Niles Train Ride

Grammy and Grandpa Nick invited us to take a family train ride through Niles Fremont. It was great to listen to Brody make train sounds and see the train all decorated for the holiday.I love this time of year because of the weather and the focus on Christ. Chrsit truely is the reason for the season. At the beginning of this month we had a Family Home Evening introducing the birth of Christ and the real meaning of this time of year. Afterwards the kids decorated shoe boxes as presents for Christ. Everyday they had to do something nice or some sort of service for someone else, write it down and stick it in the box. These are the greatest presents that Christ could receive for his birthday. Because "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God". I stole this idea off of the Litchfields, thanks!

SNOW, SNOW, SNOW!

When Jon awoke this morning he couldn't believe his eyes. He woke me up to snow! The last time it snowed here was 4 years ago.Though it was a light dusting we were so excited that we woke up the kids.We didn't do anything but put on their rain boots, jackets, hats and gloves and headed out to see if we could find more in our area.We drove just 5 minutes up the road and this is what we found.Everyone was extra cautious because it's rare that we ever get snow like this.Kids were already out building snow men.And having snow ball fights. Rylee walked out of her rain boots a couple of times so we had to start heading back because her toes were getting frost bitten. Of course the school kids got a snow day because part of the city lost power.Jon got to be the hero that day because right as we were leaving a man slid on the sidewalk and fell down on his hip. We think that his hip was dislocated because it was shortened and rotated. Jon called 911 and the El Dorado Hills Fire Department was there in minutes. I bet they got a lot of calls that day.It was activly snowing so I drove our car out on to the park to give them a little shelter while waiting for the fire department. That was fun for me slipping and sliding around. What a great morning. Now off to Crossfit!

Gingerbread House

For Family Home Evening we decided to construct a gingerbread house. The kids got messy and ate the candy as we went. So did my biggest baby, Jon. Next year I think we'll do the graham cracker houses so everyone can be creative.

Maddox James Poulton

Welcome to the world baby Maddox James Poulton! We can't wait to meet you! Recover quickly Brit!

Lillian Rain Montes

After an intense last week of pregnancy for Renee everything turned out GREAT! Welcome to the world Lillian Rain Montes! They came up for Thanksgiving from San Diego and it was so great to see them and to meet her.She is so adorable.Cutie pie!

Stamps

Jon and I needed to talk for a couple minutes and this is what we found when we left our kids alone for a couple minutes.STAMPS!Now pose.We laughed so hard that morning.

"Singing in the Rain"

Whether rain or shine my new years goal back in 2006 was to take the kids out of the house at least once per day. Since that day we have been outside every day.Silly faces.Rylee liked licking the rain off of Brody's jacket.

Starbucks maybe?

I don't know what Jon is doing here, but I think his partner took a picture of him randomly one day at work. He sure is a handsome guy. Thanks for all your hard work at home and at work! We love you so much and miss you every day you are gone!

Lake Natomas Bike Ride and Picnic

Since we love being outdoors and this fall/winter has felt like spring, we decided to take a bike ride next to Lake Natomas. Rylee is 3.5 years old and has been riding a 2 wheeler without training wheels for a couple of months now. She is so taleneted! Thanks to the Strider bike. Brody is pretty fast on the Strider now and is so talented himself! She did the best to keep up but those hills were tough. Brody's little legs eventually gave up and he ended up in the trailer behind my bike.A little picnic and rock throwing.Just hanging around.Brody too!Jon practicing his handstands for Crossfit.Of course Brody has to do everything that Jon does. Now Brody's turn!Loving boys do what they do best......wrestle.Rylee in a tree.Jump to Jon!Brody's turn.No fear!Rylee loves her Dora bike and is such a great rider. We are so proud of you!

Channel Islands

Jon had the privalege of traveling down south on his birthday. He and many other men from my home ward back in Centerville left for the Channel Islands late at night. They left from the Santa Barbara port to sleep off the rocky boat ride out. The boat they took to sea.Channel Islands.Dan Skubal and Jon getting ready for the first dive.Jon in all his gear, that must have been heavy.Goofing off? Or maybe this is what you are supposed to do when a shark comes near...Loved the first dive.Venturing into a cave. Tight squeeze.Johnny Little and Ryan Beck show casing their catch.Dinner time inside the cab. They had a chef on board who was willing to cook up what you caught or make anything for any meal.Night dive.Into the dark deep he goes.The sleeping arrangements.Getting ready to pack up for their last dive of the trip.We missed you and we're glad you had a great time!