homemade gifts... kid to kid

This year we started a new Christmas tradition...

the kids drew each others names and had to come up with something unique and homemade to give on Christmas morning.

Very fun.

Next year dad and mom will be in the bowl, too!!

 Braden made Mad a custom pencil box.

Complete with an "M" made from legos glued to each side.

Spectacular!

And for Kimbel - a special frame made for her by Madison.

Kimbel promptly inserted a picture of her and her bestie, the other Mady!

Kenna presented Braden with a duct-tape wallet.  She has some seriously creative juices flowing!  Pockets and all!

Last, but not least..

Kimbel made Kenna a totebag with some iron-on decals and customized the back, too... with Ken's initials.

I am so proud of how they all worked so hard and love the unique gifts.  
We had an absolutely amazing Christmas around here!

I'm sure there are more Christmas pics to come! :)

Happy New Year!!

what I love about Christmas...

Here is the sign Braden made for his door.

"Anyone can come in but Madison.  

Why?  you ask?

Because I am making the present for Madison because I drew her name out of the bowl."

I seriously love this kid.

Santa "Cruz" and more...

I know, I know... it's been a lot of puppy around here.

But... he seems to be the one providing the excitement for the time being!

Above - our own little santa cruz - poor dressed-up dog.

And Saturday night...

Cruz and Braden tangled on the hardwood floor and after a flurry of arms and legs and a tail, Cruz didn't fair so well!

One trip to the PetER, a sprained wrist, and a Christmas-ey bandage later and we were all good!  (even Braden)

Happy week before Christmas, everybody!!

Who? Me?

better late than never... Raelene's wedding!

 Gorgeous day in Sacramento!

It was a seriously fun party!!

Good times and Great friends.  It doesn't get better!

Congrats Raelene and James!!

the santa parade .. and a really big baby!

one of the benefits(?) of having a dad who runs a hospital..

2 santas + banks + duffins = party on a float!

LOTS of candy.. and ONE really big baby on the back!

Hey big guys!

not sure if he's sharing his Christmas list.. or honking Santa's nose. hmm?

the REAL big guy.  Merry Christmas!

red light. green light.

it's official.

madison could be driving on a road near you.

together we can...

...change the world and 

reach the stars!

We are so proud of Kimbel and Braden!!  

They both won awards on Friday evening at their school's REFLECTIONS contest. They each came up with their own theme and told me what to buy to help them make their posters!

They both won "Interpretation of Theme" and get to move on to the District level.  They were SUPER excited and SO proud of their trophies.  FUN!

It was pretty stiff competition and I had my comfort speech all prepared and didn't have to give it!  We just headed for ColdStone to celebrate!  YAY!

A little bit of this...

 Halloween at our house brought 

a "japanese princess", 

that 70's girl, 

wolverine and 

one who just dragged in from an all day volleyball tournament 

(they took 4th).

Hope your Halloween wasn't too spooky.. and maybe just a little goofy.. like ours.

Circle Round CA!

Our 2500 mile Tour Round California 

started on the Newport Coast:

Sunday with the McBrides!

Lots of food, laughing, catching up, more laughing and did I mention food?

Next stop?

Monday: The Magic Kingdom

Let's see.. autopia, space mountain (over & over), the teacups,

dumbo, astoblasters... good times for all!

and of course a little bit of birthday for Madison!

Oh!  And our lil' jedi preparing for the dark force.

Tuesday: pedis with the McBrides for the girls.

golf for the boys

 Wednesday: California Adventure and a little more Disneyland

The new World Of Magic show is AWESOME (and.. a little wet!)

Thursday: Downtown Disney and a LONG ride to Sacramento

The LEGO store was a BIG hit...

and lunch at Rainforest Cafe to celebrate our 15 year old

was the perfect ending to our SoCal adventure!

Friday: Raelene and James wedding day!!

It was a beautiful day in Sacramento.  

A day to always remember.

Saturday: Wedding Reception in Santa Cruz

It felt great to be "home" among our family and our friends.

It was a terrific party with lots of great people, amazing food and fun!

It was a busy, fun-filled week and 

we are already missing everybody!

Thanks for making it so wonderful!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BEAUTIFUL!!

Hope your 15th is as FABULOUS as you are!!

Love you tons, girl.

Sweet Grill!

Here's to Nine!

Kimbel Love Muffin's day started with BREAKFAST in bed!!

Chocolate chip waffles and bacon.  

mmm mmmm good.

(I threw in a kiwi just for good measure!)

After school (and airheads for the class)

we headed for the Stansbury High Homecoming Parade.

Go Stallions!

Home for a round of present-giving!!

It was quite the American Girl kind of year.

Then to the SHS Homecoming Game for some face painting!

(Definitely the highlight of the game!)

We finished up her birthday with ice cream at cold stone and

cupcakes on Saturday to celebrate our October babies birthdays!

Good times.. even if my sweet baby girl is growing up.

Happy Birthday, sweet Kimbel!

Can you say ALOHA?

Twelve 9 year olds + one bounce house = PARTY!

 Lots of bouncin' at this party.

 "Wowza - I ate PETE!"

 Fun times and Fun friends!!

 All smiles from the birthday girl!!

 It was such a gorgeous, sunny day

the bounce house eventually gave way to a game of soccer!

 Aloha wahines!!

 "Mom, I'm so glad those loud girls are gone!!"

Bounce house for 9 hours on a Saturday = One tired Mom!!

Happy Birthday Party, 

Kimbel Love Muffin!