The first "snow" (if you can even call it that)

We recently had our first snow of the season....there was barely anything, but it didn't matter to these two!  They insisted on getting bundled up and going out to play...

Family pictures 2013

My Grandpa

My Grandpa was everything to me.  I have not been to see his final resting place until this last week.  My brother Joe was in Idaho visiting, and a visit to the Cemetery was on his to-do list.  I have not had the courage nor the desire to do this myself, but I was glad I went with him.  Many tears were shed...it saddens me my kiddos will never know the man I knew and loved so dearly.

Show pictures (thus far) 2013

 Ryder on Chloe loping

 Ryder spinnning

 Ryder slide stop

 Ryder spinning

Chase stopping

Ryder's 10th Birthday

It is unbelievable to me that Ryder is 10!!!  He has become such a responsible young man.  He just graduated the 4th grade.  Has been working very hard with his horse to get her show-ready and has been to two shows already this season (pictures coming soon!).  He wanted a "reining" horse cake, and this is what we came up with...

(the fencing is edible chocolate!)

 Trick candles!!!

 Can you tell they're related!? (Chases' mom Sheri)

Ryders' papa Chuck (Chases' dad) & his new wife Karen

We had a simple party at home with family as Ryders' birthday usually marks our first camping trip of the year (his choice), and this year is no exception.  We are headed out this weekend with family, friends & horses too!!!

The cutest Pledge of Allegiance EVER!

Heise Hot Springs

It has been COLD this week. REALLY, REALLY, COLD!  We found some warmth one afternoon at Heise Hot Springs.  It was a perfect way to spend the afternoon.  I have such fond memories of Heise.  There are many a pictures of me at these same ages in this very spot!  I even have the swimsuit I wore as a child, and always had hopes of my daughter wearing it and getting to take her picture in it at Heise.

 Ariana, Ridge, Noah, Ryder & Ty

Ryders' new "bling"

Ryder has been such a good sport about his braces.  He has to wear his headgear at least 12 hrs each day.  He willing wears it to bed (9pm-9am)! He is going to have a great smile in no time!

Family night at the library....

Our local library is awesome!  They have the greatest librarians/volunteers ever!  We attend story time every Wednesday afternoon, as well as take advantage of other fun stuff like this....

A Lego Tower building contest!!! The boys had SO much fun!  They didn't win as there were no age groups...BOO.  Therefore they were competing against many a grown men who obviously had WAY too much time on their hands, as they had practiced & perfected their tower building skills and had a finished product as high as the bleachers!  *SHEESH*  Add in cotton candy and free books, and it was a fun night had by all!

Ryder just can't catch a break.

Ryder has awful teeth.  Poor kiddo has a pretty severe under-bite, as well as a cross-bite...we have known this day would come, we just didn't think it would come so soon.  He has handled it well, and is well on his way to a correct, attractive smile!

On a lighter note, Ryder used to be the first one done at dinner...EVERY time.  Now, he is always last, as he   tries to figure out how to eat with his expander and braces...:(  Any tips for him would be appreciated, as I have no idea how to help him!

One of our more successful crafts

I came across this fun craft idea on Pinterest the other day.  I love that we have a "forever" keepsake of their artwork!

Ridge's 6th Birthday

When asked what he wanted to do for his birthday, Ridge asked if we could all go skiing together as a family. So that is what we did! Nothing fancy, no big party....which was so nice!  We went the day before his actual birthday, as his birthday fell on the same day as the Denver Broncos playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens...BOOOO! I'm still bitter about the Broncos losing. A few close friends and family came over for the game on his actual birthdate (January 12th), we ate dinner together and of course cake and ice cream....A LEGO cake per Ridge's request.  I tried...

Happy Birthday to the sweetest, most thoughtful & handsome 6 year old I know!  I love you SO very much kiddo.

P.S. skiing pictures to come!

Noah's Birthday 2012...The BIG 3!

Noah has a thing for the movie DESPICABLE ME...if you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it!  It is a movie that is entertaining for all generations.  Noah can quote almost any part of the movie when prompted, it is so cute!  So a DESPICABLE ME themed party was the obvious choice for his birthday this year (technically last year I guess since his birthday was December 17th and I am not posting until now).  I had the idea for the cupcakes in mind for quite some time, and had a mini-stroke when the whole Hostess Bankruptcy Fiasco went down!  As soon as I heard I tried to get my hands on at least a couple boxes of Twinkies, with no luck.  Thankfully Walmart came to the rescue with Great Value Brand "Golden Sponge Cakes"....who knew?!
We had his party at the Blackfoot Community Center where the boys do Gym every week....very affordable, and SO MUCH FUN!
A great BIG thank you to all who celebrated our little miracle man with us!  We would not be where we are today without each and every one of you!