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!