Champs Bowl

Chris and I hadn't attended an FSU game since we left Tallahassee in 2002. So, this is a long time coming. We scrambled and finally got some tickets that turned out to be great. We had a wonderful time! Of course, my favorite part of the game was the band.

The fourth quarter was when the game actually happened and it was a nail biter, but somehow, FSU pulled out a win.

Scalp 'em!

Lets eat!

Reed absolutely LOVES Hooters and since they have very good wings, we went and enjoyed a nice time together with good food, great company and a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico!

New Pilot

Merry Christmas to Chris!

After 8 years, and over 137,000 miles, it was time for a new Pilot!

Crazy family

We are a crazy crew, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

I don't know how many years it has been since the three kids and both Mom and Dad were together for Christmas. But it has been a LONG time!

I'm so glad that somehow, this year, we pulled it off. I consider it a blessing.

Merry Christmas!

At exactly 7 a.m., Greyson and Lauklan ran into the room where Chris, the girls and I were sleeping to tell us it was time to start opening.

After we tore into all the new presents, we ate and then headed to Sacrament meeting. Following sacrament meeting, we loaded up the car and drove to New Port Richey to be with my family. Mark arrived with his kids about 30 minutes before we did and Reed arrives tomorrow. We are so happy to be able to spend so much time with our families.

Christmas Eve

This day was filled with shopping and playing with cousins. Grandpa even let the kids who wanted to ride Sandman. Our girls thought it was great!

Following all that fun, and after bedtime, Santa came and delivered a BUNCH of gifts because there were a BUNCH of kids...

We're looking forward to the morning.

Firm Christmas Party 2011

We had a very nice Firm Christmas Party today. We have a great team at the office and always look forward to our office party where we get to laugh and joke.

Following the party, we loaded up and headed to Tallahassee to start our Christmas Family Fun.

Christmas Piano Recital

Kerstyn and Lauklan had an informal piano recital today. It was very sweet and we were glad to be there to cheer them on.

Decorate!

I saw this centerpiece at Mom's Friday evening and I told her that when she didn't want it any more, that I wanted it. She sent me home with it on Saturday and I had to take a picture of it because I think it is so pretty!

I'm not very good at decorating, so I really LOVE when things come together for me in that area.

Thanks Mom!

Kid Surprise

I got a surprise this afternoon around 3 when Mom and Dad drove down the driveway. I had no idea that they were coming, in fact, we had texted back and forth a few times and they told me they were shopping in Dade City. They did shop in Dade City, but they came to visit the kids too which made 5 children VERY happy!
They brought the kids some treats too and Aislinn is modeling her new apron and hat below. Since she had an apron, she needed to help me cook dinner which was just a sweet experience for both of us. She did, however, want me to put my apron on so I woulnd't mess up my church clothes.

We absolutely love visits from the grandparents!

Good times

We got up this morning and needed to head home to the kids, but not until we had a nice breakfast with Mom and Dad.

The kids were super excited for us to arrive, because they wanted to ride in the new car.

We went down to Disney Quest for a while and then all of us went to Cirque De Soliel. We all loved it and I especially LOVED watching the kids expressions and comments about the show.

Logan's Graduation

Logan graduated from USF today with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management.

Way to go Logan! We are so proud of you and glad that we could spend this special day with you.

My new ride!

I'm done with the van look and below is my new look...

2012 Nissan Armada

I'm having fun!

O' Christmas Tree!

I absolutely LOVE Christmas!

I love the cooler weather. (Well, hopefully it is cooler.)

I love the decorations.

I love happy people.

I love the excitement and wonder in the kids' eyes.

I love to focus on our Savior's birth and think about his life.

Mount Dora Christmas Parade

It was a busy morning of cycle for me and cleaning the office building for Chris and the kids. But after all that fun, we gathered to watch Kerstyn march in the Mount Dora Christmas Parade. I have to say, I was a proud Mama and it brought back great memories of all my marching band days.

She plays french horn, so she marched the mellophone.

Jen, Sam and Carson joined us too.

Brennan, Greyson, Aislinn and I got there pretty early to secure good spots, so the fun began even earlier for us. ;)

Church then drive

We attended Mark's ward this morning and then headed on our way to Florida. We didn't leave Mark's apartment complex until 11 and then traffic was horrible. We only went 65 miles in 2 hours and after those 2 hours, I called Chris and changed my plans. I had initially told everyone that we would not be stopping to eat at a sit down restaurant, because of us leaving so late. But after all that stop and go, I called Chris and said, "I'm done! Let's stop at Cracker Barrel and eat".

We arrived back safely at 1:30 a.m. and are super glad that we did our trip. Now, let's rest.

DC Temple

I almost don't want to say anything after that picture. It represents more than words can convey.

Chris and Nancy were inside doing a session and the kids and I walked around the outside of the temple and enjoyed the visitors center. I can't wait to go back and go inside myself.

That evening, Joey and Wynn came up to visit too while we relaxed, ate pizza and watched football.

Here are some cute shots we got from the night.

DC Day

We rode the Metro(DC subway system) into DC today and had a wonderful day walking (A LOT) and seeing the sights. The weather was perfect too!

After getting to the city, the first stop was lunch at Union Station where we ate at Johnny Rocket's and LOVED it!

Why are we upside down? I'm so glad that we got to experience DC with the kids. They all thought it was great. So great, in fact, that they didn't even complain about all the walking. Many, "oh wow" and "that's cool" were heard throught our trip.

Kerstyn is 13!

Kerstyn's birthday fell on Thanksgiving this year. We celebrated and ate and ate and ate.

13! Wow! How did that happen?

My baby is growing up! She is about 3 inches taller than me already and wears a size 10 shoe. Help!

Thanksgiving DC style

We made it up to DC last evening and enjoyed the day today spending time together, eating good food and looking at some DC sights...

Faith, Family and Friends - I'm so thankful!