The Last Months of 2011

Brandon played basketball this fall.  We got to see several games.  These guys are getting some good skills.  The scoreboard shows their talents in their overwhelming win.

Another birthday celebration for Becky.

"The Nutcracker" starring Jayden Sherwood as the Nutcracker.  The drama club did a excellent job with this play and Jayden did a super job in his role.  Jayden is the drama club president this year - his senior year at Yelm High School.  Family picture time after the play.

Proud of Megan for being named Student of the Month at school for going "Above and Beyond."

Christmas Eve at Becky and Mike's in Yakima and then Christmas Day at Jason and Courtney's in Yelm.

These pictures make me ask, "What's on their minds?"

Love this picture.  Brian (visiting from SC), Kyle and Brett.  Don't they look great with all those smiles.

Megan getting her gear ready to go duck with her dad.  Kyle loves to hunt with Jason and he shows us their one duck for the day.

Finishing the year with some pretty shots.  Oops, forgot to take down the hummingbird feeder before the first snow in December.

Thanksgiving Weekend 2011

So proud of these smiling, beautiful and stylish girls who planned a special weekend for our family.  We rented a large house on a 35 acre horse ranch from Wednesday night through Sunday over Thanksgiving weekend.  It was an awesome family Thankgiving/birthday party/mini vacation. 

Thanksgiving dinner had a favorite dish for everyone and as always, there was plenty to go around (and lots of leftovers).  We are grateful for our family and our time spent together.

The girls had lots of fun doing their hair and nails.  Megan's hair was so cute after being crimped.    The house was decorated with horses.  This mural was just one of many displays.

On Friday, we celebrated Jayden's 18th birthday all day.  It was perfect.  The first activity was lazer tag.  It sounded like a war but don't they look like it was really fun.

Next on the schedule was a lasagna dinner.  Then Jayden opened his gifts.  He hugged his sisters for a special card.  The story of his life album made for Jayden by his mom brought on an emotional moment and a huge hug for mom.  He didn't win anything on his first lottery tickets but he was overjoyed by the cash gifts.  He ordered a computer that he has wanted forever.

Next, we went to the skating rink.  Everyone is getting ready to hit the rink.  The lighting was too dim to get pictures while they were skating.  No one got injured so it was a successful trip.

Then, of course, birthday cake to end a day of celebration for a great young man.

Oh, what would a weekend together be without some pranks.  Lindsey and Merry tried to discourage the boys from getting into their room.  Peanut butter on the floor?  Or opened ketchup packets? 

Part of the rental included riding horses.  The girls are getting acquainted with the horses by grooming them and helping saddle the horses.

Safety comes first.

What a special picture!  All our children and grandchildren (with the exception of Brett's son, Brian, who lives in SC)  are pictured here just before we ended a very memorable weekend.  Let's make this a tradition.