1/19/09

Wow! I'm Loving 2009

I feel like the biggest looser! I swear I have forgotten my camera, everywhere we have went this month, and we have been busy!  We have done some dang fun stuff, to start the year!  

First- Jeff and I drove up to Park City, and went on a horse pulled sleigh ride, up to the restaurant Snowed Inn.  We went with a couple of our friends from California.  It was such a fun night, with great home cooking!  Different from our norm, dinner & movie.  Not that I have anything against any type of date night.

Second- Jeff and I took off to California for a 3 day getaway, first class style!  I rode in my first privet plane, and it was nice!!!  Loved it!! I could definitely live this life style.  We stayed at Jeff's buddy Keven's house, right on Huntington Beach.  What a nice pad!  We kinda had a guys trip, but I have no complaints.  We went to a Hockey game, had a football night, played pool, we also went on a boat ride in the bay, and yes I did get some shopping in!  My favorite part of vacations is the food, and we went to some great little local restaurants.   The best part I didn't have to cook!

Third- Jeff and I went snowboarding up to Park City.  It was thee most perfect day to go boarding.  I cant believe how much I love this sport!  I wish it wasn't so dang hard to get away, and enjoy the snow.  I can't wait to get my girls up on the slops so we can go as a family.  I am definitely getting them signed up for lessons this year.  There is nothing better than spending the day with the family, doing something you all love!

Fourth-  Jeff has been coaching my nephews Basket Ball team, and we as a family have been going early to the practices, so we can go swimming at the pool in the same facility.  My girls love to swim!

Fifth- We have also gone rock climbing a couple of times this month.  I cant believe how good Ellie, and Addison are at this sport.  Its funny because they are fearless, flexible, and freakishly strong, because of gymnastics.  It seems like every time we have went, there is always an older boy (like 12) who my 5yr old & 8yr old put to shame.  The instructors up at Dicks, at the Gate Way, told Jeff and I that they are naturals, and we need to get these girls climbing!

Sixth- Because of the long weekend, we decided to take the girls to the Discovery Museum in the Gate Way.  If you have never done this, it is a must!  Just plan on spending at least 2 1/2 hours at this place.  What a fun experience for everyone in the family, even Paisley.  We loved it!!!

So as you can tell busy busy busy!  We have had such a good time!  This year is looking very promising.   I cant pick a better way to spend my time, than with the loves of my life, my husband, and kids.  I'm so blessed and grateful to be a mother, and have the opportunity to raise these special little girls.   I also give kudos to Jeff, because he is such a good father, and husband.  This only escalates the joy, and fullness I feel.  I love him more deeply than I ever thought possible.  I'm so glad that we are best friends, and love to spend time with each other!  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The New Years party was at Ryan and Jamie's, for I think the 4th year!  They always throw a great party, and it gets better every year.   We love to see all the extended family, and friends.  
This year there were games, door prizes, Wii competitions, and awesome food!
Thanks Ryan and Jamie

Happy New Years!

We had a big past bar all made from scratch, and tons of bread, and salads.  For dessert we had a chocolate fountain, cookies, and candy.

Paisley and her cousins Aubrey, and Tatum, eating some grub!

Bon Appetit!

We love to see the Chappell family!  Insun and Nate, came all the way from California. 

We were all looking at a book Aunt Sue made for Grandma Porter.  It was so cute! 
 Ken and Cathy, came from Washington State, and Jill from Washington D.C.

Playing a little Rock Band!

Jeff playing a little Ping Pong against Nate.  He is one of  the few people to give Jeff a run for his money!  It helps that Nate went on his mission to Korea.
Playing the Name game!

I won some "Blue Balls" for the dryer, as one of the door prizes.  Ryan's idea!

Christmas Day Finally!

I figure it's been a month, and it's probably time to catch up on my blogging.  
Christmas Day was amazing as always!  I feel like we were running a little, but we had a great day.  Ellie woke up at 4:30 A.M., and I told her it was way to early, and to get into bed with Jeff, and I.  We officially got up at 7:00.  Jeff was just like a kid  so excited for the girls to see what Santa had brought them.  
We all got what we wanted, and a little more.  We got way to much!   I think Santa forgot how much he had got, and just keep buying.  He will have to keep better notes next year!

What the girls saw, when they came down the stairs Christmas morning.



Paisleys favorite gift Tic Tacs.  Although she did love her baby doll!

Ellie got a sewing machine!

Addie got her cupcake maker kit, and lots of other stuff!

My cute girls Christmas morning!


It has been a tradition for the past 11 years, that we go to the Arnell's house (our good friends), for Christmas breakfast.  Glen and Renee always make the best waffles, strawberries, and whipped cream.  So good!  

The Arnell's and Gardner's!

We played "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" this year.  Jeff and I took first!  The Arnell's do not like to loose.  (Sometimes I think they are blood related.  Just a little competitive!)

The kids were trying to balance on the medicine ball, so I had to show them how it was done!

1/8/09

CHRISTMAS EVE!

We had Christmas Eve at our house this year.  It was my side of the family, "The Schmidt's".
We all decided on having appetizers, and desserts for dinner.  This is the best part anyway!  The food was Delicious, and we had tons of it, as usual.  
We played lots of fun games including Sardines. ( A couple go's and hides in the dark.  Then you let the rest of the couples go to look for the couple hiding.  Once you find the hiding couple you hide with them until everyone is smashed in the hiding place.)  Just picture 8 people under my bed with stinky feet, or 10 people smashed in Ellie's closet passing gas!  We had a blast, and the kids didn't want to stop playing.  We had to remind them that Santa was coming, and they needed to get home to bed, so they wouldn't miss him.
 
Food! Food! Food!  We love Food!

Jeff getting a little mouthy, in the game Battle of the Sex's. 
The boys got lucky, on this one!

On Christmas Eve my kids get to open one gift.  This is their Christmas P.J.'s.  Paisley was as excited as Addison, to open a present!

After all the Family had left at about 11:30 P.M., and we had finished cleaning up the mess.  We finally knelt down for family prayers.  When I saw the girls, and dad all leaning over onto the couch, and their cute butts sticking out.  I couldn't resist taking a picture!

The girls left cookies, milk, and some creatively arranged carrots for Santa, and his reindeer.  Ellie also wrote a note to Santa!

The Girls Christmas class party, and school program!

For Ellie's class party.  We had a Pajama party, hot coco bar, and we put together a cute nativity craft.  We had lots of games, and a story planned, but the craft took more time than we thought.  I always say better to over plan than under!  The kids had a really good time.

Ellie and one of her best friends Savannah, drinking hot coco!

Putting the Nativity craft together!

The hot coco bar, after the mob of kids had hit it!

Ellie's finished product.  She was proud!


Getting Addison ready for her Christmas program!
The girls had their Christmas program at the A.F. Sticky Shoe Theater.  It was great to have plenty of room, and popcorn.  The school put together a DVD, that was played on the big screen.  The kids got a kick out of seeing themselves in the movies.

Ready to go!  I love these red coats, I'm so glad we got two years out of them.

Dad and Paisley waiting for the big show!

Look at these cute girls!

Addison and her cute teacher Ms. Wallace!