.

three hundred twenty-four

O.K. maybe the football tournament (that I was not excited about) was worth it as they won the tournament.  Look at that trophy!!!!  It is bigger than he is!!!

three hundred twenty-three

I would have loved to join the boys on their little trip, but I had plans of my own.  A Time Out for Women conference with my cute friends.  I love an occasional get-a-way and am always refueled.  Not only physically (as I eat way too much), but am inspired and uplifted by these wonderful women.

Football banquets are quite the event.  It is a time to give gifts, trophies, thanks, watch highlight videos, eat and play one last time as a team.

Unfortunately, we had two banquets at the same time, different places, and had to split up.  Right after the banquets my four boys drove five hours so Z could participate in more football, a tournament. 

It was a great evening.

three hundred twenty-one

She was excited to show off the bracelet she made by herself.

three hundred twenty

What a thrill to have this cute "Native American" come running to the car today, noodle necklace and all.

three hundred nineteen

I have wanted to take of picture of my second home all year.  

The Gym

(It's not just my second home, it's used by the entire family)

three hundred eighteen

Meet the newest Life Scout and Tenderfoot Scout

three hundred seventeen

Champions!

These boys had the perfect season!  11-0 and a championship win!

Last year they went into the championship undefeated but lost, so we are thrilled to bring home the big trophy this year! Congratulations

three hundred sixteen

Pink and B girl were feeling crafty today and informed me that this was the "Picture of the Day".

Love it!

three hundred fifteen

Every night we play a game.  Mom has to guess which p.j.'s he picked.  

Tonight I was right...Black Batmans!

three hundred fourteen

My other cute boy who is always on the go!

three hundred thirteen

My busy, busy boy heading to school.  It amazes me how much he accomplishes.

three hundred twelve

Guess who made it to the speech festival finals and did a fantastic job!  

She recited "Bed in Summer" by Robert Louis Stevenson.

three hundred eleven

We had family over to celebrate Z's birthday.  

Everyone blew out their own candles.

three hundred ten

Z Man was pumped because his first playoff game was on 11/6 - his birthday and the day his cousin "Brigg" passed away 5 years ago.  He dedicated this game to "Brigg" and had his best game of the season! But in the last minute of the game the other team scored and we lost 0-6.  I was bummed for him and the team but was proud to be his mom that day...he truly shined!

The rest of the day was quiet until we surprised him with a birthday party with all his friends at the park. His frown turned to a huge smile as his cute friends sang "Happy Birthday".  It was a great evening with a fire, hot chocolate, and s'mores.

In other news...M won his game and will be playing in the championship game next week.  He dedicated his game to "Brigg"  and wore his name on his arm also.

three hundred nine

More autumn pictures.

I had an hour to spare before football and let these two play around in the leaves while I took pictures.

 I wish all my kids were there.

three hundred eight

I finally found a pile of leaves for the kids to play in.  

three hundred seven

Today we enjoyed parent-teacher conferences and report cards.  

Four kids and all A's! Wow...I keep wondering where these kids came from :)

three hundred six

I thought this was an appropriate picture for election day.
This was the artwork displayed on the 2nd grade bulletin board.

three hundred five

Finally, a day spent cleaning and organizing the food storage room.