Christmas 2011

We had a great Christmas this year.

Christmas Eve

We went to my parents house on Christmas Eve. It was fun to get together with everyone. My camera was not working very well that night so I didn't get very many pictures that were not too dark.

Polar Express

We took Parker on the Polar Express train ride. Amy was invited to a birthday party so she decided that would be more fun. It was especially fun because we ran into our good friends, Doug and Julie. It was fun to be with friends. They had Santa and Mrs. Claus on the train and then at the "North Pole". No snow in the North Pole on this trip, maybe next time.

Gingerbread House

Every year we have a tradition that we build a gingerbread house together. Amy and Parker were able to most of this by themselves with only a little assistance.

Halloween 2011

Amy was Repunzel and Parker was a pirate. They both dressed up for their school parties and then continued to wear their costumes for Trick or Treating at Grandma's house that night. Amy only took the wig I made her off for dinner. I thought for sure she wouldn't make it all day at school with it on.

Air Show

We had a great time at the air show with Parker. Amy did not want to go, because remember that the airplanes are very loud. Last time we went I was a great audiologist and forgot earplugs. This year I was so prepared and had them all ready for us and our friends and then didn't realize that I had forgot them at home until we found our parking spot. Luckily we were able to get some small ones for the kids in the first aid tent and then we bought some for us.

Balloon Festival

We enjoying to the annual balloon festival. It does require getting up before the sun rises, which can be touch, but well worth the effort. It is fun to walk around and watch as the balloon go up all around you. The kids really enjoyed it this year. Last year Amy was scared of the noise the balloons made and so this year I brought ear plugs for her to wear. It helped and she wasn't scared. She eventually took them out and decided it wasn't scary or too loud. I would love to ride in a hot air balloon some day.

First Day of School

Today was Parker and Amy's first day of school.  Amy is in 1st grade and Parker is in preschool.  Parker was excited to be going to school now and enjoyed bringing his lunch to school.  

Green belt bike ride

We took a family bike ride to the green belt.  We spent the day riding and so much fun.  The kids had fun playing in the water and having a picnic lunch.  It is nice that Amy knows how to ride a bike now without training wheels.  We have a tag-a-long bike for Parker, which is great since he gets a little tired of pedaling.  He just kicks up his feet and says, "Mom, I'm not helping anymore."  I tease him and tell he better be helping and he laughs.  

 Parker enjoyed pretending he was real firefighter with this fire hose monument.  I thought the picture turned out great with the real fire engine in the background. 

 The kids enough wading in the water with dad.  It was a fun little break from riding.  Cooling off the toes.

 We also found this really cool big tree that was really easy to climb.  The branches were almost horizontal and not far off the ground.  Perfect tree for smaller kids. 

Zoo Boise with the cousins

In August my sister came to visit.  She is living in Louisiana right now so we don't see her very often.  We all decided to go the zoo with the kids.  They had fun playing together and checking everything out.  We also were able to meet the newest cousin, Katelyn who was only a couple of months old.