Sarah's 13th birthday

To celebrate Sarah's birthday, we got mani's and pedi's (thanks to no work or school for MLK day), and had dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Sarah got clothes and a birthstone ring, plus money from family. She said it was a great day.

My family

I don't think I've ever had a picture with all my family members in it, so like it or not, I made everyone get together for one this year. The first one pictures my brother, two sisters, mother and grandmother. The second one is all of my siblings, their spouses, their children and my mom.

Christmas Eve

We were blessed to be able once again to spend Christmas Eve at the Beck's house. We celebrated Erik's birthday with cupcakes and a toothpick to sub for a candle :).














Kids play bingo for the chance to open presents.











Baby Kaitlyn played Jesus in the traditional nativity "play."






























Erik's not too big yet to get out of playing a wise man, although TJ is now that he is married :)














Sarah is always the angel












































Christmas Eve morn was Christmas for the kids since we were flying out hat night. Sarah had all her wildest dreams come true with a trampoline and a cell phone!

It's become a new tradition for our family to go to our church temple in Mesa to see the Christmas displays and lights each year. We went on Christmas Eve, eve this year, again with the Curtis family (Lars grew up with the dad). Here is a picture of Sarah and Erik with their four kids. Afterwards, we went back to our house to make smores in the firepit and have hot chocolate.

Erik's 15th Birthday

Erik turned 15 on December 22. We took some of his friends (Kendon, Frances and Jacob) to see the movie Avatar and then came back to the house for some cake. He got some video games and cash, but one of his favorite was a case of chili from Lars' mom - he loves this brand that we've only found in Albuquerque!

Erik's Court of Honor

In early December, Erik's scout troop had a court of honor. I'm the advancement chair, so I was able to help put it together. Erik received his Life scout rank and several merit badges. He is now ready to work on his Eagle project in order to receive his Eagle scout rank. He's planning to paint and update the teacher's lounge at Pueblo, where he went to middle school (and Sarah still goes there).