Christmas with Grandpa Corrigan

Unfortunately we did not see my dad on Christmas

because the night before our family had the stomach

flu.  It was not fun and I felt so bad for my sweet

Owen and husband who puked their guts out.

And then I was so tired because I was the one

putting the kids to bed and getting everything ready

Christmas eve.  They felt a bit better on Christmas

but we did not want to chance getting my dad sick

so we had him over a week later. On new years day.

I think it was fun for my kids to get gifts a week

later.  

Usually our visits with my dad are quick and this one

was the same but we were able to play a game he

got Sierra and it was quite fun. 

Sierra, Kristie, Riley, Owen, Grandpa, Paige and Gloria 

New Years Eve

New Years Eve day we took it easy.  Owen played

doctor and Riley was the patient.  

 My kids would get way to sleepy to stay up until 

midnight so we had a count down a little before

10:00 pm.  My brother Michael and his wife Skyla

came down for the weekend and were good

sports when I suggested banging pans outside

to make noise for the new year.  My kids laughed

and felt a little silly but who cares we had fun! 

Brandon and I loving every minute! 

New Years at the Cabin

We celebrated the New Year at the cabin.  Which we've 

done before and enjoyed it.  The kids love sledding

and riding the 4 wheelers. 

On the 4 wheeler is where Owen spend most of his time.

Sierra loved riding with Brandon because she could

go fast and she did not quite have the steering

thing figured out. 

Here is a fun video for all of us to get more laughs in.

Good times, good times! 

Sierra and I hate to be cold and bundled up to the fullest.

 The little ones made it out together so we snapped a picture 

because we knew it would not last long.  Owen spent the most time 

out side.  Bailee tried the sledding a bit but Tate

would rather be warm in the cabin. 

 Owen moved on from the 4 wheeler to Grandpa's

tractor. 

 Grandma always brings up noise and mess makers

to the cabin for the kids to have fun with. 

 The adults were ready for bed time after those

noise makers the girls would not stop blowing. 

Not really we stayed up talking! 

Christmas 2012

Every Christmas Morning the kids wake up, find their

stocking and come to our bed to show us what

they got. They are still waking up a bit but are so

excited!

The kids lined up youngest to oldest to go into

the living room to see what Santa brought them.

It's a tradition on both Brandon's and my side,

Oldest to youngest.

Paige was thrilled she got her Lego set she asked for. 

 Riley loved her new coat that Brandon

and I bought her.  

Sierra was so excited that Santa got her a scooter like

her sisters. 

You don't even have to ask if Owen liked his new

train set.  That is all he played with all morning. 

 This was a fun gift for me to give my kids.  Earlier

this year I took the kids to the Zoo and they all asked

for a stuffed animal which I told them no but secretly 

got it when they were other wise occupied. 

So when they all opened this gift they were shocked 

but thrilled to get the stuffed animal they wanted. 

Owen got an Elephant, Riley a Polar Bear, Paige a Tiger

and Sierra a Seal. 

It's funny Owen wanted an Elephant since he was

terrified to stand close to the Elephants at the zoo. 

This makes me laugh!  Owen was so excited that he

got Thomas the Train Under wear.  Not because they

were under wear but because they were Thomas the Train. 

 Oh well if he probably won't be potty trained for 

months but he was proud to show them off.

Owen gave his Dad a new Black Belt.  I think

this year Owen got the hang of giving presents to

people.  But of course was quick to loose interest 

and look for one to open himself! 

Later in the day we went to Brandon's parents

to spend the evening.  

Grandma and Grandpa spoiled the kids with

more presents.  The kids absolutely love the gifts

they got.  

We gave Grandma a puzzle of a picture of all

her grandkids on the boat at Bear Lake.  It had

all their names and ages on it also.  I think she 

loved it! 

I've been dying to get another purse.  Mine was falling

apart.  I thought Brandon would have got it for me

since I showed him the one I wanted.  But When I 

didn't get it from him I was a bit bummed but

in stead Lisa got it for me.  I was thrilled! 

 Brandon got a rash guard shirt or a dry suit top, 

which ever you call it!  Which he loved! 

Christmas Sunday

Here is our traditional family picture on the Sunday morning

before Christmas.  This year we put one of Owen's Elmo

toys on the tripod to get him to look and hopefully smile

at the camera.   Oh the things we do for a smile!

Later that day we had a get together at Brandon's

Aunt Ann's house for a nice dinner and presents

from Great Grandpa Gardner. 

Christmas Piano Recital

I must have forgot to take a picture of Riley at the

end of her Recital.  But here is a video of her playing 

for those that wanted to go but could not. 

The Tree House Museum

My kids had the longest off track break.  From right

before Thanksgiving to after the new year.  So

we had to plan fun days to keep them and me from

not going crazy!  We went to the Tree House Museum

and invited my sisters to go.  Just Kami and Emery

came with us.  My girls had been there before

but this was Owen's first time. Of course he saw

the train tables and there was no getting him away

from them. 

Got to love the Fire Truck!

The girls loved pretending they were cow girls!

Owen finally realized the horses were not real

and was willing to get on one.  

I guess being off track my kids missed school.

They spent time in the school house. Even Owen

tried to participate.  Of course Riley was the teacher.

She really does a good job! 

Owen would only touch the cow and pretend to

milk it if I was doing it also so it was hard to get a picture

that close. 

Sierra is older since the last time we came

so she got right in there and milked that cow.

 The drums were a hit with all of us.  Even my sister

and I.  Something about banging on a drum gives you

satisfaction.  

Emery and Owen crawling through the 

tree tunnels. 

 I think we spent the most time in the Baby Nursery.

Riley pretended she was a doctor taking care of the babies.

And Kami and I got to sit down and talk while they

all played.  And yes even my boy wrapped up a baby

and took care of it.  He has 3 sisters so he knows

what he is doing! 

 There was even more to do.  The new art area.

The kids painted, cut, glued and decorated a card 

to take home.  

 We also played with the life size U.S. map, the

play kitchen, blocks, tracing dinosaur bones and more. 

Kids could spend all day there if mom's had more energy! 

Dinner with my Dad

This will be the second time and most likely a new tradition

we do every year.  My sister Kami and I have dinner with my

dad and his wife around Christmas time. 

We don't see my dad all that much so this is something to

look forward to. 

Kami, Emery, Gloria, Grandpa, Kristie, owen, Riley, Sierra and Paige

Brandon and Mikel were also there.