The Tree

Last weekend we went out to Studhorse and got our Christmas tree. It is a great traditon that both Rustin and I had growing up and our kids love it. It is so great to be outdoors and see all of the deer and elk tracks in the snow. Smell the pine trees. And just enjoy being together.

Rustin cutting down the tree.
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Annalynn and her walking stick. My dad is out of work right now with a bad foot. He has to walk witha cane and the whole time Annalynn was saying look I have a hurt foot like grandpa and need a cane to walk. It was so cute.

Ryan enjoyed himself. He loves to pick up the snow and eat it no matter how much we tell him that he shouldn't do it. Boys will be boys I guess.

I can't believe that it Christmastime again. It just seems that I had all the stress from Rus's accident last year. I am so thankful that he is well and that has no lasting effects from his fall.

Things kids say!

The other day my son was in time out and he was trying numerous ways to get out. This is by far his best attempt at getting out of time out.
He said to me "Mom, I think that you should let me get out of time out and kick my butt instead."
My reply, "Ok get over here so I can do it."
He stands up and walks over to me turns around and says, "Ok, mom kick my butt."
I give him what he asked for and then he says "Mom that was not hard enough you better do it again."
I was laughing so hard that time out never got finished that day.

Halloween

We had 2 days with fun filled Halloween activities. Friday the Elementery had a Halloween Carnival sponsered by the PTA. The kids went with Rus and Gpa Barlow while I helped in the kitchen. They seemed to have fun. By the end of the night Ry's costume had quite the hammering, but still wearable for trick-or-treating.
Saturday we went to a funeral and then Rus and his friend cut up 3 deer. They started at 1pm and finnished about 6 just before we left to trick or treat. We went with Allie and just drove to a few houses since it was pretty cold. Here are the puppy and witch.

Red Ribbon Week

Last week at school they had Red Ribbon Week. The theme for week "Give drugs the Boot". They got a red elastic bracelet. Each day was filled with a great activity. Monday was red shirt day. Tuesday was boot day. Wednesday was pajama day. Thursday was cowboy day. Here is a picture of Annalynn dressed up as a cowboy. I love when I can reuse things. This is Ryan's costume from last Halloween. When I asked "A" what she learned during Red Ribbon Week she said, "We don't take things that hurt our body." Pretty good for a 5 year old I think.

Sand Dunes

So this morning we decided on the spur of the moment we decided to go to the White Sand Dunes. We also to my father-in-law and 2 cousisns with us. It was a lot of fun. Perfect temprature.

Ry and Annalynn took many trips to the top of the big hill. I did it once with them. Boy was it a big hill. I forgot how hard it is to climb in sand. The screw in my ankle didn't really like it either.

Ry and cousin Allie taking a stab at climbing.

Coming down is sure a lot more fun than going up.

Ry and his leaf. He loved this leaf.

Annalynn builing her sand castle.
We took a lunch and enjoyed a few hours just enjoying God's beautiful creations. During lunch we had a bee that wouldn't leave us alone he kept landing on my sandwich and Hunter's sandwich while we were eating it. What a crazy bee it was. So glad that I decided to go. It has been so long since I enjoyed a hike.

My last post kept giving me errors so here are the rest of the pictures from the trip. It was such a great trip. Althougth is was only for a few short hours it was wonderful. I was able to see my niece and nephew that were born since they moved.

A snapshot that one of the kids took in SL of my beautiful mom. I think it turned out so well, I am sure that she would say that it didn't turn out.

Lucie and Annalynn seemed to connect really well. Aren't they beauties!!!

I love this beautiful girl. Chillin at the park.

While in SL the kids wanted to ride the train so bad...Who could resist such a simple request especially since downtown it is free.
After the days activities were over my mom and dad took the kids to the hotel and I went to the Family History Library. I found a cemetery record for my great-great grandfather. Such a great find. I litarlly did the happy dance right there in the middle of the silence of the library. I didn't care I was so excited. We have since requested his death certificate hoping to find some more specific information and hopefully give us more information on the previous generation.

Cousins

A couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to see my brother Jared and his family in Salt Lake. They came to look for doctors to intern with when school is over for Jared.
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Jake and Annalynn saying goodbye. I love this picture so much.

At the end of the day we got ice cream bars at Smith's for all of the kids. Here is a close up of Ryan enjoying his chocolate.

Even baby Will got to enjoy some. I loved this little guy so much. It was so fun to see the kids.

Jacob, Holly, Lucie, Annalynn and Ryan...what a photo opportunity.

Lucie and Ryan chillin in the shade at the park.
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We had a picnic at Sugarhouse park after we were done at the temple. There were some branches that had been cut off a tree that had not been picked up Jacob and Ryan loved playing in them.


We spent some time at Temple square. Annalynn was upset for some reason and wouldn't get in the picture. Some day she will regret it.