Road Trip Part 3 - FLORIDA!!

We finally arrived in Florida. We were so excited to spend the next few days with my parents. The last few times I had seen may parents it has been surrounded by weddings or holidays. Just really busy & hectic times of the year. I know it's selfish of me, but I was glad to have my parents to myself. It doesn't happen very often, so I enjoyed every minute of it. We stayed at a beautiful time share, Marriott's Cypress Harbour.Jared fishing in the lake at the resort. Didn't catch a thing. He had fun though.

Look...a bike that fits our entire family. While we were out cruising around it started raining on us. We were covered so we just kept going.



We came to Florida hoping to thaw out a little from the cold of Idaho. But the entire nation was feeling the effects from an Arctic blast. It was in the 40's the entire time we were there, minus one day that got up into the 50's. Whahoo! But it was still warmer that Rexburg, that had temps of -15. So, most of the pictures are of my kids with jackets, hats, and gloves. We didn't pull out any of the shorts I had packed. We didn't let the cold stop up. We even headed to the outdoor heated pool a couple of times.


UNIVERSAL STUDIOS


Heading to Universal Studios.
The Jurassic Park area was really fascinating. It had an area for the kids to look for fossils, hatch eggs, and learn more about dinosaurs. Outside was a huge rope climbing area.Scooby Dooby Doo, where are you?

Jared trying to fit that entire Dagwood into his mouth.


Ellie go to met Dora, the explorer.

My kids ran into a lot of the Marvel Characters. I already posted tons of pics, so I just posted this one.

This is for all you Harry Potter fans. This attraction is going to open sometime in May of this year. It looks incredible.


Am I trying to save Jared from Jaws or feed him to Jaws????



Dr. Suess land...Ellie was thrilled to meet Dr. Suess. She also got a picture with Sam I am.

We spent 6 days in Florida and 3 days at Universal Studios and still didn't do everything. I can't thank my parents enough! We had an amazing time!

Road Trip Part 2- Independence and Liberty Jail

When you are on a road trip you want to stop and do it all but there just isn't enough time. So, we had to choose where to stop and what to do. Our trip from Idaho to Florida was already 36 hours that didn't include any stops, just straight driving. We got to see a lot of really amazing things along the way there and back. Of all the states I drove through, I thought Tennessee was the prettiest. It looked straight from a postcard. Kentucky, even though we drove through it twice, both times was at night, so I still have no idea what Kentucky looks like. We got to see the the St. Louis Arch and a herd of 100+ deer in Wyoming. Even though it was a lot of driving and it seemed REALLY long at times. I love road trips, they are always an adventure!

The kids at Liberty Jail. It was a great experience for the entire family.

Liberty Jail. As they retold the events that took place at Liberty Jail, the Spirit was so strong.

We stopped at the visitors center in Independence, Missouri. The kids were able to see how the early saints lived when the were in this area.

The kids enjoyed all of the interactive videos.

They had a copy of the Book of Mormon in all the different languages around the world.

I am so glad that we were able to experience these things as a family. I hope the kids will remember a little about the places we visited and the things they learned along the way.


Next stop...Florida!

Road Trip Part 1- New Year's with Bill's Family

On our way to Florida, we stopped in Nebraska for New Year's to see his family. It was a short visit but it was fun. We haven't been able to make it out to Greg & Alycia's since they moved to Nebraska.

New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve, Auntie Mame and Grandma Denos had a cake making contest with the grandkids (minus Gabriel and Jared)
Ready...Set...Go...

Team Auntie Mame with Ellie and Sammy.

Team Grandma Denos, with Rachel & Sierra.

They decided to make a cake, easy bake style.

Decorating the cake.

Team Auntie Mame and their finished cake.


Team Grandma Denos and their cake.



The judging. Uncle Drew, Bill, and Grandpa Denos having a little taste. Completely non partial. HA HA! And the winners are...

Rachel & Sierra showing off their easy bake oven masterpiece.


New Year's Day
Pile on!
Ellie fell asleep with Grandma Denos by the fireplace.

Sammy & Ellie

The brothers: Greg, Andrew, & Bill.

Christmas

CHRISTMAS 2009

This year was very different for us. It was the first time we have spent a Christmas without being close to extended family. It was hard being away from everyone. Missing out on all the holiday traditions we've shared over the years. But it was also nice, we had a very simple & quiet Christmas. And we started some traditions of our own. One of the kids favorites was reading a Christmas story every night in December by candlelight. This Christmas was probably one of most relaxed I've had since we've been married. Christmas Eve we went bowling with the kids, when it got dark we supplied ourselves with some hot chocolate and went and looked at Christmas lights, and then came back and retold the story of the birth of our Savior. The kids opened one present on Christmas Eve and then to bed for the anticipation of Christmas morning. Christmas Day was quiet and we had some good friends over for dinner. I made my first prime rib ever! I was SO nervous, mostly about ruining an expensive cut of meat. It turned out great, thanks to Paula Dean. (One of the few recipes that doesn't require adding butter, cream, or frying.HAHA!) I was so sad that I forgot to take pictures of the evening with friends!

Making Christmas goodies, or should I say eating Christmas Goodies. Ellie licking the bowl of Christmas sludge. That is what she called the fudge. Too cute!
(Yes, she has crazy wild hair. I only do her hair if we are going out in public because she screams and cries everytime I even think about doing her hair.)

It was so fun to make goodies with Rachel. She is finally old enough to actually do things on her own. She kept right up with me.

Christmas Eve. The kids acted out the story of Jesus' birth.

Christmas morning. Ellie opening up her presents.

