Ringing in the New Year

New Year's Eve was filled with lots of energy,

fun, games, and excitement.

Abi, Jordan, and Anna found the silly string

early in the evening.

They attacked everyone in sight.....Emily and Haley trying to get in on the action....Nolan challenged Mr. Wilkes to a game of bags.

Nolan remained undefeated all evening.
Jennings showing off some of tricks on his RipStick.....The girls playing and having a
good time on the trampoline..... The girls decided to play a "Minute to Win It" game.
They put vaseline on their nose and attached a cotton ball to it.
They had to put it in a bowl without using their hands. Abi and Emily trying to get their "noses" off....Abi and Anna playing a round of bags....Haley, Emily, Jordan, Jennings, and Nolan watching the game.....Anna was playing her Spongebob Campfire Songs
as Emily, her dad, Haley, Nolan, and Jennings listen......Daddy and Emily enjoying the fire.....Anna, in her hiding spot, for the Manhunt game...
I think she will be the first to be found!Jordan and Ashleigh playing basketball...
waiting for midnight.....Haley shooting some hoops.....Kori watching the others play and
eating a bowl of strawberries......Abi, Anna, Jordan, and Rachel checking
something out on Anna's Ipod.....About 5 minutes before the ball drops,
all of the kids have settled inside.
What a world of electronics!Great friends....
Rachel, Jordan, Anna, and Abi....The whole gang ready to toast a New Year...
Jennings, Danielle, Kori, Ashleigh, Bailey, Jordan,
Haley, Anna, Emily, Rachel, Abi, and Nolan....Once the ball dropped, we all headed
outside for fireworks and sparklers.....
Haley and Bailey waiting and watching.....Haley and Emily....BFF's....Kori concentrating on getting a second one lit.....Abi and Anna always having a great time together.....The pyromaniacs....
Jennings, Nolan, and TimEmily starting to "zone out" while
watching the fireworks.....Tim and Cindy celebrating another great year together.....It is always a great time when we gather with friends.
2010 has been a wonderful year filled with family and friends.
I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for us!

The Weather Outside is Frightful...

The day after Christmas was a cold, wintry afternoon.....

Perfect cookie making weather!

The girls put on their aprons

from Aunt Kim and Uncle Larry,

got out all of their cookie making supplies,

and made delicious sugar cookies.

Emily hard at work, kneeding the dough....... Abi making Uncle Andy's recipe for icing.....Now the fun part....

Rolling and cutting out!There were stars, christmas trees,

stockings, and candy cane cut outs....The decorating process......The finished product........

What a nice blast of color on such a dreary day!

Christmas at Home 2010

Christmas began on Christmas Eve with a

candlelight church service and carols.

We then went to see lights in the area and

on to the Julius' house for an evening of fun!Every year, I read "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

and "The Polar Express" to Abi and Emily.

They both got all cozy and comfortable

as they listened to me read.

Georgette even joined in for the fun this year......

Santa has been very busy.....Christmas morning started around 7:30am.

Emily was the first one up (as usual) -

she was given permission to wake up Abi.

The girls started by opening their stocking gifts

and presents from Santa. Emily's struggling to get the wrapping paper off...

Apparently Santa wrapped really well. Skates from Santa.... A digital camera for Abi.....Emily and her new bike.....Mirrors for their rooms.....Aqua sand....

That's some cool stuff!Abi has an addition for her Pandora bracelet.....

Thanks Grammy and Pa Loose!Aunt Kim and Uncle Larry did a "baking theme."

Santa aprons, cookie dough, cookie cutters, and sprinkles.....

Cute idea!Emily and her hummingbird windchime.....New jeans for Emily....

Love the bling!Abi with her gymnast shirts....... Emily will be smelling "sweet" in her new shirt....Setting up and playing with the Aqua Sand

from Grammy and Pa Loose

and from Ted and Mary......Georgette is worn out from the morning actitivies....Squirrel loves her cheese wedge left by Santa..... What a fun Christmas seeing the excitement

and joy through the eyes of our children.