SNOW AND KIDS = FUN!!

We had a blast today up at the old ski run. This is quite the popular place once a little snow starts to accumulate here on the mountain. We hit it just right, not many people as school wasn't out yet. Linde and Luke are the first to arrive for the holiday so we took full advantage of spending some time outdoors. What fun the kids had and so did the rest of us. We even stopped and convince Steve to join us... and surprisingly he did. I really don't know who had more fun, the kids or Gramp and Gram just watching them. What a great afternoon!

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"Oh, Christmas Tree"

These pictures are for the grandkids getting ready to come to Grammie's house for Christmas. Over the years I've collected quite a few snowman ornaments and as the grandkids get older they love to gaze at all the decorations on the tree. The exception to all the snowmen is a little cornhusk mouse dressed in red. She turns 30 this year! She has been finding her way into the branches since 1977. My Mom sent her the year Nathan was born. She's come to symbolize precious memories of years past. Every year for just a few minutes she takes me away to another time and place. A time, place and people I loved then and now.

NAUGHTY OR NICE????

Dr. Hamblin just couldn't let the party end without trying to convince Santa that he'd been a good boy this year! I just had to blog this! Our dear friend of years and years, Dr. Hamblin on Santa's lap. Years ago the "Hamblin boys" worked for Steve at the Beam Plant in St. Johns. We laugh and joke and say that's why he's a Dr. today, cause he sure didn't want to spend the rest of his life working for Steve! Now the good Dr. "practices " on Steve. Lately Dr. Hamblin has been keeping a close eye on Steve and we appreciate that so much.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa

What a treat it was for us to be Mr. and Mrs. Santa for our Christmas party at church last Saturday! We welcomed everyone coming to the breakfast that morning and then all the kids gathered around to sit on Santa's lap and get a bag of treats. Steve has had more fun with this Santa suit over the years but this is my very 1st year as Mrs. Santa. Thought you kids would get a kick out of the "old" folks! Merry Christmas All!

Nathan and Jennifer's Family

Shelbi holding Dax, Nate, Harlee, Jen holding Trexton

Jen and the boys, Trex and Dax (9 months)

Dax

Nate with Trexton

Steve and I had such fun watching Nate and Jen's little ones. Shelbi is so responsible. She gets her homework done promptly then makes her lunch for the next day. She is such good help with the boys. Harlee keeps us laughing. She is so cute I just love watching her. Steve gets such a kick out of her. We forget that she is three and not six. She still is trying to figure out which brother is Dax and which one is Trex. As Steve says she has a 50/50 chance of being right! Dax and Trex are growing and going. They are just too cute to watch, such good babies and so happy. They have the best Mom. She is amazing, we don't know how she does it all, but she sure does a great job. Cutest little family. Can't tell Nate is proud, can ya? And as always, Nate loves to have his picture taken!

Sunset In the West

A couple of days ago I was looking out the kitchen window just at sunset. I grabbed the camera as fast as I could before this faded. I didn't catch it all and it was getting dark fast but I thought that this is a rather unique picture. Love the western sunsets, never know what kind of glorious treat we are in for! I always look forward to that time of day!

"MINI" TIME

This is our little Mini "Valentine". She's gentle and easy going and loves carrots. She's a little chubby as I have a tendency to overfeed and have to back off now and then.
Kyron, Kason, Kenzi and Kooper all had fun riding Valentine over the Thanksgiving holiday. Kooper wasn't too sure what was going on but after a few minutes he didn't seem to mind. And it's obvious who else didn't mind.

Oh, Oh! Kooper Attacks The Laundry Detergent!

Lesson learned... Always keep the laundry room door closed when the kids are visiting!! Kooper had a blast discovering the laundry detergent! We couldn't resist a few pictures of him attacking the detergent! and best of all, he didn't even get in trouble for this mess! How could anyone scold a face as cute as that!

YEARS LATER... STILL A "NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK" FAN

While Linde was home over Thanksgiving she rummaged through some favorite belongings she'd stored away years ago. And look what she came across! Her "NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK" t-shirt. The last time she wore it must have been in Jr. High and here she is with it on, still looking great!! Her kids got quite a kick out of it but the funnest thing was seeing the look on Luke's face!

And, YES, we have ELK in Arizona!

A few ELK shots for you to see today. I wish we could have seen this many when Wes and Hannah were visiting! The picture directly above this post was taken yesterday near Sunrise Ski Area. The other pictures above were taken around 8 this morning, across the road from Steve's business. I think there are mostly cow elk as the bulls are fast being taken by hunters this time of year. What a beautiful sight.