Christmas Eve

This was so much fun for all of us! Aimee and I got the Bradley's and the Rudnicki's together for a night full of entertainment.When everyone got there we had a great big feast. Thanks to all the hands who helped and attended!After dinner the girls all played dress up, as well as Brody! He was dying to put a dress on and Aunt Christie helped out.Where's Max when you need another boy?Then the excitement began. We played name that tune with Christmas songs, boys against girls. Needless to say, girls won. I can't remember the last time we all got together and laughed this hard...together.Then I told the story of the true meaning of all the Christmas symbols.Aimee told the story of Jesus' birth.Then we sang Happy Birthday reverently to Jesus and had all the kids blow out the candles.It was so wonderful to get everyone together. Let's do it again next year!

Oakland Temple Lights

Aimee and I planned a trip to the Oakland Temple to see the lights. Most of all our other family members met us there. Every year they decorate the temple grounds for the season. It was so beautiful to just be there and have all the kids run around.It was wonderful to be able to go through the Visitor's Center with Jon's family to experience how meaningful and precious life here is on earth, and that it just doesn't end here.

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!