New Years

This year we celebrated the new year up in Washington at a church camp near White Pass. It was a lot of fun for us to see almost all of the Baughman side of the family. The first pict was taken on our ride up to the camp. The girls and I made these cute little Build-A-Bear animals in the back of the car. Everyone knows that's where the party is.

The kids had a blast with their cousins and aunts and uncles sledding, skiing, and playing games.

Below I have included a photo of our cabin and the nearest bathrooms. I was partial to number 8.

Christmas

This year was the first year we didn't have any family around for Christmas. No one came over and we didn't have anywhere to go. So, we decided on Christmas eve to do some caroling to our neighbors, make a Santa pizza (a tradition from the past) act out the nativity and finish off the evening with A Christmas Story movie. It was a lot of fun and very relaxing.

Christmas morning was early this year. I don't know what time the kids went out to get their presents but they woke us up at 5:15. I specifically told them not to get us until 6 a.m. Wishful thinking. After all the presents were opened and they had eaten breakfast we surprised them with their "big present," scooters (and a trike.) Most of the day they would alternate between riding their scooters and watching one of the many movies they received.

That afternoon Dad and I cooked up the BEST Christmas dinner ever made. We are sure of it. We couldn't get over ourselves and how amazing our cooking was (it is probably because neither one of us considers ourselves a cook and therefore, to have such success shocked us!) I also performed a miracle, I made a cheese ball "like Mom's." Dad loves cheese balls. I have to say, that was yummy too.

What a great Christmas.

Let the Games Begin

The week before Christmas was so relaxing. One full day was puzzle day, and some of the kids proudly announced that they stayed in their pjs all day. They played Settlers of Zarahemla I don't know how many times, they had around the world basketball tournaments and of course watched movies. We had a really fun night when our friends the Jorgensens came over and provided a gingerbread house activity. Yep, pure family fun time.

Christmas Recital

The Christmas piano recital was all duets for our family. Our oldest played a duet with Dad, the girls played together and I played the flute accompanied by Mrs. Melo. It was a lot of fun. The kids also got to accompany the audience for a sing along. It was a fun afternoon for all.

December Citizen of the Month

Here is what the 1st grade teacher had to say about our little L.

She has a helpful heart. She can finish her work early and quietly help others. It's amazing to watch her because she really knows how to help rather than just tell kids the answers or let them copy her paper. She makes them hold up their fingers for math or sound out when spelling. She's a natural born teacher. When I ask her to run an errand for me, her eyes light up. I trust her because of her responsibility level, but I know her helpful heart just sings when she is asked or can help others. She cleans other kids messes without complaining and stacks extra chairs at the end of the day. She's truly a gift!

We are so proud of her.

Pregnant Momma

This pregnant momma, along with her fellow ewes lambed over the Christmas break. I think all of the ewes gave birth to twins. There were some deaths, sadly, but these three were healthy and doing just fine on immunization day. They are so cute!! The kids worked hard cleaning out the stall and spreading out some fresh straw for the last two babies of the bunch. What an experience!!

Christmas is Coming

We decorated the house and put up our tree. The kids are very excited for Christmas. The first picture is them posing with their Santa hats and Little People nativity set from their Grandma Gunnell. It is the best for families with kids!!

The second pict is all of us dressed up for the ward party, A Night in Bethlehem (Dad is wearing an outfit his dad brought back from Kuwait.) Our family sang Away in a Manger (with harmony even) at the party. It was a great night and felt like being in Bethlehem because of the food, atmosphere and families in costume. It was quite the production and the activities committee pulled it off well. So, the season has gotten off to a great start for us. Now Dad and I are counting down the days until we have our two week break.