Christmas 2011

Decorating the tree

kids have their own box of ornaments that they hang on the tree

we try to get them one each year and Thomas grandparents give them one each year

Kennedy's new ornament will be Lambs

I still hang some of my favorite ones from when I was a kid

like my little red velvet reindeer

London had an issue with "cluster hanging" - mainly at the bottom of the tree

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Christmas Eve

as you will see there is no pictures of
the nicely set dinning table
the lovely fondue dinner
or great conversation afterwards

just a few snaps shots of us opening gifts
I was sick Christmas Eve Day
in bed - barf sick - not fun
the only thing I really accomplished was getting a lot of sleep
something I haven't had in the last year

Russ came up at 5:30 and said he and London were going to our Christmas Eve service
and asked if I was going to come
What the HECK was he thinking?
SERIOUSLY
I've been throwing up all day
He was actually serious - only a man would suggest that

At 10:00 PM I dragged myself out of bed to join my family
It was time to open gifts
here are a few pictures I took

Truman - made it one more year

don't know if he will be around next year

my father - angry bird fan

a new cowgirl hat from the uncles

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Christmas Day

Life was so much better

LOVE Christmas morning with young children

all the joy and excitement they have

she was very thankful for all her gifts

she kept thanking us for each one after she unwrapped it

stating "just what I wanted"

little Missy enjoying her first Christmas

one of my favorite gifts - sparkle and shine

We then headed off to Russ' dad and Kathy's house for brunch

yum . . . .

Since Brian was home from CA and Leslie from TX

we took a family picture

it was fun - there were 3 new babies since July

Keyton and Kassade graced us with their presences later that afternoon

now for the traditional crab leg Christmas dinner

I also made a brisket this year and all the trimmings

(glad I didn't miss this meal)

My family

just us

just the girls

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Christmas/New Years with Grandma Brown

Salt Mine

One thing we did while my family was in Kansas

was go to the Underground Salt Museum in Hutchinson

wearing hard hats and carrying oxygen devices felt a little weird

I think we were a mile a so below ground

everything you see around us is salt or a layer of shale

giant blocks that you could touch

but don't lick it

a lot of items you see down in the mine were brought down a small elevator shaft

only a little bigger than an outhouse

 the equipment was disassembled and then welded it back together once they got it down

they definately adapted things to make it work for the minning projects

in addition to mining salt

they keep a lot of records, movies, items from Hollywood, and US treasures

here are a couple things on display from Hollywood

if you are looking for something to do on a cold or raining day

I would highly recommended it

most of it is self guided, so you can take as long as you want

don't forget to go on the "dark ride"

Found Them

It is always so funny when babies find their feet

It is like they have found something marvelous to play with

Kennedy is very intrigued with hers

5

Look at who is 5 months old today

you have changed so much

what sweet little girl you are becoming

things you are doing

definitely have found your voice 

you make known that you are in the room

you want to be part of what is going on 

love sucking on those hands

slobber monster

discovered your feet

rolls from front to back

and almost from back to front

continues to be ray of sunshine in your lives

Happy 5 Month Birthday sweet little one

It's Buddy!

our elf Buddy is back

he appeared last week

he is Santa's helper

flying back to the North Pole each night to give him a report

has London, Kennedy, Keyton and Kassade been good today?

and he returns back before we awake

we never know where he might show up

maybe the kitchen, the bathroom, on a plant or a shelf

we have only one rule - please do not touch him

or his magic might go and Santa won't hear all the good you've done

so if you come to visit

take a look around to see where he might be hiding

you can talk to him about your wishes

Please remember "do not touch him"

Christmas Program 2011

She is growing up way too fast

We went shopping for a Christmas dress - I think she tried on 9 or 10

this is the one we finally settled on

Little Drummer Boy

Away in the Manger

They did such a great job!

London loves performing

I heard about 4 songs nonstop - in the car, bathroom, in bed

I even learned . . . .

"Santa Clause is round and plump

he spreads joy, he's no grump

and when laughs he - Ho Ho HO

and says Merry Christmas wherever he goes"