The cousins all made gingerbread houses for each other. It was a lot of fun, they were all very creative and it was nice to see them work so nicely together and they loved gifting them to each other as well.

Scarlet got very used to be held while we were in Colorado! She's so stinkin' cute :)

Scarlet's our little "Elf in training" :)

The boys were delighted to see the Santa gifts waiting for them when they woke up at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Their stocking were stuffed and left by the fireplace. Ryan was very excited to find a pomegranate at the bottom of his stocking. I told him those are only for the best kids!

Ryan has got to be the only 6 year old boy I know that would think to leave Santa a Christmas present, (other than the popular milk and cookies). He drew this picture for him and wrapped it himself weeks before Christmas. When we left it in Texas, he made me call John to bring it with him. Santa was very touched and left Ryan a bonus present in his stocking!

Ryan and Corey got to help Grandpa Tim Grandma Darcell trim their tree while I was on the couch recovering from surgery. We were all anxious for John to join us, but weather conditions had kept him in Denver until my Dad could pick him up the next morning.

Happy SURPRISE 30th Birthday, Shanae! We had a great time, she had no clue!

Santa came around Red Lick in the local Fire Engine to get the latest Christmas wishes from the kids. Since our house is off the beaten path, we had to load up and hunt him down. Luckily we found him in time for Ryan to ask him for a few things he had been wanting. Corey was too scared to even pose for a pic!

Scarlet was sure brave!

Well, we're getting quite the rain storm today.

The view from the front window is actually pretty nice, you can see the pond if you look close enough.

There were birds flying out in this and out of all the trees surrounding my house, they kept landing on the only one with no protection, silly birds!

We figured since they like it here, might as well get to know 'em :)


..thenI noticed this ginormous spider above ny head!!