Bowling

To end the kids day off we decided to go bowling. Bill even took time away from school to come with us. It was great to have a couple hours as a family.

Jared practicing putting a spin on the ball.

Ellie got a strike!

Rachel's turn!

David & Sonja joined us.

Sonja looks amazing at 37 weeks pregnant!

Play Day!

The kids actually had a 4 day weekend. MLK day/civil rights day and a day off for teacher inservice. The kids spent most of Monday playing outside in the snow. We didn't have beach weather like all my friends and family in California but it was pretty warm, and the snow was melting like crazy. I am glad that the kids haven't gotten tired of the snow yet because we are only half way through Winter.

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Sonja's Baby Shower

Sonja (my sister in law) is due in just a few weeks with their first baby. They are expecting a boy! I am excited to welcome my new little nephew into this world. I am going to be baby Gratton's favorite aunt. haha (Just throwing that out there) My other sister in law, Alysa, and I threw her a baby shower on Saturday. It was a ton of fun planning her shower. I even attempted a fondant cake, by no means do I really know what I am doing, I just know that I love a challenge. The only thing I was bummed about is that Sonja didn't have very many people show up. We didn't let that stop us from having a good time.

Many of you don't know that I LOVE to throw parties. I just enjoy planning and creating and seeing it all come together and making the person feel amazing. I don't get very many opportunities to plan a party because I don't like going to them. haha Most of you know that I am a pretty reserved person and it takes a while for me to warm up to people. I am just not a fan of those awkward moments. But I will plan a party any time.

Sporting a New Smile.

Jared has had a loose tooth for almost 2 months. Today it was just hanging there but he wouldn't pull it out. So, Daddy suggested he tie his tooth to his remote control car to see if it would yank it out. Jared got so excited and Bill set tied his tooth to the car, handed Jared the remote. Bill asked if I wanted to get it on video and I told him it probably wouldn't work. Jared hit the switch, off went the car, and OUT came his TOOTH. It popped right out on the first time. I was surprised.Then we realized the tooth wasn't attached to the string anymore. We scoured the kitchen for about 20 minutes. His tooth is MIA. I guess he will have to write a note to the tooth-fairy. I love his new smile. He is so STINKIN' CUTE!

To The Rescue!

I have been fighting a white residue all over my dishes. It was getting so bad, I was embarrassed to have people over and use my cups, plates, utensils. I even went out and bought new dishes but slowly the same thing would happen. I have bought every kind of dishwasher detergent, or so I thought. I was having lunch with Bill at the fire station, when I saw them adding something to the dishwasher...

This little bottle has saved my dishes, I guess the white residue is hard water residue. It only took one wash in the dishwasher to get it off. It's so nice to see my dishes sparkle again! One less mystery to solve. Now, who to invite over to dinner?

Winter Fun!

We had to get out and enjoy all of the snow we have gotten. We were all on Christmas break and were hoping for a decent day to go before everyone had to go back to school but it just wouldn't warm up so we decided to go play anyway. I think it was -6 with wind chill. We bundled up with several layers. We went to the hill at the college one day and out to the sand dunes the next.

Jared enjoying the new sled that Santa brought.

Uncle David helping Jared get a jump start on the snowboard.


Do you see that huge chunk of snow? My brother David is throwing that at Jared. In all fairness Jared did nail him in the head with a snowball.

Rachel trying out some snowboarding, she's getting pretty good.

The only thought going through Ellie's head was trying to survive. She had the most layers but complained the loudest and longest. haha

I have a couple of videos of our little adventure but they aren't loading at the moment. Days like these are the best part of winter. I love getting out and feeling like a little kid again.

Happy New Year 2011!

We kept it pretty simple for New Year's Eve. We went over to my brother's new place and hung out until midnight. I am amazed all 3 kids stayed awake. Bill worked at the firestation New Year's Day and we spent a few hours there playing games and snacking on food.

I am not going to lie, I am happy to see 2010 behind us. I am looking forward to the adventures and challenges of 2011!

Christmas Day 2010

We spent Christmas Eve (Night) and Christmas Day with my family. It is tradition to go out for Chinese on Christmas Eve. We were one of the only ones in the restaurant. We then headed home read the nativity story and opened one present. The kids headed to bed and waited for Santa to come.

Christmas Morning...

My brother Colin looking at the SF Giants journey to World Series Championship.

My mom enjoying a scrapbook, Sonja made her for Christmas.


I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Eve

We spent most of Christmas Eve with Bill's family. It was been really rainy but it cleared up for Christmas. It was a beautiful day. We hung out, played games, ate good food, and opened presents.

Do you see how beautiful the weather was? It was perfect! We took advantage and walked around the lake by Amy's house

Uncle Drew and Ellie

Aunt Amy and the girls.

The girls enjoying the view.

Bill, Ellie on his shoulders, and his brother Andrew.

Rachel's Busy December

Rachel kept us busy before Christmas. Rachel started ballet in September and performed in the Nutcracker a week before Christmas, she had a small part, as a Russian. I hate to admit it, but it was the first time I had actually seen a ballet. It was pretty impressive even for a small town. I don't have any pictures of video of her actual performance, they didn't allow it.

Jared and Ellie did pretty good sitting through the Nutcracker.

My brother Colin was up visiting so he was able to go also.

Rachel also had a violin recital. She started in the middle of October. I think she enjoys playing the violin more than she enjoys ballet. I am just glad she is able to have fun and explore her talents. Sorry it is sideways. Can't figure out how to flip it.