SNOWBOARDING

Last fall Dustin was determined to get me into snowboarding, I had done it a couple times before but had always been a skier. My first time out (Like every new snowboarder) was spent on my bum..... or face, crying, and yelling at Dustin for "making" me try this stupid sport. Thanks to my wonderful husband and patient friends....(Thanks Jimmy and Kaley!) I made it through the first day and didn't die. After just a few more times up I actually started to get it, and by the end of the season was suprised to find out I LOVED IT!!!

We had talked about getting the kids into skiing or boarding and decided this would be the year. We were all so happy when "Santa" got the kids snowboards for Christmas...... Then a little worried when the kids said they wanted to go outside and sit on the boards while they ride down a hill? We....I mean "Santa" didn't just spend A LOT of money for sleds?!?!

After finding out that the kids couldn't take lessons until they were 7 we tried watching some youtube videos and Tanner thought for sure he would be jumping off hills and doing tricks his first time out. We decided to venture out New Year's Eve and hoped for the best. We were amazed at how well the kids did! By the end of the night Tanner was riding up the magic carpet, strapping in and riding down the hill by himself. If he fell down he would yell, "Mom, don't come over here I can do it myself!" We were shocked! Tyler's first time was a little like mine.... a few tears and an hour at the bottom of the mountain making snow angels. We were so proud of her, she gave it a few more tries and by the end of the night was able to make it down the hill.

Over some hot chocolate we talked about the night and how proud we were of them. Tanner's only concern was that his girlfriend would be able to see him snowboarding so this is for you Kaley......

Christmas Morning

After months and months of planning and shopping for just the right toy, long lines, returns after finding out the toy you bought was the wrong one while they watch commercials for the toys they DO want, hundreds of dollars spent...... All to be over in 20 minutes! These are just some of the toys we got this year.....

Snowboards...YAY!!!.......

Lots of Trucks, Cars, and Trains.......

Barbies, Dolls, Polly Pockets, Littlest Pet Shops........

And a huge mess for mom and dad to clean up.......

Tyler turns 7

WOW! I can not believe she is 7! This year she was able to plan her own birthday party and she chose to have it at artist for a day. I was all for it being somewhere else that we didn't have to clean up after the mess. We allowed her to invite 6 girls but out of fear that everyone would be out of town the week before Christmas we actually sent out 10 invitations and somehow ended up with 12 girls, 4 parents, and 3 grandparents at the party. It was so much fun to see Tyler and her little friends together, this is the same group of girls that started their own cheerleading team at recess. Ha...... They were all girlie girls just like our Tyler.

December 2008

Aahhh..... My favorite time of year AND the busiest time of year for us. Not only did we spend the whole month getting ready for Christmas but somehow we were able to fit in 4 work parties, a recognition event, Dustin flying to Portland for a week and Tyler's Birthday party. I don't know how we did it all!?!? One of my favorite things we were able to do was visit the Botanical Gardens to see the Christmas lights......Of course they had all done it before but it still was a first for me.

Our Trip to RENO......

Dustin and I had planned a nice little get away to Reno with some friends and family........

..... but 2 days before our trip found out there was a family emergency back in Ohio and we now had kids for the weekend! YAY! So instead of going to the BSU game and staying out late (okay 11ish) and exploring Reno for the first time together the kids got to experience it with us. I do have to say we had family and friends offer to take the kids but Dustin decided we could turn this into a great family vacation. Dustin was actually really excited to introduce something new to the kids. He is worried they will turn out as sheltered and naive as me......??? Surprisingly it was an amazing weekend and what a blast. Who knew you could fit Circus Circus, the movie theater, a train ride, Ferris wheel rides, and a trip to walmart for a new toy all in one weekend?

Where did October go......???

Where did the month of October go......??? I don't think we had one free night to relax. It seems like every night is spent with activities for the kids or spending time helping Tyler with homework. I can not believe the amount of work she has between her spelling tests, phonogram tests, and her little book reports. At least we were able to squeeze in a few fun activities.

Trick-or-treating was so exausting this year and Tanner out ran ALL of us. He was on a mission and we finally were able to get him home when his bucket was too heavey to carry. Of course for the last 3 days it seems like all we have had to eat is CANDY!

One of our favorite things to do this time of year is visit the pumpkin patch. Tanner and Daddy Dustin always find their pumpkins right a way but Tyler and I usually take a bit longer to find the perfect pumpkins. Dustin still doesn't know why I have to have to find gourds for decorating. He likes to call those the retarded pumpkins and doesn't understand why we actually have to pay for them.
This year we had Aunt Kirsten and Grandma and Grandpa Olson over to carve pumpkins with us. We had a blast!

Family Pictures......

So we finally had our first EVER family pictures. Of course it wouldn't be a family outing without Mom not liking what we're wearing, Jacki running late, April complaining about having to be there, me in tears.........

Dustin making us take some "funny" photos.........

Tanner with his tongue out.......

And of course....... Cole throwing up!

Sometimes I wonder if every family is as crazy as ours, but at the end of the day I know we love each other and I wouldn't trade them for anything. After 2 hours and LOTS of posing we had some amazing pictures and here are a few of my favorite........