Christmas Eve

This year we went out for a drive for Christmas Eve. We went over behind Frenchman Mountain so the boys could look for fossils. We also took the dogs, so they could run around and explore too. Unfortunately, we didn't do a lot of hiking. The ground was still pretty muddy from all the recent rain, so instead we just drove around in the hills and then drove down alongside Lake Mead. Once we got to Boulder City, we drove on out to Hoover Dam to see the new overpass. From above, it is less than impressive. It it just a regular old overpass into Arizona. You can park below and walk up to walk across it, but we didn't. So We couldn't even see over the guardrails to the canyon below. But that's ok with me. I am not a fan of over passes or bridges or anything like that. But it was still a little disappointing to not be able to see anything at all. And it was a much shorter bridge than I had thought it was. But anyway, after we saw all that, we went to downtown Boulder City to take the boys to a rock shop. I sat in the car with B, but Cahl took the boys and they really liked it. They each got some cool rooks, and they were all really happy.

Awards

Today was the first trimester award ceremony at the boys' school. I missed Jasen's because of the Magical Forest, but I was able to make it to Tristan's. He earned the perfect attendance award, and also the Citizenship award. He was the only kid in his class to get the citizenship award, and he was so happy. He's such a good kid, and it's nice when others recognize him for it. I'm so proud of him! Jasen also earned the perfect attendance award, and is once again on the A Honor Roll! I am also so very proud of him!

Tristan getting his awards

Tristan's class

Magical Forest

This morning I took Hunter and Brinley down to the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village. I took Hunter last year and it was so much fun, so I was really excited to go again. A bunch of our friends also went, so Hunter was happy to have friends to hang out with. We all rode the train through the forest, rode the carousel, and even got to meet Santa!! After Brinley fell asleep, Hunter went down the big slide with his friend Jacob, and then we walked through the forest one last time before heading home. I really enjoy going down there every year, and so do the kids!

Hunter and Jacob got the front seat on the train!

Brinley's ready to go

She's always so serious

SANTA!!!

Brinley's first ever carousel ride

Hunter got the zebra. He was so excited!

Hunter and Jacob waiting to go down the slide

climbing up...

getting ready...

down they come!

cool carriage

waving at the train

Frosty

cutest elf ever!

Party! pt. 2

Tonight after everyone got home from school, work, and scouts we had Hunter's birthday party. He asked for macaroni and cheese and corn dogs for his special dinner, so we had that and then cake. Then came the presents! He was so excited, he got a new scooter, a nerf gun, a laptop, legos, clothes, a coloring book, another light saber, and a remote control Big Foot.

Legos!

a new scooter

sweet new laptop

all the kids checking out Big Foot

Happy Birthday!

Hunter turns 4 today! I love, love, love having Hunter in our lives. He is such an amazing little being, and he brings so much joy and laughter to our family every day.

My top 4 things I love about Hunter:

1. His birth was very special. The midwife missed it by about 15 minutes, so it was just Cahl and I! Even though we were alone, Hunter's was the most calm birth for me. I am thankful for Cahl, and that he and I were able to experience something so amazing together.

2. Hunter's personality. Hunter is definitely very strong willed, stubborn, and even defiant at times, but he has a very tender heart. He reminds me so much of Grandpa Delbert, who he was named after.

3. Hunter's smile. He has big dimples, and chipped front teeth. I even opted not to have his chips filled this last summer, because they are just so much a part of him. So much personality and uniqueness in his face. I love it!

4. His stories. He is always telling us stories, and it's so fun to listen to him talk and hear his version of things. He's friggin awesome!

with Grandpa Delbert

with Grandma Betty