Jared got a guitar for Christmas. I think I have enjoyed listening to him more than he has playing it. He said he wanted one so that he could be like his Uncle Colin and write songs. And be like his Uncle David so he could impress the girls. I have caught him singing a couple of songs that have just cracked me up. One was him singing a song for Kylah (a friend that just moved to Washington with her family. He misses his friend) Jared was singing 'Oh bring her back..just bring her back..." and another funny song was a song about life and distractions. (I have no idea what kind of distractions a 6 year old has but it was entertaining)

Rachel has turned into a little creative crafty person. That's what she wanted for Christmas.

Ellie wanted a princess dress.

Jared has been asking for a BB gun since June. We told him that he had to show us he was responsible and that if he really wanted it he has to save up for it. I think it was around October that Rachel decided she wanted one too. So, they pooled their money together and started saving. They had almost $40 saved up for the one they wanted. They were just $10 shy. A week before Thanksgving, Grandma Denos had a stroke. We were trying to figure out how to make it down to see her for Thanksgiving. Jared without hesitating said, "Mom, you can have my BB gun money." I was so touched that he would be willing to give up something that was so important to him for something that was truly important. Something, as a mother, you can't put a price tag on. Christmas morning, Santa surprised them with a BB gun.

Merry Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas from the Denos family. I had the best intentions of getting Christmas cards out this year but failed miserably. Well, I got the pictures printed but never got around to putting addresses on the envelopes. Sorry Everyone! But I couldn't let this Christmas Season go by without letting all of our friends and family know how grateful we are for them and the blessings they our to our family.

This has been a year of changes for our family. We moved up to Idaho at the beginning of this year so that Bill and I could attend BYU-I and finally finish our degrees. It is very different from Southern California and it has been hard being away from our family and so many great friends but we are adjusting and Idaho is growing on us. I love the seasons, I can't get over how beautiful it is here. We are also enjoying the slower pace of life. Even though we are busy with school, it has been easier to enjoy the little things in life.

ELLIE, 3- What a beautiful little girl she is turning into. Before I had Ellie I always told everyone that if I had another girl I wanted to combination between a girly girl and tom boy, Ellie is definitely living up to that. She loves playing dress up, changing her clothes 10 times a day, singing and dancing. But she also loves to playing outside and getting dirty, she will wrestle with her brother, and is adventurous. Ellie has a beautiful smile and I love when her laugh fills our home.

JARED, 6- Is now in 1st grade and learning to master reading, when we can get him to sit long enough to read a book. Jared is a really smart kid, he loves numbers, (math, time, money...) and is very logical, and can figure most things out very quickly. Jared is our social little guy. He always wants to be playing with his friends. He is always asking to go play or have friends over. Jared has the greatest sense of humor and is always coming up with the funniest things. He also has the biggest heart. He knows when to give a hug or make someone laugh.

RACHEL, 8- She had a big year this year, she turned 8 and was baptized. We had the opportunity to head back to California so that family and friends could be there. It was a beautiful experience. Rachel is loving being a third grader. Her teacher is great and has really brought out Rachel's personality in class. Rachel is at a fun age and sometimes when we are talking sounds like a "mini" young adult. Rachel is extremely creative and loves arts and crafts. Rachel has such a loving personality, she is super responsible, and puts 110% into everything she does.

KIRSTIE, ???- Yes, I hit the BIG 30 this year. Didn't do much for the ego by heading back to school with a bunch of 18 year olds just out of high school. I am loving the opportunity I have to attend BYU-I. It has been a lot more challenging trying to be a mom and go to school. Being a mom is the greatest joy in my life and I am blessed to have 3 amazing kids. This year has been eventful and I had my sister Chelsea living with us for a few months, she is now living in Washington. I especially miss her when Bill is working late and the kids are in bed. I also had my brother David and Kyle get married this year. I am so thankful that my brothers found eternal companions. Welcome to the family Sonja and Alysa.

BILL- Is busy with school and work. He is applying for the paramedic program for Fall. He will eventually graduate with a Bachelor's in Emergency Medical Services. He will be a Firefighter/paramedic and will have different career choices. Bill is loving having the Snake River at his fingertips. Almost every spare minute he spent fishing this summer. He would be hunting right now but never found the time to get his license. Bill's mom has a stroke right before Thanksgiving. She is doing remarkably well, and we pray that she makes a full recovery. We decided to surprise her and make the trek to California for Thanksgiving. It was great to see everyone.

My parents had two liters of puppies this year so we added a new addition to our family. A puppy named Maverick. He is just like one of the family now. The kids love him and actually are being really good about taking care of him.

We hope everyone enjoys this holiday season and has the opportunity to reflect on the birth and life of our Savior.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year,
Love,
The Denos Family

Rachel's Birthday!

I can't believe my little girl turned 8. Rachel has such a tender heart. Rachel is so talented and gifted. She loves to learn and try new things. Rachel is so smart and so willing to help others. I can't imagine my life without her and her sweet spirit. Rachel is an amazing blessing to me and to my family. Happy Birthday!

Rachel has been begging to ride a horse. For her birthday one of the guys Bill works with was able to arrange for us to come ride on her Birthday. She was SO excited. She now wants a horse.

Rachel didn't want to get off.

Ellie & Jared both got to ride too. Bill took them.
Then Jared got to ride a calf. The guy was trying to get his calves used to people so that he could take them to the fair. Jared thought this was awesome!
We headed back to the house for some cake and ice cream after we took her to Applebee's for lunch. This is a picture of all the neighbor kids.
This is Rachel's birthday part two. Just two days after her birthday we headed to California for her baptism. So, of course we had to celebrate her birthday again.HAPPY BIRTHDAY!