Our awesome Christmas

We had such a great Christmas this year. First of all, daddy was home, which is the best present of all. We had a family tradition growing up of going out to eat (or having Brent the chef cook if he was home that year) and going to a movie on Christmas eve. Christmas eve is also my mom's birthday, and we always looked forward to it because we knew we could all be together and have a blast. So, even though Jason and I stayed in Montana for Christmas this year, we kept up the tradition. We went to Macaroni grill and ate (such good food, yum!) and then took the kids to Disney's Christmas Carol at the theater. It was 3D, which was a surprise, but really good, I thought. It scared the kids a little, but they got over it. :) Then we drove around looking at Christmas lights. That evening, we made sugar cookies and decorated them. We also got online and tracked Santa, which the boys really got a kick out of.

Christmas day was really fun, too. We got up pretty early and the kids really got excited about their presents. That always makes Christmas so fun. Then we cleaned up and got ready for Christmas lunch/dinner with our friends, the LaDukes. They came over and had a yummy roast dinner and we each made stuff for the meal. Then our kids played for several hours while we chatted and played our new Wii. The next day, Alicia told me she was sore, and so was I! I guess we were pretty enthusiastic about the game. :) We spent the evening just chillin' at home while the kids played with their new toys. It was wonderful.

Then, yesterday, we took the kids out sledding by Monarch (about 45 minutes away) out in the woods. We found a really good spot and James and Jayden had a lot of fun. We only have one sled, so we decided that next year we need to buy a big tube so more of us can fit. Then we ate at the Cub's Den in Monarch, which is a little bar/restaurant that had really great burgers.

We missed our family, but our little Christmas here in Montana was very special. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and know that we love you very much.

Christmastime is here!

We are having a great Christmas season so far. Both the boys had their Christmas school programs this week. Since I could not operate the video camera and the still camera at the same time, I have no pictures of it. But they both did a great job and were so excited to do it. James's was on Wednesday, the day I watch my friend's kids, and so I had all 6 kids there watching the program. It was pretty challenging trying to get all 6 kids herded through the crowded school halls, but I got through it and the kids had a lot of fun.

I am so excited to have the kids out of school for a couple weeks. It will be nice to have a more relaxed schedule for a while. I just hope I can keep them sufficiently entertained so they don't drive me and each other crazy!

We are looking forward to a wonderful Christmas at home. Last year, Jason had a Christmas alert and so I went to my parent's house without him so I could see my big brother. It was a big sacrifice for Jason to let me go. This year, he is really excited to have a nice Christmas with just our little family and no worries that he might get called to work. Life is good for us.

We will miss all of our family this Christmas and we hope it is a happy one for each one of you.

Cute little girl hairdo

I looked up some little girl hairstyles online and I am so proud of myself! Charlee's hair for church today was so super cute, if I do say so myself. Here are some pics for your viewing enjoyment.

Havin' fun

We went to the OG Children's Christmas party yesterday. It was really fun. The kids got to sit in a helicopter, joust, make crafts and talk to Santa. I love it when there are free, fun kids activities going on. Speaking of free and fun, the base just opened up a family play area in the base gym. It has two jumpy castle things, badmitton, soccer, and other games to play. Why wasn't this here for the last 4 years?! We've been reduced to going to McDonalds during the winter to entertain our kids. Anyway, we are excited to be able to use it for the last few months we live here.

Pictures of the Birth Center gang

We had a baby shower for the birth center receptionist today and got a picture of (most of) the gang. Just thought I'd share so you know who I'm talking about when I mention them.

Far left is Melanie, the other midwifery student; me of course; Brianna, the receptionist; sitting down is Elaine, the midwife; and Tiffany, a fellow birth assistant.