Tunes and Treats

Jacob had his Jazz band concert while I was gone to Utah. The kids love it because they have tables set up and they give cookies and punch. They also love it because the concert is very casual and they can get up and dance. Jacob played several solo parts. He really enjoys Jazz band. He has gotten good at playing the trombone. March 2012

Jacob kept insisting to his band teacher that they find and play the Mario theme song until he finally gave in.  Jacob was very excited.  It was short notice so he felt like he was the only one that knew it, but they played it anyway. Here it is:

Alison's 9th Birthday

We had a early birthday party for Alison before we left on our trip to Utah. Alison and I went to Utah to attend my parents 50th wedding anniversary reception. She was excited to get her own luggage for the trip and also yummy cheesecake. She also celebrated her birthday with both sides of the family while in Utah (lucky girl). March 2012

Two Front Teeth

Joshua has lost his teeth! Well, just the two front teeth. He was very excited for the money from the tooth fairy. March 2012

Snow Day

The end of February we had our one and only snow day this year. The kids had a great time playing outside. Darren didn't have such a great time. This year, we made arrangements with the neighbor that if they let him use their snow blower, then he would do their driveway and ours when it snowed.  The driveways are long and it takes too long to do when you are doing it by hand, especially when it is negative temps. He spent several hours shoveling the two driveways.

The Braces are off!

Jacob had his braces removed this morning. He was very excited. He also got his hair cut right after the orthodontist appointment. He returned to school a new person. I was looking forward to the haircut just as much as the braces. He should have had it cut about a month ago. He looks great!

Before:

After:

3rd grade program

Alison sang and danced at her 3rd grade program. She did a great job. She is the one in the purple shirt looking at the camera. She was chosen to be one of the dancers for her class song. Here she is:

Honor Band

Jacob was selected to be in the honor band for Minnesota. He spent a full Saturday with the band and then performed that night. It was a honor and good experience for him.

Jacob's 14th Birthday

The family celebrated Jacob's birthday by having cake and ice cream and opening presents. Then on the weekend Jacob had some friends over for a late night video game party with pizza and donuts. He had a great birthday.

New Years Eve 2011

Darren and the kids had a fun time playing games and eating food.   Here is a picture of the Headbands game. Rylie was really funny playing this game. She had to look and see what she was, then pretend like she didn't know. The younger kids were allowed to stay up until 10pm. I worked, but was home by 10:30pm. We continued the games and snacks with Jacob and Ali. We had a good time.

Christmas 2011

Christmas was on Sunday this year. We had our traditional continental breakfast upstairs (in Emily's room), then we got ready and went to church. We only had Sacrament meeting so we figured the kids could wait to open presents.

After church we lined up on the stairs before going to see the presents under the tree. We have to keep with tradition.  We all changed back into pajammas for the rest of the day.  We had an enjoyable Christmas day.

The kids were very happy with what they got this year.

Rylie:

Josh:

Alison:

Jacob:

Emily:

Christmas Eve 2011

On Christmas Eve we had a whole day of activities since it was a Saturday. Each child assembled and decorated a gingerbread house.

We also made and decorated sugar cookies (a favorite).  Some cookies were more sprinkles than cookie.

We had our traditional favorites meal.  Each family member gets to choose one favorite food item and we put it all together for a variety buffet.  This year Darren made spetzle, I chose shrimp cocktail, Jacob chose garlic bread, Alison chose Chicken and Broccoli casserole, Joshua chose Fried mushrooms, Rylie chose Papa Murphy's veggie delite pizza, Emily chose frozen grapes and we had homemade fries (since I was already making the mushrooms.  It is always a fun meal.

After dinner we read the Christmas story from the scriptures, Read Grandma Burgess' story, opened the present of new pj's and went to bed. We had a great day.

The Kids

Darren grabbed the kids one night while I was at work and took this picture.  December 2011

Darren and Stacie

I realized we do not have many pictures of Darren and me so I had Jacob take one.  December 2011.