Happy New Year!

Every year comes and goes, but we were glad to see 2011 go and look toward the future of 2012. 

We spent the evening at home with the kids. We set off some left over 4th fireworks and after awhile the neighbor's, Hatches, Noska's, and Howard's came over to visit too.

2011 was full of promise and it delivered. We found a new home, battled and waited for the short sale to close, saw my brother get married, and had a new niece come into the world. This new year I feel very blessed. I know the trials we had faced were hard, but worth it. My children are happy and more confident in our situation. We can establish routines and make memories just for us. I'm grateful to my Father in Heaven for allowing us to find the right home and begin our new life.

Christmas Part III

 The Spoils of GRANDMAS!

This year Christmas Day fell on a Sunday. With doing our own Christmas in the morning, then attending  church service, we headed over to Grandma Riddle's for some cousin time. We missed Craig and Rachel's family this year as little Evelyn was only a few weeks old and it would have been CRAZY to try to travel with the busy schedule of the day. We were so grateful though that Allen and Traci were with us again and here to stay!! Ya!!! I loved growing up surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially around the holidays and am thankful that my children will now get to know those same feelings. 

Addison showing me her special necklace from her parents.

Hannah gets the game of LIFE!

Oh boy. Who gave this kid a gun???

Alexis likes her game from Uncle Brent. 

Grandma was so happy to her Grandkids around!

After presents we let the kids play, had a yummy meal, and spent time talking and playing games. I think there was a little football watching too...

It was a wonderful Christmas celebration!

Christmas Day in our new place!

Christmas morning this year was very special for us. After three Christmas mornings at my parents, having our own felt like a present all in of itself. 

Excited kiddos!

Grandma and Grandpa Riddle stopped by to see what Santa had left.

New hat from Mommy.

Ben gave Daddy deodorant. 

Santa did a good job this year!  

Christmas Eve 2011

Merry Christmas Eve in our new home!

Our little but perfect tree.

Excited to go to Grandma Reich's for some fun!

Playing a game, watching the 49er's, and eating snacks.
Perfect day!

My mom always has a TON of decorations.
It was really beautiful this year.

After church services ready to sing carols.

Pone, Pone, Pone again...Danish folk song we sing before opening presents.

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve at my parents place. We watched the football game, had a nice early dinner, went to church service with my parents, and then came back for desert, games, and presents. 

Nativity

We had the privilege of being in a Nativity production this year. You can see it by clicking on the word Nativity. I loved how it turned out!  Lynne Millar has done this in the past and I had always wished to be in one. So when we got the email we made time to be there!

Ben and Danielle were shephards.

Aubree was a Wise Man.

Hannah was an Angel.

The kids had a good time doing it. It was quite chaotic, but Lynne did a fabulous job!  

(Some quick photos that Danielle had taken while I was cleaning up.)