Winter Storm

Christmas Day Eve, we got pounded with a storm. We've had few good ones this year, but this one made it a bit dicey getting home from Troy and Carlin's place. The results however were sure pretty.

Presents with Cousins

Later Christmas morning we went to Tricia's parents' place for the traditional yummy omelettes that Bruce make each year. They really are wonderful. The Flakes come and bring their monkey rolls and it always great to see them as well. With Great Grandma Grayce there, we opened gifts from her and the cousins exchanged gifts as well. Grayce loved here jewelry kit from Isabelle (I'm sending it back hahahahah). Grayce was sad that Isabelle wasn't around, especially since she put Isabelle on her Christmas list to Santa. Mason has been enjoying is John Deere Set from Grandma Rita. What a memorable day.

Christmas Day

Alas, Christmas Day finally arrived. The kids were great......they slepted in until 7:30. Mason struggled at first because we didn't start him out with his cereal and juice. He was of course fine and we saw the new trains and cars to play with. The movie Cars is his favorite and we have to watch it at least 4 times a day. Santa took care of that craving with lots of Car characters to play with. Santa deliverd Grayce some new Barbie's with horses, and lots of cute pink outfits. She is also enjoying here new Princess Disney Camera. Tricia and I can hardly wait to try out our new skis and boots

Neighborhood Nativity

This year the Thornleys invited the Keeler and us to have soup and other good eats at their house on Christmas Eve. We all have kids similiar in age and they all participated in The Christmas Nativity. We had to perform it several times because each of the girls had to have their chance to play Mary.

Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad decided to continue their Holiday Adventure. They had hoped to make it around to see Duke/Morhgan and possibly Jake/Belle and kids, but the weather was just aweful for traveling. So.....they headed south for some warmth. They headed to San Diego, where neither had been before (Tricia and I were jealous) and than on north to see Grandma Minick, Jodie and her family. Mom and Dad took in the Bowl game between BSU and TCU and I think had a great time. Prior to their leaving we opened a few gifts with them.

Talent Show

At the Tingey Family Party this year, we had lots of family and friends around us. Bruce and Rita were kind enough to host and food and company were so enjoyable. Kadie, Clint and the Boys made there way to be with Clint's family for Christmas. We were lucky enough to have them for a couple of days. Mom and Dad also came to town so we got all of them to tag along for the fun. The kids enjoyed a talent show of sorts, mostly singing, and than Kathryn wrapped up the night singing and playing her guitar.

Christmas Lights and Train

We have had an electric train to put around the tree for several years. The last couple of years, we haven't wanted to battle the kids on this. But this year, we decided to set it up around the tree knowing that Mason would be so excited.......and well he was ecstatic. Layton City every year does a light display in the city park that you can walk through and or drive around depending on how cold you want to get. The kids love seeing them and well, we usually make it there several times each season.

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo

Tricia's family has the annual tradition of making Christmas Trains and Gingerbread Houses. They fill the cars full of goodies and take them to friends and neighbors. This year was no difference and Tricia and Grayce succeeded wonderfully.

Ahhhh, The Beach

Anytime we are out to visit the Girls, we just have to make a trip to the beach. We were just below Santa Cruz on roughly the 21st street exit. One of Grayce's all time favorite things to do is to get chased by the waves. She had a first good scare as the wave finally caught her. But all in all the kids had a great time. The ocean is so spectacular to watch. The waves were easily rolling in at 12' on this day. The surfers were having a hay day. We enjoyed some excellent Mexican food at one of Jake's favorite locations.

After Turkey Entertainment

When Kadie Hosts, it always turns into good times had by all. The dads helped out with the kids so the girls good enjoy some quality Gilroy Outlet shopping. They of course got up early to go get the deals. That afternoon, the girls took the kids to the park so Clint, Dad, and I could get a round of golf in at the Ranch in San Jose. Wow, what a course. And of course, who could overlook the leftovers. Yummy

California Thanksgiving

This year we decided to make the trek West to enjoy Thanksgiving with Grandma Minick, Jodie, Kadie and their families. Mom and Dad traveled out as well. Kadie was kind enough to host us and did a wonderful job.

Fall Time

We seemed to have enjoyed an extra lengthy fall this year. It just really never got called until mid-December. That would explain me in shorts prior to a BYU Football Game.

Kids Service Project

Grayce's class participated in a service project. Tricia has been in charge of weekly field trips and activities. The kids help put together school packets/materials for the church. I think the kids learned something and enjoyed the activity as well.

Halloween

Yes I know it is the day after Christmas, but if I left out some shots of Halloween, it may not bode well. Our Tinker Bell and Peter Pan sure had a great time.

Fall at Bear Lake

We made a quick trip to Bear Lake late in the fall. It was quite cold and we only had a few hours during the day where the sun was warm enough to be outside playing. But hey, it's Bear Lake and the kids love it. Here are few shots of us on the beach before coming home. We had to get some shells of course.

Just the Kids

It's been way too long since the last entry, so I'll make several posts today. As I was trying to organize the photos, I came across some cute shots of the kids.