8 cousins

From left to right; Jonathan, Ryne, Weston, Mackenna, Grayson, Mikayla, Klara, and Kaleb

We were able to all get together for some birthdays and took this group shot. Out of the 10 or so pics I took, this one was the best. A few others to share.

Klara with Grandpa

Klara with Grandma and Grayson

Klara feeding baby cousin

Time for cake and ice cream. What a good looking table of kids.

Grand Canyon Trip

We got to ride the train to the Grand Canyon with Clif's parents and Uncle Paul. What a fun time that was! The day started with Clif being in the gun show.Yes, he is caring his mom's purse. It was all part of the show. The cowboy on the left is Buck. On the train at 10am and a little later the entertainment started. Kaleb got to play on the fiddle!! We were all so proud of him. He stood in the aisle while the guy helped him play. Then Uncle Paul got a turn.

At the canyon, we had lunch and then took family pics. Of course there were snowball fights too.

Back on the train to leave at 3:30 to head back. Of course, more entertainment and while the kids were both sleeping, one with grandma and the other with dad......it happened! A train robbery.......everyone says, "AGHHH". Ok, kids are awake now! It was all so fun. What a great day and the weather was perfect. The next day it was snowy and windy. So our day was just right!!

Finally, I have a few moments to update. Let's see.....Clif had 2 hernias repaired on Dec 18th which gave him 6 weeks on disability. Yes, it was a bit planned that way. I (nekol) was in a drama at chruch for Christmas eve. It was a great chance for me to be my normal drama self.

We headed to his parents for Christmas with all the family there. What a nice time that was. The kids all played together and food was great!

(a few pics of their Christmas outfits)

We then went to my parents for New Years and spent some time with Great Granny.

(My Granny Nadine)

When we came back home, it snowed on us pretty good. This is a pic of the kids and I sleding in our front yard. I think I had more fun then they did. Hey, we don't get snow like this in Texas.

Kaleb and I Klara and I

Klara in the snow Kaleb loves it!!

a snow tunnel a close up

That's it for now. I'll do more soon!!

What a great dog

Dexter is so very patient with the kids.

Finally, our first snow this year!

Alright, it's not the most impressive pic, but it's what I had.
Klara had a good time playing as long as she didn't fall down.
Kaleb has discovered that he loves to throw snowballs.
It's lots of fun to slide in the snow.

The Polar Express

What a fun trip. We took the Polar Express train to the North Pole!! This was our 3rd year taking the train and it was still so much fun. We boarded the train, ate cookies, drank hot cocoa, and listened to the book over the speakers. Then we stopped at the North Pole and saw Santa. Santa then "cuts" off a bell just like in the book and boards the train. Then starts the singing.......aggh, the singing. No one is on key, no one is on the same tempo, and the "elves" are trying to get all the songs sang. This lasts until Santa comes onto your car. Santa wishes each child a Merry Christmas and gives each one a silver bell.

This was taken BEFORE the bells were handed out. Can you imagine all the kids with a bell each!?! Who's idea was this?? And where are the ear plugs???!! Ok, it's not quite that bad.....or was it. Bells were everywhere. Each child drops their bell at least once leaving the parents to swan dive for it. It's forbidden to leave the train without your bell, and I'm sure Santa doesn't have any more......it was so funny to watch because we did the same thing.
Our bell is not broken...the kids ring them all day....is there a mute button for them?? All kidding done, we really did have tons of fun. The kids are getting older and understanding more. What a great memory we have now.

Christmas lights at Little America 2007

We took a trip to Little America where they turn all their christmas lights on at once. We didn't go last year because it is usually too crowded. But we decided to go this year and it wasn't so bad. The kids and I had on about 15 different layers (it was really cold out!!).

The kids did great and loved seeing all the lights come on at once.Tonight we ride the Polar Express. I'll post pics of that soon (I hope).