New Years Eve

This year for New Years per tradition me and Brad went to dinner with my siblings and parents and some of my nieces and nephews: 17 and older! We go to Panda Garden and have yummy chinese! Then we went to my sister Suzie's house and play games til midnight! MaKayla and all her teenage cousins go to first night downtown in St. George. This year Izzy went up to Zion with GMA AND GPA Hawker and stayed in a COOL Hotel and played with all her Hawker Cousins. Andy and Emily hung out with me and Brad. We all had a lot of fun, it is interesting the changes in our family and what everyone does each year!
I got a Flip camera and made a little movie of us ringing in the New Year:

Christmas 09'

For Christmas each year we have certain traditions: Me and Brad ring the bell at WalMart for the Salvation Army. We cut down our Christmas Tree and make a ginger bread house to begin with, on Christmas Eve we go to my mom's house and have a beautiful Turkey dinner with all the family here including my dad! She gives each of the grandkids a present and they open it. We visit with everyone and sing carols. Then we go to Brad's parents house and vistit and she always gives the kids pajamas to wear that night. Then we go drive around with our kids alone, we can't go home until our kids cout 100 Santa's! This year MaKayla added 50 Snowmen to the list, cause the santas are getting too easy! When we get home the kids are tired and ready for bed. We read a Christmas book together & go to bed.

On Christmas morning, the kids take a picture in front of the tree. Brad hands out presents and we eat cinnamon rolls (homemade this year by MaKayla) and hot chocolate for breakfast! This year for a service project (thanks to my sister) we were able to participate in taking dinner to the Dove center here. It wasn't much and didn't take a lot of time, but it was nice to do something for someone else on Christmas Day! Our Gingerbread house

The kids (minus Andy) in front of the tree

Andy in his new coat and hat!

Izzy's new sewing machine!

MaKayla's new Camera

Brad's Parents and Andy

The Mess afterwards

My favorit gifts we gave this year were: A handmade quilt for Brad's sister, Savannah Smiles to my girls ( my fav movie of all time), Christmas Plaque to Brad's Mom, Stereo to MaKayla, Medal Detector to Izzy! This year was awesome we feel ery blessed! The highlights we recieved were: Brad: The Iron Gym

Steph: Awesome Umbrella to watch sports under thanks Scott & Luann!

MaKaya: New Camera, Pink Converse, Drivers Ed Handbook!

Isabelle: Sewing machine, Bell Dress

Emily: Laptop Toy, Art Easel (her and Izzy)

Andy: Jungle Gym Toy, Helicopter Toy (of course)

Holly: New Toys!

Andrew 3 Months Old

Andy and Grandpa Kroff

Andy is growing up faster than I can keep up with. He turned 3 months old on Christmas Eve. He is learning to use his hands more and more. He can reach and grab things in front of him. He is so happy, he smiles all the time! He sleeps through the night from about 9:30pm to 7am (usually). He loves his big sisters, he gets so excited when any of them talk to him or pick him up. He tries to sit up a lot more, he is getting stronger everyday. He goos a lot when you talk to him. He also tries to roll over, if on a little slant he can go from belly to back. He has almost figured out how to get on his belly from his back. He goes about 3 hours inbetween feedings which is great! He is also a little chubby, not much but enough to know he is growing. He is still wearing 0-3 month clothes, but has grown out of all the Newborn clothes. He is so cute and we all love him! Oh, and he loves to sleep with his binki in his mouth
and his blanket covering his face, he gets that from his daddy!