Slip n Sled

New Years Day we decided to go up north a ways and play in the snow!!

Caleb and Levi were out of town but luckily we went with the Knous Family so Derek had some friends to play with!

We drove up and down the roads looking for the perfect spot. We found this great spot with lots of hills for us to sled down.

Unfortunately we had to step over this fence to get to them!! We all made it though!

Derek was so excited to be playing in the snow. Mommy made sure he was dressed in lots of layers to stay warm!

Heading up the first hill to sled. This was Derek's first time ever sledding.

And away he goes. I just LOVE the expression on his face. Pure joy!

SO much fun! He was having the time of his life!

Everyone taking a break after we walked to a new hill. 

Nate getting ready for his turn down the hill! Derek is standing by waiting to help his Daddy if needed!

Melanie and I before our turn down the hill!

I crack up every time I see myself in this pic! I had on SO many layers. I am a wimp when it comes to the cold!

Ready, Set GO!

Rodney and Nate getting ready to race down the hill!

The race didn't work out so well, Nate went first and then Rodney!

Rodney had a little trouble getting down the hill!

Rodney and Melanie being brats to each other!

But they love each other!

Nate and I.

Derek and I getting ready to do a turn down the hill together!!

Woo-hoo!! Again I love the smile on Derek's face!!

The Knous Family

Melanie and Jaxson after their ride on the sled!

Logan and Derek sitting down after sledding and eating some snow!!

What a fun day of sledding and playing in the snow with Friends!

Cousin time!

"A cousin is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost"

Christmas is a great time for cousins to spend time together!

Brielle and Derek

Grant and Derek

Chloe loves giving hugs!

Derek and Grant had fun jamming out on Christmas morning at Family Brunch.

Derek back home later that day more cousins!

I remember growing up with my many cousins and playing and laughing and having SO much fun with them! Today my cousins are closer than friends! 

I'm so glad that my children have many cousins to grow up with, what a blessing they are!

"Cousins are friends that will love you forever"

December

The Christmas Season is such a fun time with so many happenings!

Here is a recap of our holiday adventures!

Derek sang a song  and jingled some bells with his fellow preschoolers in the School's Christmas program. 

We celebrated Caleb's 12th birthday!

We attended Christmas parties!

And Santa even came to visit at one of them and brought presents for all the kids!

There were cookie exchange parties. Which is one of my favorites!

Derek was Shepherd boy at a chapel at school.

We made homemade Christmas sugar cookies of course!!

There was Christmas morning stocking opening!

And it even SNOWED in Arizona!!

December went by in a blur of activity and now it's already February! Where is the time going??

Little Shepherd Boy

I can't believe it is already February!! Where has this year gone??

I have so many things to catch up on.

So many things have happened the last few months!

Back in December Derek's Preschool class did a Nativity for the opening of their Wednesday morning chapel.

The little ones all looked so cute dressed up as all the characters from that blessed event!

Derek's friend Anika was an Angel, she LOVES dressing up in pretty dresses and was having a blast that morning!

Derek was very excited to be one of the Shepherds!

I think his favorite part was that he got to carry a staff as a prop!

Derek's friend Trenton was a wise man with a crown and everything!

The kids did great up on the stage. Even with the shepherds swinging their staffs up and down. At least they didn't try to hit each other with them during their time on the stage!

They sang a few songs then it was time to head on down to their seats!

Mrs. Williams does a great job with all the little ones!

I did it mom!!

Do I have to give this staff back??

A Special Day

Levi made a decision to ask Jesus to come in to his heart and be Lord of his life in August of last year. So when it came time for a baptismal service at church he wanted to be a part of it and publicly tell others of his decision!

Here he is pre-baptism with Pastor Denny.

Levi getting support from Dad before his baptism.

It was fun looking at these pictures and seeing all Levi's expressions, he looked a little nervous at this point!

But he made it in the water and answered all Pastor Denny's questions.

And under the water he went!

All smiles after it was done!

He couldn't stop smiling all day!! After the service was over they had a little celebration for those who were baptized.

People who knew Levi spoke up and said some really nice things about him.

He also received a baptism certificate!

Levi and his proud momma!!

Grandma, Nate, Levi, Me and Jeremy

It definitely was a special day and one I hope Levi will remember forever!!