Retreat in the Rockies

Our church had it's annual winter retreat in the mountains and it sure was a wonderful time filled with great fellowship and fun.  The kids enjoyed the outdoor activities and the "big kids" did too.  We had a fantastic sled run that we enjoyed using inner-tubes.  What an adventure and scared me to death the first time I went down it.  In fact I screamed like a baby the entire way down!  I managed to sling my tube back up the mountain for a few more thrilling escapades down the vertiginous run!  AHHHHHHHHH!  "Can you hear me now?"  

Kaylee and Joshua enjoyed their first time ice skating.  Kaylee really increased her skills by the end of the weekend.  She's decided she wants to become a figure skater!  I have included a video of her skills on the ice as well as a few of us sledding!  The weekend was a definite blessing and it was a time to learn much more about our church family. 

 

Kaylee had crazy hair day at her school a couple of weeks ago and she wanted curls.  Well she definitely got curls!  She was so excited.  It was just the look she was going for.  She kept bouncing up and down, just like the curls on her head.  

Winter 4th Grade Concert

My daughter started orchestra this year at her school and just loves it.  She decided to play the violin and has been playing since September.  Here is a clip of their winter concert.  It's amazing what these kids have learned in such a short period of time.  The concert was enjoyed by all!  What a wonderful blessing.

Birthday Bash

Ok, so I'm finally posting!  I celebrated a birthday at the beginning of December (let's just say I'm 29 and holding)!  My son says I look 29 anyway (I paid him to say that:))!  Anyway, we got together with family for a fun dinner out.  My nieces and Kaylee and Joshua enjoyed making their own pizza and even had fixings to make their own dessert.  My sister got me a lovely handbag (she just knows me!) and my wonderful husband got me a new IPOD Touch, which I just love!  I have been enjoying my new toy thoroughly!  We had such a wonderful evening and from the pics, you can see I have a big laugh, which my kids love to tease me about.  You see, I am actually a pretty shy and quiet person, but I do come with a boisterous laugh!  The other thing to note was that my Mom and Husband usually get me pretty mushy, sweet cards for my birthday and they both got me funny cards this year.  As you can see from the photos, I was "cracking" up!

Only in Colorado!

It just amazes me every time I look out our window and see the deer wandering around the yard.  I never seem to get tired of seeing them grazing around our neighborhood.  I guess the little child in me comes to the surface and I get all excited, even calling everyone who's home to come see the deer!  

Denver Mini Vacation

A couple of weeks ago, my husband had a conference in Denver.  We decided to make it a mini vacation and enjoy downtown Denver.  Troy had ventured up a day early to begin the conference.  We didn't want two cars downtown, so the kids and I parked on the south end of Denver and took the light rail into downtown.  The kids just loved it and were amazed that the "train" went right to our hotel!  We got to the hotel and slipped on  our swimming suits right away and dove right in until Daddy got out of his meeting.  We spend the rest of the weekend enjoying dinners out and walking around downtown.  16th street in downtown Denver is just great.  They even have a free bus shuttle up and down to save on walking.  One night we went to the Cheese Factory and enjoyed a wonderful dinner outside.  As you can see, the kids enjoyed their meals.  It wouldn't have been complete without a piece of cheesecake.  We all had their white chocolate raspberry cheesecake!  Yum, Yum!  What a wonderful little get away with the family!

Costume Mania!

My kids had their harvest party last week and they were very excited about dressing up.  Joshua decided to be Indiana Jones and Kaylee was Sharpay from High School Musical.  My Mom had gotten her the blonde wig at Claires, so it was perfect for her costume!  They both had wonderful classroom parties with all kinds of goodies and treats.  I had made Jello Jigglers which were a hit!  Both of their classes had an apple bob with apples hanging from a wooden stick.  It was quite the site to see.  What a wonderful time had by all. 

Jello Jiggler Recipe

2 family-size (8 serving size) pkgs. or 4 sm. pkgs. Jello Brand Gelatin

2 1/2 cups boiling water

Completely dissolve gelatin in boiling water.  Pour into 13 x 9 inch pan.  Chill until firm, about 3 hours.  To unmold: dip pan in warm water about 15 seconds.  Use various cookie cutter shapes to create unique Jigglers (can be any holiday or season).  Lift from pan.