Will volunteered to watch the classroom turtules over the holiday break. They are box turtles and were so easy to care for. We enjoyed having Dot (the boy who had "dots" on his skin) and Ray (the girl who looks like she has sun rays on her shell). However, they drove Gus crazy and he would start barking any time he heard them move around. 
Will with Ray in the picture above and with Dot here.
This was one of our more low-key Christmases and I was thankful for that. As always there were tons of gifts to be open and the kids ended up with so many nice things! After opening gifts in the morning Corey made breakfast for all of us. Doug and the boys went skiing and Corey, Annemarie and I headed to the Larkin's for their annual Christmas open house. Later that day we ate leftovers and went to bed early. It was a great day! 
Will checking out what Santa left for him.
Jack opening his first set of golf clubs.
Annemarie opening the Rapunzel doll and dress that Santa left for her.
Golf clubs and dress up...the kids looking pretty happy.
The crazy kids all ready to be snug in their beds. 
Our attempt at a family picture. (This was the best out of five). 
Jack as a Wise Man and Will as Joseph. 
Not sure who thought these guys could be serious and follow directions. Thankfully they didn't have any lines and the play was only a few minutes long.
We held a holiday get together last night and had so much fun. Christmas time can be hectic but when you're enjoying the company of those you cherish you cannot help but feel so lucky. As an activity we had gingerbread houses for the kids to decorate. They did such a great job. 
Getting started
The chef and her sous chef.
What a masterpiece!
Matthew and Laura with their house.
Annemarie, Aunt Erin and Jack
The Candy Monster returns.
The 1st and 2nd grade holiday programs were on Tuesday. Jack's was call the Incredible Reindeer (hence the reindeer antlers) and Will's was called Christmas at the OK Corral. Both were very cute and entertaining. The moment to remember would be when Will had a few lines and kept saying to the other kids (there was a microphone) "Stop hogging the microphone...I'm not hogging the microphone...you are." Somewhat mortifying as his mother but definitely a funny moment for the audience.
It was a great day to turn eight. It was cold but the sun was shining. Will took cupcakes to school to share with his class and they dug into them before 9a. What a fun start to the day. This evening we made Will's favorite dinner...risotto (with carrots and apples on the side) and followed it up with mint chocolate chip ice cream cake.
The perfect reaction to a gift. Apparently he was excited.
Sharing AND putting together the Harry Potter LEGO set. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!
Happy Birthday Will!
Today was opening day on Big Mountain. The boys made it up there and skied a few runs. They also enjoyed the views/inversion.
Time to decorate the tree and the kids could not have been more excited. They were very focused and didn't want any help when it came to hanging ornaments. They did a great job.
Annemarie doing her part.
Will trying to hang ornaments on the top part of the tree.
All the elves.
Our darling tree.
We went looking for our Christmas tree this weekend. We didn't have to go far. We found the perfect one in a lot just a few miles from home. The kids of course had lots of fun and were very helpful. 
Will asking if we could take home a tree that was still in the ground and growing. 
Annemarie and Jack looking for the perfect tree. 
Doug and the kids. 
Let's take it home!
We celebrated Thanksgiving in Oregon this year. We had dinner over at Sara and Jason's house (they prepared everything and it was so good!!). It was a quick trip but we really enjoyed seeing all our family.
Mick, Will and Doug enjoying Thanksgiving football.
Family picture
Annemarie and Grandma
Will and Jack playing a game
Annemarie making a grand entrance.
The boys with cousin Caleb.
Grandpa and Tyler
Annemarie with the teeny glass Uncle Steve gave her.
Annemarie reading to Jen and Uncle Steve.
We had a light dusting of snow on Saturday, so that technically would be our first snow. However, this morning when we got up it was snowing and hasn't stopped yet. I had to scramble and find boots, snow pants and mittens for everyone...thankfully it didn't take long. Bring on the snow!
Singing the praises of snow...
