Day 3 Cold Days and Warm Fires

Freezing Freezing Freezing!!! I think the high was 28 degrees today and it was cold to the bone. It was the first day back to school for the kids, and they all came home with homework to do. But, as soon as Willy walked in the door from school I had him make a fire. That is best way to warm up on a day like today!

I had some fun learning about shutter speed on the camera as I took these two shots, the moon and Lydia at the fireplace. I like the way these two pictures turned out.

Day 2 Taking Down the Christmas Tree

It's always sad to me when it's time to take down the Christmas Decorations. I know the spirit of Christmas doesn't have to leave once the tree comes down but some how it seems that the decorations help to us to remember to be kind and do good deeds. So with tears and new memories I say goodbye to the Christmas season, and ring in the new year 2012.

Day 1 Handsome Boys

I want to do something different this year with our blog. Each day I want to take a photograph that highlights the day. Jessy and I decided to share them with others through our blogs. So today I decided to be an over achiever and share two pictures.




This is Willy my fourteen year old. I love his sense of humor. How he likes to make others laugh. I know that he loves to talk. I love to watch him as he preforms priesthood service. He takes his church responsibilities serously. I am grateful for a son who still looks to his mother for advice and listens to it about half the time. He has natural leader qualities!

Austin is my 12 year old. He is changing getting taller and more handsome. I like that he still finds me before and after school to give me a hug and say goodbye and hello. Austin is kind to others and I love when he and Lydia becomes buddies for the day. I know that he doesn't like school but he works hard and gets good grades. I love to see him pass the sacrament in his new suit. He is learning so much about his priesthood responsibilities and is willing to help others.

Day One:

My boys, Austin and Willy in their Sunday best doing the duties of the Aaronic Priesthood

Hike #1

Hiking on the 31st of December was a great change of pace! It was a comfortable temperature. We started with jackets but took them off as we walked the Bluebell trail in the Bull Run Regional park. The trail was a bit muddy but we were able to dodge the the water puddles. We hiked 2.7 miles and 1.3 hours. Bill, Lauril Emily, Willy, Austin, and Lydia enjoyed being together chatting and snapping photos.

Christmas

Christmas began with a wonderful Christmas program for sacrament meeting. I loved the music and the the readings from the speakers. The message of gratefulness from the Bishop really put the spirit of giving into perspective. It has been wonderful to be able to give and share and see and feel the and understand the gifts the Savior gave to us!

After church we changed back into our pajamas and skyped Jessica so that we could all be together for Christmas. It was awesome to see Jessy and talk with her. We missed her so much. We are grateful that she was with grandparents and cousins during the Christmas season. Thanks so much Grandma and Grandpa Ward!

We themed this Christmas around Scouts and fitness. The boys got their backpacks along with Bill so that they could all hike together. Emily received some running gear and a magazine subscription to women running. Lydia got a new bike to learn to ride, and a computer we received for twenty dollars. I received the gift of a membership to the freedom center and weight watchers. I guess you know what we will be working on this next year.

Ginger Bread Houses

We had so much fun making ginger bread houses with a few families! We had a nice neighborhood once everyone completed their house! This activity is one we will do again next year! Thanks to Kerstie for letting us use her house!

Leaves Leaves and More Leaves

In early November I caught Lydia, Willy and Roxie playing in the leaves supposedly raking and cleaning up for winter!  What a delightful sight!  I couldn't help getting the camera out and joining in the fun