Winter Break and Snow

Ticket to Ride and Bang are the top two games that illicit frustration, tears, anxiety, and copious amounts of stress in our home. We play them often because we like them, but we all acknowledge we might experience some strong emotions so we play at our own risk! This year Grace gave us the game Journey Through Europe. This has quickly joined the games that we have to remind all participants to "Proceed with Caution!" Emotions run high and many things are out of our control!  

We waited all winter break for snow. We found it at the top of the mountains, but still no snow in Lander. 

Emmet tells us about his latest games and thinks it's funny Aunt Jen gets sick watching him play!

Game night on New Year's Eve. Glad we joined the Idaho Gang for fun and laughter.

We participated in the Bean Auction this year. Everyone was given 30 beans to use to purchase random items. Candy, funny socks, lots of toys, and other miscellaneous items were acquired.

James got all the cool socks!

Jonas was thrilled to win the Spongebob Chocolates.

Gavin and his sister Lilly were the top bidders of the night! They had fun spending their beans while their dad, Josh planned ways to “lose the loot” over the next few weeks.

In the final days of winter break, the temperature dropped so the ice skating rink finally opened, and Lander got a little snow! The boys are so happy!

James raced well this weekend in Pinedale at the Nordic Ski meet. The other boys begin ski season on Tuesday. Bring on the cold and the snow, we've got skiing to do.

A few other tidbits: Jen made a day trip to Rock Springs to meet up with Aunt Karen for lunch. Edwin worked the weekend shift, and Anne has been busy working hard at her various jobs. Grace is in Florida for the next two weeks enjoying the warm weather, the sunshine, and the beach. 

Tis the Season for Family and Love

Grace came home for Thanksgiving, and we headed up the mountain to cut down a Christmas Tree. This was the first a many adventures in a few short weeks! 

Nathan Corley's first time cutting down a tree. 

Robert, Levi, and Brantley enjoyed a fun afternoon together. 

Robert and Sprite are still good buddies.

James went to the Winter Formal.

Anne also got dressed up for the Winter Formal.

Robert sang carols at the Light Up Lander parade. Unfortunately, the fire trucks and emergency vehicles were immediately behind his sleigh ride so it was hard to hear the little kids singing. 

Nathan helped decorate the Christmas tree.

James wasn't quite as excited about decorating the tree at this moment. 

Robert liked seeing all his photos as he hung them up. 

Anne joined us for the festivities too. 

This is the kind of chaos I love! 

Nathan often took time to talk with Robert about world events. 

Some mornings are breathtakingly beautiful. 

John also enjoyed his time learning about the World with Nathan.

Gingerbread house decorating is getting better each year. 

James worked hard on his design.

Robert is forever mischievous.

John deeply pondered how he would design his home. 

Anne joined the chaos with her friend Ava.

Nathan made it a competition and did exceptionally well for his first house.

Grace tried new designs and it all paid off in the end. 

Christmas Eve with the Cranes once again. Parker loved the sauerkraut! 

White elephant fashion show didn't disappoint! 

Cream on the face proved to be successful too.

Frosting the cookies is a delightful tradition! Anne and Chrissy worked alongside Robert. 

Christmas Eve festivities complete with ribbons and trimmings.

Star Wars Christmas Eve.

Santa filled the Stockings with interesting things this year. Lemon Juice for James. 

Cantelope and coconuts for John

Sour punch candies for Robert. 

These smiles melt my mama heart! 

Robert chillin' on the sofa is my favorite photo from the day! 

Records and a record player topped the list of great gifts for this girl. 

The finished gingerbread houses

Grace was the final winner of the Gingerbread house competition between these two!

Robert enjoyed learning about world geography and what is happening in other countries.

This year Hanukkah began on Christmas Day. Nathan shared his traditions with us. He lit the Menorah, included us in Shabbat, and we played dreidel. We also enjoyed devising our flight plans for the game Journey across Europe!  

Here's our ice fishing photo. No fish, but fun still the same.