Ben's 29th Birthday

Usually for Ben's birthday we have a big dinner and party at his parents' house but this year we decided to do it at the Stones house. Danny and Amy were in town with their girls so they came and it was wonderful to see them and get to catch up.  Everyone brought something for the meal and we had a wonderful time talking, laughing and playing together. We had chicken cordon bleu, breaded shrimp, garlic mashed potatoes, carrots and green beans, rolls and cranberry juice/ginger ale for dinner. We then had an cookies and creme trifle for dessert (they also had ice cream and jello for the kids); it was delicious and so sweet. In the end I think Ben had a wonderful time and really enjoyed spending time with family. 

Charlotte Gibson- Super cute little girl!

The kids were all eagerly waiting present time.

Ben got a Wii for his birthday.

Last present, so they all got a corner...

Kate, Danny and Ben

The kids made Ben a sign. We could not get them to stand nice so funny it is!

 Happy Birthday Ben! We love you!!

Party Like it's 1999- New Years Eve

We were invited to the Thevenin's house for a "Party Like it's 1999" New Years Eve Celebration. Everyone was supposed to wear the kind of things they did in 1999; we saw a lot of letter-man jackets, flannel and hair gel. Because I was so young I didn't really have a '1999 style' I brought pictures of both Ben and I in 1999 and we pinned them to our shirts.  We listened to 1990's music all night and got to reminisce about the good ole' days. We played some hilarious games and did the ever famous count down to the new year.  At midnight everyone started singing Happy Birthday to Ben- it was really sweet that they all remembered.

It was a good year, 2011, but we are not looking forward to new experiences and excitement in the coming year. Yay 2012!

Taylor's Baby shower

Taylor and Michael came to visit for the Christmas holiday. We decided to throw Taylor a small baby shower while they were here to show her how excited we are for their new little one.  We decided to do a Breakfast Baby shower and had it in the morning with tarts, a yogurt bar and a delicious bread that Andi made (it was a orangey goo- delicious). It was fun to have people come over and to talk. She got to open some presents and got some cute new things for the baby.  We are so excited for them and the arrival of their new baby girl.

We made a wunsie bouquet

Stuffed animals made by Nedra

She is seriously adorable.

Homemade dress made by Becky Newson.

Fun with Michael and Taylor

It was so much fun to have Michael and Taylor here in Colorado for the holidays. We were able to sit and talk and learn more about their lives. And there were a lot of games and fun. One night Michael's friends Amanda and Neal came over and we all played games together (psychiatrist- very fun). 

We also got to go up to Mat and Andi's house and play games with them. They taught us a new game called Scotland Yard. It was really fun and had us all on our toes. It was so much fun to see them and to get to spend time with them. 

Christmas!!

The entire week before Christmas I woke up about a billion times every night; I was so excited for Christmas. Growing up we woke up very early and went down to see the stockings and see what Santa had brought us. I remember waking up at 1 o'clock in the morning, going down to see and then going upstairs and back to bed, only to wake up an hour later and do it all again.  Now as an adult I cannot help but wake up to see what Santa brought; however in Ben's family we wait until everyone is awake to go in.  It has been torturous in the past couple years to wake up and find everyone else sleeping in. I would wake, shower, get ready and be reading before Ben stirred. This year, due to a terrible cold,  I slept in (until 7:00) and then showered, got ready and waited for everyone else to stir; yet this year I was not alone (Ben and Rachel woke up early also). We ended up waiting till 9:30 for everyone to be up, yes yet again torture, but it was worth the wait. 

Christmas morning was magical; with the sunshine pouring through the open window, silent anticipation and of course, the crowd of presents. We had a great morning opening presents from Santa and our families. I felt spoiled and overwhelmed but was so grateful for all I received.

We spent the morning with the Newson's and then hustled to church early to rehearse for the Christmas Program. It was wonderful to see everyone on Christmas and be able to take a step away from the bows and whistles and really celebrate Christ's birth. 

In the afternoon we went to the Stones home to see family and play. Dad got a Wii and we all spent countless hours dancing together and laughing. Again I was reminded how wonderful it is to be with family and what a blessing they all are in our lives. 

We had a wonderful Christmas and loved every second of it!

Best 2011 Christmas Eve Ever!

I woke up Christmas Eve with a bad cold. We got up early and went to the church for the final choir practice (before the performance, Christmas day). Afterwards I came home and slept. It was so great to get some sleep but I felt like I kind of waisted away the day. Ben helped me and we quickly made food and headed to the Stones home for dinner and fun. It was great to see everyone and to have a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner (ham, creamy potatoes, gloam, ect).

It is always wonderful to spend the holiday's with family; Mom, Dad and Grandma Baker were there, as well as Mat and Andi with there with their kids and Deanna and some of the kids came (Ricky and Brayden stayed home due to strep- yuck), AND Michael and Taylor came from CA for the week. We had a fun time playing games, talking and watching the crazy kids. Andrew, Tre and I monitored the progression of Santa across the world online- it was cool to see where he was and how fast he moved from one place to another. 

 

We also got to open our Christmas Eve presents. Growing up we had Christmas Eve presents from the Stones Family; each cousin was matched up with another cousin (same for the adults) and we got them a present to open Christmas Eve. It was a fun way for us all to stay in contact and remember our cousins. This year we decided to try it in our family. I had Andi and Ben had Ben Dawson, we had a lot of fun thinking about them and trying to decide what to get them. Andrea had me and she got me a vinyle saying to stick on the wall (I have found 100 places to stick it but still haven't decided. I need her decorative advise!) and a beautiful flower pin. Taylor has Ben and she got him a movie night (popcorn, candy, mini root beer and a movie)- he loved it.  

 That night we went home to get our stuff and head to the Newson's for Christmas night/morning. While we were there we opened our Christmas presents from Mom and Dad (yes, it was one day early but we justified it by saying we wouldn't really be home the next day). We got some pillows (for me to use as pillow forms as I make new pillows for our house), a red tea kettle (Ben loves that it whistles) and a red microwave, we didn't have one and having one has been so convenient (Ben loved it because it was full of microwave popcorn).

That night I told Ben that it felt like we had already had Christmas because we got to spend so much time and make so many happy memories with family. It was such a fun Christmas Eve and a great way to start the Christmas weekend and bring in the Christmas spirit.