Run Josh, RUN!

This year Josh has taken an extra big liking to running. So I decided to be a supportive wife and let him run his heart out. Plus, I was getting a little bit burnt out on it-and he makes me look bad. Anyway...

He and some of the other Young Men leaders at our church decided to challenge the young men in the Pole Pedal Paddle held every May. The event is just like it sounds-Skiing (pole), Biking (pedal), Kayaking (paddle), and some running thrown in for good measure.

The adults won-by seconds. In fact, I was recently asked if the wives would want to compete against the husbands next year. Hmm...

Easter 2012

Easter 2012 was wonderful. We were able to do our annual egg hunt at Nana and Poppy's house, and cousin Eagan was even there to share in the fun. The kids had a great time-even if it was freezing (as usual). The food was pretty darn yummy too (I love food, and I love any excuse to get together and eat lots of it).

Arr Matey...

Em came downstairs wearing this the other morning, and saying Arr Matey. I loved it...

Disneyland

 

I've been waiting patiently for what seems like forever to finally take my kids to Disneyland. When I finally got the go ahead from Josh-I spent hours planning the trip, scouring the internet for tips, and checking out library books all about the magic kingdom. I felt very prepared when the time came. We were able to go down with Josh's parents and make it a family reunion of sorts as well (since a lot of Terry's family is down there). Talk about an amazing trip! We made so many memories, and had so much fun. There is nothing negative I can say (except it is a long drive in the backseat pinned next to a car seat)...I can't wait to go back!

Robotics

Hannah was recommended by her teacher for an extra-curricular group called Lego Robotics. Basically the kids get together and are assigned a challenge they have to build a Lego robot to overcome. It was amazing to see once I understood what it was they were doing. Her group did so well that they were one of three teams chosen to move onto the state competition in Portland. The BroncoBots (her team) were a little out of their league at the state level (talk about some genius kids), but they fought hard and did their best. Is it OK to say I was kind of glad they didn't go onto nationals? :) 

Christmas 2011

Have I mentioned that Christmas is my favorite holiday in the whole world? I love the fact that the whole family gets together, there's food galore, and of course the gift giving! I love black Friday shopping on the day after TThanksgiving and starting to contemplate the "just right" gift for everyone on my list. It can be stressful of course, but seeing those smiling faces and feeling the gratitude makes it all worthwhile. Christmas 2011 was another wonderful year-we hosted the festivities at our house and had a wonderful day. The morning began bright and early with a very excited 7 and 9 year old waking us all up. Then we opened gifts, ate our traditional breakfast casserole, and got ready for church. Afterward we prepped for the family to come over for dinner-and then welcomed the whole clan and about a million gift boxes. It was an amazing day, and so much fun. I am definitely ready for a long winters nap by the time Christmas is over.

Two two cute!

What do you do for your second birthday when it comes nine days before Christmas? Well-you spend the day doing all of your favorite things of course! Emily had a great second birthday, we played outside (yep-it was warm enough on Dec. 16 for no coat).

Then after Daddy got home we went to Bouncing Off the Walls for some jumping fun.

Finally, the Suday after her birthday we had a family party with the cousins, and Nana and Poppy. What a fun day!