ITALY!!

My little Brother has decided to go on a mission. I love that this decision was 100% his idea. A lot of kids are pushed and pretty much told they need to go on a mission but Kendall has decided for himself. My Mom is his biggest supporter but would support him if he choose not to go as well. I'm not sure I am going to be a fan of him gone. What are my kids going to do without Uncle Kenny for 2 years? His mission call came while they were up here in Salt Lake so luckily we had a friend coming back to Salt Lake from St. George so he dropped it off at our house so we could all open it together. He has been called to serve in Milan, Italy. Looks like a trip to Italy is in my future!!

 I love my Mom's face in this one, she cheated and looked before Kendall had even got to the call.

Italy here comes Elder Baker

BOWLING

Every year the day after Christmas we have the Baker Family Christmas Party where we go bowling and then out for Pizza. If you know the Baker's there is not a quiet one in that family so it makes for a good time!!

 Peyton, Caleb and Ty 

My kids still get confused why Ty (who's our neighbor) is at this party. 

 Little Bro and handsome Hubby

 Caleb managed to get a strike and was so excited

I love this picture.

Caleb LOVES and I mean LOVES babies and they love him as well.

CHRISTMAS!!

I was a horrible picture taker this year. 

We had a great and EARLY morning the kids decided to wake up at 6:15 so we were done before some people even woke up. It was a relaxing day with visitors from Grandpa Doug, Gramps and Grammy B, Aunt Loni and Uncle Troy. Then we headed up to Quinn's parents house where we had a great dinner followed by sleeping (not me), more eating, watching Basketball games and then we whipped out some cards.

 Caleb's haul

Peyton's haul

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and can remember the true meaning. With all the hustle and bustle December brings I truly think there is something magical about Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, the peace I feel is amazing. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

CHRISTMAS EVE

We had a great and humbling Christmas Eve this year. Every year we do a sub for Santa for a family in need. We go stock up on all kinds of things and run and drop it off on the porch and watch the delight on their faces when they see everything. My kids look forward to this more then anything and I love that they are willing to help. They both worked hard to earn $20 to donate. So we started early on Christmas Eve and hit the local Walmart. We were able to give this family of 8 a great Christmas. Then we came back to our house to wrap everything. 

 Grandpa and Peyton checking out

 The kids with all the wrapped gifts

Tate, Peyton, Caleb and Ellie

 My family that I am so thankful and grateful for them.

Then Quinn's Dad proceeds to tell us about the family that we are going to help.

When you think of poverty most of our minds think of 3rd world country's but the sad thing is, its all  around us...20 min from us to be exact. Quinn's parents have a neighbor who is the Principal of this Elementary School 85% of the kids who attend this School live in Poverty, 75% English is their second language, they were so many more statics that were heartbreaking.

 But this story has a happy ending!! 

We were trying to sneak up to drop everything off when the Dad caught us. He was beyond stunned, shocked and speechless. He was so cute and in his broken English kept saying "god bless you", 

" my kids be so happy", "I so happy" with tears in his eyes he went and shook all our hands and kept saying "thank you, thank you" These are the families that you love to help. Hard working, honest, good people that just can't get two feet on the ground. My kids couldn't stop talking about the experience all night and that's what makes me happy!!

 Then we went and got us some yummy dinner with Grammy and Gramps

 Then came home to open our Christmas jammie's

 Then got out the yummies 

This year we (OK maybe I) decided that Santa enjoys cookie dough just as much as cookies so we left the Jolly Man some delicious cookie dough. We can't forget the 8 reindeer who work so hard as well, so they got yummy carrots and of course we can't forget the ranch:)

Then we hit the sack so Santa could make it to our house.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE GEORGE'S

Every year we have a little Christmas party with the Georges and exchange presents. They of course spoiled us rotten and couldn't ask for better friends.

 Peyton and Kam

 Caleb and Chase Man

He loves Caleb sooo much and he loves to be naked as well

 I had a simple present for Chase and then Quinn calls one day and says "I got Chase a present" little did I know it was this but he was beyond excited.  

The Girlies