Oh Christmas Tree

On our way to find a tree!

Av's and Scott excited!

Cutting down the tree

Cutting down the tree

We had so much fun going to get the tree this year! We went up the canyon about 8 miles from our house, strapped on the snowshoes and hiked around. The kids did so much better than I thought. Scott, Avery and I were the only ones with snowshoes, so we would walk first to pack down the snow. Crew and Cade were troopers. They would be walking then just sink and get stuck. They never complained, just laughed. It is so amazing how peaceful a snowy forest can be. The tree is now in the house and decorated. Yeah!

Dancer

Afton LOVES to dance and hop around. She is constantly hopping and bouncing and dancing. The other day I went into her room and she had stripped down and was dancing around naked. I got a semi-modest shot because it was just so funny. She really just needs to keep her clothes on!

Dress-ups

Afton found the dress-ups, and has been wearing a tu-tu for three days! I love it.

My Little Cleaners

So of course I have to clean daily....but I have my little ones still at home with me. Needless to say they have been quite the helpers. Cade LOVES to vacuum. He will gladly help vacuum anytime, and Afton would like to...if he would ever give up the vacuum. And then there is the laundry. They love to sort, and put the clothes in the washing machine, then switch the laundry into the dryer. The last picture is of Cade switching the laundry into the dryer. Only he can't quite reach the bottom clothes, so he had to get in to get them out. What would I do without my helpers! Love them.

Daddy Daughter

Avery is in Activity Days!! I can't believe it, but it is true. They had their first Daddy Daughter date the other night and she couldn't have been more excited. Dad was pretty excited too! It was 50's theme, and they had such a good time. They played games, ate, and danced. The dancing I heard was the highlight for both of them. It was soo sweet to see how Avery was BEAMING when she came home. She was so proud that Scott was flipping her around while they danced. What a sweet relationship they have.

Sleeping Beauties

I have a problem. Afton loves Avery sooo much, that she insists on sleeping with her. She will get in bed with her no matter where I put her to bed at. Problem is...well, poor Avery. Look how she has to sleep! Mothers, you all know what I am talking about. Hugging the edge of the bed, being kicked, slapped, woken up for a bottle. Well, this is what my 8 year old has been dealing with. I feel so bad, any ideas?

Big Helper

This was a while ago, but I thought it was so cute. Afton went out to help Dad work on his motorcycle. She loves to get rides on it, or the 4 wheeler, or anything that moves fast.

Baptisim Day

Avery was Baptized the second weekend in October. She was baptized in Morgan, UT by her Dad. It was a very special day. We choose to do it in Morgan, so that more family would have the option of attending. Grandpa Sharp gave the opening prayer. Grandma Anderson gave a talk on getting Baptized. Then she was baptized. Everything went very smooth. After she was done she got to pull the plug from the bottom of the font. ( this was a treat!) When I was helping her change back into her clothes, she lost her tooth! It was pretty funny to see her walk back in holding a wad of toilet paper to her mouth. During our changing time, Madison (her cousin), played the violin, and Cara and her Daughter Gabby (friends) sang a duet. I then gave the talk on the Holy Ghost, and her Dad gave her the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Bishop ended with a few comments and Crew gave the closing prayer (which I was very impressed by). It was such a spiritual day for me. I was dealing with many different emotions as a mother. I was proud that she made the choice to get baptized, and I was so excited for her to have the gift of the Holy Ghost. I was hoping that I had taught her all the things she needed to know about this special day, and why it is so special. I prayed that I would be able to teach and share with her my feelings of the Holy Ghost, and that the spirit would be there to touch her, and those in attendance. I was so thankful that I have a husband that holds the priesthood, so that he was able to baptized and confirm her. Over all, I am so thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful that I have the knowledge of the purpose of this life. That I have covenants to make, and blessings to receive from them. I am thankful for the freedom to teach my children what I believe, and the freedom that they have to know for themselves what is true. I am so glad that I was able to witness this special spiritual day in my daughters life. She is such a blessing to our family, and I am constantly amazed by her knowledge and love of the Gospel.

Costume Shots

Ok, so usually I have my Dad take the kids Halloween pics, but that never happened due to the miles. I took some shots before we left, and this is what we got. It was a very fun night. When we came home we had hot chocolate with candy corn sprinkled on top, and watched (the non scary parts) of Indian Jones.

Fire Station

Before we went Trick or Treating the fire station

in Driggs let you come and get Hot Apple Cider,

Treats, glow in the dark sticks, and a tour of the

station and trucks. It was a lot of fun, and I am always

so amazed at how clean the stations are, and how BIG the

trucks are!