Jazz Game!

The day after Christmas we went to the Jazz Game with my Mom, Dad and the Lasswell Fam! 

The roads were a little snowy and our windshield wiper water froze in our lines, but other than that it was a fun little trip. 

We gave the best seats to Dad and Mom since they had never seen a game before. We sat on the top row in the plaza which wasn't a bad seat. Especially since in the middle of the first quarter the Jazz Bear came right up to the row in front of us and gave roses to a girl and then her boyfriend got down on one knee and proposed! The Jazz Bear was holding the ring while the guy was down proposing, then he (Jazz Bear) got down on his knee and proposed to me! I started laughing really hard, then looked at Gavin who was laughing, and the boys didn't know what to think! The bear then sprayed about two cans of silly string on the couple and all of us, which entertained Preston through a lot of the game. 

Gavin went and sat with Dad for the 4th quarter and Mom came up with me. She decided Preston doesn't really care about the Jazz like Landon and Gavin do. Addie was our angel she sat through the whole game only needing a bottle once. 
It was so cold and snowy outside that we bought her a pair of Jazz socks to go over her other pair. I didn't get a picture of them, but they were cute in their own way. 
Preston collected a bunch of the clapper balloons after the game. He insisted on bringing them all home. Luckily grandma did loose a few on the way up the stairs! ;o) 

On Saturday morning we got up and ate breakfast at the hotel with all the troops, then went and did a little shopping. We first had to go to the Apple store, I LOVE that store! It is probably a good thing there isn't one in town! Then I ran into Old Navy and got a few coats, since the whole trip we had all been freezing! Gavin placed a bet with my mom that I wouldn't have been able to find me a coat, but I would have found a bunch of clothes for Addie! They both lost because I did find me a coat (actually two) and Addie (and Preston) also got a coat! I can't help it, little girl clothes are a lot of fun to buy! :)  

Cabela's was our last stop before we headed home. We had lunch, Grandpa and Grandma bought the boys toy guns. (They are a lot nicer than the parents!) Then we were home before we knew it. The trip was short, but fun. Good Times!! 

Christmas!

Santa made it to our house this year! The boys were thrilled to wake up and open presents. We told the grandparents we were going to wake them up at about 6:15, but Landon showed up in our room about 5 after 6:00, and Preston wasn't far behind him. Landon asked if they could just go out in the family room and turn the lights on and then right back off to make sure Santa had been there, while we waited in our bed for Grandpa and Grandma Hale to arrive. They did go out and check, and luckily enough there were presents under the tree!! 

The excitement of kids on Christmas morning is hard to beat! 

After we opened the gifts at our house we went down to Grandpa and Grandma Frei's. Grandma had made Addie new applesause, so everyone got to have breakfast at Grandma's. She was so excited to watch Addie eat. She even had me feed her a few of Bryce's bottled peaches. (She loved the peaches... probably because they have SUGAR on them!) 

At about 5:00 p.m. we went to my Mom and Dad's for dinner. The food and company was great, but I did miss you Ryon!

Thanks Mom for dinner. 

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone. It seems to come quicker each year. I am so grateful for this time when we can reflect and remember that Christ lives and loves each one of us. We are so blessed. 

Christmas Eve

This year the Frei family was in charge of the town Christmas Eve Program. It was a lot of work, but turned out great. Thank goodness our next turn doesn't come around again until 2016! 

Again, Addie hated sitting on Santa's lap, but she did like her present! 

Landon sang "Frosty the Snowman." He sang the whole song, not very loud but his lips were moving!

"When Joseph Went To Bethlehem" was Preston's song. My Mom bought all the costumes, and I think they turned out cute. Preston loved the microphone... he kept leaning over the the boy next to him telling him to sing into the mic. 
After the program we ran up to Grandma Reber's, we were later than usual so we missed a lot of the family. Luckily a few were left, to visit with.  I did get to eat the good layered green salad and the last deviled egg, so my Christmas Eve was complete! 

After we left the Reber's we went down to Grandpa and Grandpa Frei's they had a house full! It is always nice to be with family. I think that is why I love the holidays. 

When we got home, the kids put on their new PJ's we read "Twas the Night Before Christmas," and they went to bed! I was surprised at how fast they went to sleep... long day I guess!  

Baking Day!

Katie, Bradi and I had our annual Christmas baking day. (Aubrey we missed you!) We started the day a couple years back. We get together and bake and bake and bake! This year we made donuts, cinnamon rolls, divinity, and toffee. It is always a lot more fun to bake when you have family to visit with. The bonus of the day was we got everything to turn out! In past years, our toffee has gone to sugar, so thanks Bradi for your expertise!!  Good Times! 

Happy Birthday Gavin!!

Gavin turned 32 today (well technically yesterday, since I am typing this at 1:02 a.m!) We had all the family over for dinner, cake and ice cream. It is always fun to get together with family, even if it seems like we have been with them ever night in the last week! 

I had to put this picture of Kason on, the Mr. Potato Head Glasses fit him well, don't you think!! ;o)

Gavin I want wish you a Happy Birthday, I hope you had a great day! You mean so much to me and our kids. Thank you for being a good provider, father and husband. I love you so much. 

Annual Bowler Christmas Party!

In 1999 my Mom and Dad started a Christmas Tradition. The Bowler Christmas Party, and it has been  held on the Sunday before Christmas every year since. We all love this tradition, Mom makes Chili and we decorate Gingerbread houses, laugh and have a good time. After dinner and decorating, we always go through the Nativity, we wear funny pld robes, halos and crowns, but that is what makes it so special. It helps us remember the true meaning of Christmas, and what we are really celebrating.  

After the Nativity we write on a piece of paper what our gift to Christ will be for the coming year. It is kept in a sock with our name on it. This is my favorite part of the night, it really helps me think about what kind of person I am and what I want to become. Thanks Mom for keeping this tradition alive, we love it. 

King Preston! 

King Dad and Shepherd Landon! 

Cute Girls, Addie and Mykelle. 

Grandpa and Grandma Hale's Christmas Party!

Katie and Ken threw a fun Christmas Party this year! She made fancy food, and we ate and ate and ate, until we were sick! Then Mr and Mrs Claus stopped by for a visit which turned out really fun!  

Santa told Landon he knew what he wanted... a Nintendo DS. 

Santa forgot to tell Preston what he had on his list, so Preston made sure before Santa left he knew he wanted, a Explorer Backpack! 

Addie still doesn't like Santa, as you can see from the picture!! 

She was shaking and crawling up my arm before I set her on his lap. I know I am a mean mother, but you gotta have the picture!