Some Fishy Fun

This post is brought to you by . . . my new computer! Yaaaaay! Thanks, Dave, you always know what I want. Still transferring all my info from my last computer, and there's so many Christmas pictures to organize!! I'll get to Christmas Day eventually. This was a week before Christmas, when my mom invited us to go to the Living Aquarium with my family, followed by a yummy dinner and of course, presents! Avery's choice of outfit for the event: Her "candy cane dress" and some reindeer antlers. Perfect!Cade got splashed by a sting ray, heh heh.

Making a fish face . . . .

Having a blast with the cousins . . .

Just what Avery wanted . . . a horse truck and trailer!

What is it about family parties that makes the guys want to take a nap?

Reindeer Sighting!!!!

Hey Kids! We were able to get a sight of Comet and Blitzen down at Thanksgiving Point! They were just eating and eating to prepare for their big trip.

They were so nice, they would even let you pet them! Avery was a little intimidated by the antlers, but Bailey loved them.

My mom and dad came with us, and it was f-f-f-freezing! Thank goodness for the fire.

Well, it's Christmas Eve, the presents are all wrapped, and my house is clean. Whew! It's the best feeling ever, knowing I can sit back and just enjoy now. I LOVE Christmas Eve, because my kids clean their rooms like never before. (They know that Santa looks in your bedroom to see how well you've been taking care of the toys he gave you last year.) So they clean out their closets, their dressers, and even under the bed so that Santa will be impressed.

We are off to go on a sleigh ride at Hardware Ranch. We wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Parties, Recitals, and Plays, Oh My!

I love this whole month, never a dull moment! I've lapsed on my posts because well, we've been busy doing all of this! Avery had a dance recital where they performed in their jammies for the residents of a retirement center. CUTE girls and a CUTE audience.

This next picture is typical. Avery is the only one who is facing LEFT when everyone else is facing RIGHT. Whooops! She makes me laugh, always a few steps behind!

I couldn't resist taking a picture of the residents they were performing for. Don't you love the cute lady with the penguin sweater?

Cade's 2nd Grade drama play- this was sooooooo funny. They lip synced and danced to a song from Happy Feet. Cade's in the back, because Supermom forgot he needed a black hoodie for the penguin act. (So I'm a little scatterbrained right now . . . . . )

And our little angel Bailey starring in the Nativity at the Ward Christmas party. Very sweet program. Bailey also had a piano recital and I am very thankful she has learned so many Christmas songs this year! She has filled our home with beautiful music every day.

Of course, Avery needed a halo if her sister had one! A few days after this program, Avery woke up one morning and put her halo on, then came out of her bedroom and said "Mom, is it Angel Day today?" I said "Yes, it is! Today you act like an angel all day, OK?"

The Amazing Race - Rivermill Style

For Dave's company party this year, we decided to do an Amazing Race for his employees and dates. What a HOOT! We laughed till our guts hurt when we watched the videos afterwards. Here's Dave standing on our front porch, waiting to be able to say "You are team number one" to the winners.

Here's a pic of the motley crew. Somebody actually asked them if they were doing the real Amazing Race (thanks to my amazing T-shirt making ability:) Would you believe one of these burley men is a GENIOUS on the piano? He surprised and dazzled us with his skills and could play any movie theme song you asked. It was a fun night.

Here's the table centerpieces and the food spread in the background. On the menu, prime rib, ham, shrimp, IBC root beer, and of course, egg nog for Wes.

FYI, if you ever need to entertain your kids on a snowy day, this homemade slide kept Avery busy for a couple hours while we worked on setting up the party.

Mr. Mom

Last Saturday was one of those days I was reminded of why I married my husband. I was out for several hours doing some Christmas shopping, and when I came home I found Dave doing this.



And this.


Yes, that's a white linen on the table. Such a classy guy. Happy kids, fine linens, and the whole turkey dinner. It's enough to make a mom cry! I love that I can leave him with three kids, and not only will the house be cleaner than when I left it, but dinner will be on the table and wonderful. I have absolutely no idea how he does it and makes it look so easy, but I just enjoy. You are speaking my love language!



After a post Thanksgiving meal, the kids all got in the hot tub and then wanted to cozy up with some hot chocolate. Avery thought the Santa hat would go perfectly with her red and white swimsuit, and I agreed. It was the perfect evening of de-stressing during this crazy month. Thanks Dave, I needed that.