Ballet

Lexie started dance again today. After debating over and then missing signing her up last semester, and her weekly reminder asking me when dance starts again, I knew I had to get her in dance. She wasn't a huge fan of getting a new teacher, and going into a different class, but after a little convincing and her first day, she loves it! And she loves her teacher, Miss Sheila. It helps to have a couple of friends in the same class too ;)
This year, I can actually watch through the window outside. When it gets warm enough to be able to stand out there for longer than 3 minutes, I'll try to get some pictures through the window, but for now, this will do.

New Years Day

For the past couple of years, we've gone shooting on New Years Eve or Day. Obviously Colby & I love to hunt and shoot, but our kids love it just as much, if not more! And I love that they love doing the things we love! (ha! I didn't really mean for that to come out like that :)

We like to go out to Bloomington, but this year, so did everyone else in town! We couldn't go to the awesome shooting hill they have, but we just drove up the road a little ways and found our own spot.

I forgot my camera, so the pictures aren't that great, and it was cold, so some are from inside the truck ;)

Both the boys love throwing the clay pigeon, but Cutler can't quite get it to throw far enough without breaking first. But he's not about to give up trying! 

Noah wanted so bad to try and shoot the shotgun, but was scared. We convinced him he would be ok, and after a couple of tries, he hit it!! We were so excited for him!

Despite the freezing cold, it was such a fun, nice day. And honestly, I could sit in the truck, take pictures, and just watch them have the time of their lives.

New Years Eve

This year, once again, we bounced around between families. My sister was here with her family, so we ate at my parents, then went over to Danjanovich's for a while. 

Sherie had an auction for the kids, which they LOVED!! And just might become a new tradition :)

Each of the kids were given coins to bid with, along with a stick with their name on it to bid with. Pretty legit! 

If you know Sherie, you know she's a shopaholic! 

So, she has this stash of little things put away for the kids for various reasons and times to give to them. What better time than tonight!

The kids seriously thought this was so fun, and pretty cool.

After the auction, we hung out for a little bit and watched Dave have his fun with the fireworks. The kids enjoyed some sparklers too.

Then it was back to my parents to let the kids play. They hardly ever see each other, and didn't want to leave them in the first place. So they couldn't wait to get back.

And when it was time to go home, many tears were shed.

Once again, a fun, memorable New Years Eve spent with family, and we wouldn't want it any other way!

December Instagrams

Took the kids to the symphony tonight. 

Let's just say we found a new way to get Cutler to fall asleep at night :)!!!

FHE/Scripture study/advent day #3: read the Nativity story from the scriptures

I use this advent, given to me by Sherie, but found our own things we like to do 

each December and put inside each day. It's so small so they're just on card stock.

 I hope these boys learned their lesson today!

 Ha! Cutler's lunch request today :)

 Cutler saw the neighbor cleaning up the leaves by himself and asked if he could go help.

I don't care what anyone says. He's a good boy!

Finally...getting them to the mail today!

This never happens anymore.

[insert lexie sleeping]

Merry Christmas to all...and to all a good night!!!

I must have been a good girl!!!

Oh how I love you sweet girl! Happy Birthday!!

 We just had THE lowest key birthday ever!! Just grammas and papas. 

She couldn't stand this being in the box anymore, and now these two are in heaven.