The Holidays in Pictures

Well I am quite the lazy one and this "monthly" blog (yes, that is what it has come to - monthly) is gonna stay as lazy and I'm just gonna post photos from December to fill you in on our happenings.

First, we went on an awesome ski trip with my brother, sister in law, niece, nephew, mom and dad to Ski Apache in New Mexico.  Just a quick 2 hour drive for us to hit the slopes. 5 days in one large rented home, 6 kids, 6 adults, and Christmas celebrated, which led us to having lots of fun, a few sore muscles, thoughtful gifts given, some sledding and tubing, game nights, and lazy mornings with a hot cup of coffee together.

Me with Jason, brother Landon and sis-in-law Brittney.

About to hit the slopes!

My skiing buddies.

Jason with the older boys.

All the cousins with the animal hats they got to match their personality-
 perfect for spotting them in the snow!

Mom and I skiing together.

The whole gang!

On a side note, my son Parker is C-R-A-Z-Y good at snow skiing...we are talking he went down greens and even a black! He would pass me and Jason up on the slopes with NO FEAR of hurting himself.  At one point he came down a slope I wouldn't even attempt and said "Man, I almost killed myself up there but it was awesome!"  SO not like his personality to be fearless... I think he found some self confidence and we might be seeing him at the X-games one day!  (Banner and West aren't too far behind either)

Here's a video of my dad trying to keep up with Parker!

We came home the day before Christmas eve and got things ready for Santa's visit.  We made cookies and a gingerbread house, watch Christmas movies and read the Christmas story.  On Christmas morning the boys got their three presents each from us, Santa's big gift for the family, and stockings full of goodies.  I was even surprised with my gift - a Nook  - a gift Jason thought I would love and after using it to ready my latest book he was right - I'm in love!

Reading Jesus's birth story.

Making a gingerbread house with Daddy.

Making cookies with Mommy.

The boys thought a red bull was more appropriate for Santa than milk!

Our beautiful lights put up by a wonderful Daddy!

Banner got his first bb gun for Christmas.

Santa left a note telling the boys where to find the big family present...

A tether ball set for all to play with!

West got more superhero toys.

Parker and his new Harry Potter game.

Me and my nook!

West showing off more gifts.

Clark in all his cuteness.

We had such a good time on Christmas - our family is so blessed!

A few days later we were greeted by the whole Allman crew!  Jason's parents, brother, sister-in-law, and sister all came in to celebrate with us! We ate, played games, went to movies, shopped, had a couple date nights (!), sat and visited, and got to spend some much needed time together - all 11 of us! 

All the men of the family.

The boys sweet aunts.

Opening gifts.

Games with Aunt Kari.

A table for 11 please!

A family game of baseball.

Even the smallest get to hit.

Our new years was also a ton of fun with our friends!  We ate, drank, kids played and danced and we took it all in and celebrated the new year with our new friends WITH NO DEPLOYMENTS, NO MAJOR MOVES (okay, we might move to another house but that is cake compared to moving cities and states!), NO BABIES BEING BORN, and (hopefully) NO ILLNESSES!!!!  A calm, quiet year settling in here in El Paso!  If you remember this post - I was sure hoping for this! 

Kids enjoying the food.

Dancing the night away!

Our new years kiss.

Cheers!

Will be 10 years married in June!

Us with the hosts - Sara and Billy.

This year holds our 10 year wedding anniversary along with a vacation, West turning 6, Banner turning 7, Parker turning 9, and Clark turning 4.  I think I am gonna really gonna love 2012!