Let it Snow!

I think this was definitely our kids' best Christmas yet. After opening presents Christmas morning, we packed up and headed for Flagstaff with my mom and dad, Steve and his kids, Lori and Nelson and Chandler and Paige, and Dusty and Sally's family. There was SO much snow, and the house we stayed at had a little hill in the backyard for sledding that the kids loved. We tried to ski one day, but it was way too crowded. The kids were actually happy that they could just go back and sled all day in the back yard. Jackson could not get enough--I don't know if he just never got really cold or what, but he never wanted to come in. Riggs was much happier just playing the big boys' video games inside.

Ho. Ho. Ho.

The highlight of Christmas this year for our boys was singing at the Hamblin family Christmas party, which is funny because nothing had been rehearsed or planned. Both Jackson and Riggs absolutely love the spotlight. Ever since they first realized it was Christmas time, they've been asking when they get to perform. I'm going to figure out how to get the video on here, because this year Riggs really put on a show. We don't know where this love for performing comes from since Jeremy and I would both rather be tortured than have the spotlight on us.

Crew's first Christmas morning.

Sign Here Vinyl catalog

Even though our vinyl business is known as a "non-profit organization" to our husbands, our catalog is pretty sweet. Check it out:
http://www.jabcreative.com/sign/

New Family Photos

Getting pictures taken with the kids is always such an inner conflict for me. I absolutely dread it. It's almost as painful as speaking in church, so I really struggle with it. We didn't do it at all last year. I was pregnant, and there was nothing that could motivate me to get the kids dressed in nice clothes, hair combed, teeth brushed, and actually getting them to look at the camera. I tell the photographers to just take the pictures as soon as everyone is looking. Don't worry about trying to get smiles. That's just way too much to ask. Anyway, I knew I needed to do it this year, so I made an appointment right after Halloween and had a whole month to gear up for it.

BEWARE: There are a lot of pictures.

Halloween 2008

As ususal, we spent Halloween at Julie's house. The boys had such a fun time with all the cousins. Riggs' costume was held together in the back with a paperclip. (Seriously white trash).

I had to throw this picture of Jackson in here (5 years ago).

This was the best. Ashley and her fiance (yes, she's engaged) Shane. I didn't get a picture of Kelsee and Greg. They were Wayne and Garth, and they looked awesome. I'll have to get someone to send me the picture because it's priceless.

The Nielson Family

Most of you have probably heard about Christian and Stephanie Nielson, the couple from Mesa whose plane crashed in St. Johns back in August. They are both severely burned and have 4 children, who are being taken care of by Stephanie's sisters. Last weekend a benefit concert was held for them, and their daughters, Claire and Jane, sang the Beatles' "Golden Slumber". It's is one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. Keep their family in your prayers.

http://www.eastvalleyproductions.com/player.cfm?media=/movies/Nie/Glendhill

Dishes

The other night after dinner, Jeremy went and grabbed a little step stool out of the bathroom and put it in front of the sink. He told Jackson it was time for him to start doing the dishes, and Jackson was all over that. Riggs was pretty bummed though. Even with the step stool, he can't reach the sink, so Jeremy told him that his job was to clear everything up. They were pretty cute. I wonder how long before this wears off...

Crew just had fun watching the other boys work.