January

A lot happened in January. I guess one of the biggest things, though are that John went to Ireland for visit his Mom. Yes, He went without us. He's been begging me to let him take a trip on his own to see his mom for months now, and after we saw her in October, I broke down and let him go. This is him and his Mom and Sister. He was so excited, and had a great time while he was there. The funny part was that he kept telling us that he wished we were there with him. I guess next time we'll just have to go all together! I don't want to miss out on another trip to Ireland!

While he was gone, I decided to paint the boys' bedroom. I though it would be a great surprise for him when he got home, and that he would be happy to have one big project crossed off the list. It was a lot of work, but I was excited to be surprising John. there was only one day that I really thought "What the heck have I gotten myself into". I think it turned out great! I'm just going to have John make a couple of Road signs for the walls.
At the end of January, we took the Kids swimming. This pool is so much fun with all the fountains and slides and such. We've been there before, but I always forget to bring my camera. Here are some of the cut pictures. I also found this picture of Devin at Christmas on my Sister-in-law's blog. It is hilarious! Thanks Callie for sharing. (as if you had a choice) ;)

Christmas

Here it is half way through January and I'm finally getting around to writing about Christmas. It was a great one! We went to my Mom and Dad's house along with all three of my brothers and their wives! With the missionaries that are now living in my parents' basement, we had a full house! Christmas morning was exciting, and chaotic! Imagine 12 adults and 4 kids all ripping into their gifts at once! This is the kids before they saw what Santa brought. This is after.

This is what Christmas for 16 people looks like!

The kids were so excited! Some of their reactions were priceless! Here are some of my favorite that I actually caught on camera.

John got a little jewelry box, and when he opened it up it had a picture of a treadmill in our basement! He's wanted his own treadmill for ages now! It was good for him to finally get one.

We got Ryan and Jocelyn's names for Christmas this year and it was awesome to see they loved what we got them!Thanks Mom and Dad for a great Christmas!

After Christmas weekend, John went back to work, but the kids and I stayed for the week. On one of those days, Grandma taught Erin to sew! She made a baby blanket. It's pretty cute! She was so excited! That's been a big thing lately: "Mom will you teach me to knit?" "Mom will you teach me to sew?" "Mom will you teach me to crochet?" She wants to do it all! Thanks Grandma.

Well, we had a great New Years too. John came back to Mom and Dads and the Moons came too! On new Years Day, we all decided to go sledding. What an adventure!

Devin took to it like a fish to water.

I love this little thumbs up he gives everyone on the hill.

Colin liked it, but not the snow spray he would get in his face at the end. Erin was so excited to go, but after a few short runs decided that she was tired. She stayed up until 12:00 for her first time the night before, and it wiped her out. She was brave enough to take on the really steep hill though!!!

When she hit the bush at the end, she was done sledding for the day. She had a great time hanging out with her cousin Jana though.

Mom was not interested in sledding at all. She wasn't feeling that great, and she just wanted to watch everyone else, but we talked her into going just once. Well, I hope she doesn't kill me, but I couldn't help but post it! It was good to see her dive in and have fun with us.

What a fun day of sledding! We had a blast!

Fun Day Out

This year for Christmas, John's Sister decided to send us on a special family day out! It was so much fun!!!!! First we went out for lunch and shopping, and then we decided to go to the Family fun center. Erin's been to a Birthday Party there before, and we though it would be fun for everyone. They have this place called the Jungle. It's a giant multi-level maze with swings, a big slide, a ball pit and other fun things. We all went in for a great time.

We also went in the Bounce houses.

To say the least the kids had a great time! Actually we all did! John and I got in there too! Thanks Aileen and Rufino for a great Christmas present!

Thanksgiving!!!

Ok, I know it's way past time to blog when my camera's memory card gets full. I've got a little bit of catching up to do!

First of all, We had a great Thanksgiving at my Mom and Dad's house in Delta. While we were there we went to see Santa. Erin asked for a video camera. Devin asked for Wolverine Fingers (It's a wolverine glove with retractable claws)

Colin wanted nothing to do with that strange Man with a big white beard!!!
Ryan and Jocelyn were there too with baby Brad. Richard and Callie came later, and we saw Roger and Tasha part of the time too. We went to see New Moon, decorated a gingerbread house, played guitar hero, and watched the BYU vs. Utah game. My Grandma Sorensen joined us for the BYU game. With half the gang rooting for BYU, and half rooting for Utah, it was an exciting game.

When we got back Erin and John got their blue belts. They are really cruising toward black.