February 2013

February is always a fun month at our house.  Two birthdays, an anniversary, and a holiday, amongst all the rest of the craziness of a new year.  Here is how it looked in 2013.

Crazy hair day

This little girl had a birthday.  It is so fun to watch her grow and become a young lady.  It is fun to watch her develop her own interests and identity.  She has started to truly enjoy creating things.  She likes to sew, so we had a sewing themed birthday party.  Each guest created her own pillow and hand stitched a letter and shape onto it.  They had fun, and it was very "her."

This little man had a birthday too.  This was his first "friend" birthday party, and his Daddy did it up right!  He built a big catapult for the boys to use to knock over the pigs that Mom made.  Then each little boy made his own mini catapult out of popsicle sticks, rubber bands, etc.  to take home with the fuzzy birds that Mom made.  (I can't believe I don't have a picture of those!)  He had a great day!  This boy makes his parents very happy.  He is still our "Big O" and is becoming quite the little man.  Though we still struggle with some of his crazy behaviors, we truly enjoy his excitement and energy!

January 2013

What happened in January of 2013?

These little monkeys went ice skating for the first time... It was an adventure for Mom, that's for sure!  The buckets really helped though.

Z found a new obsession...just like Liza used to do!  Shoes shoes shoes!

Then we had this really fun party to celebrate this great girl who was brave enough to have FIVE little girls!

My oldest participated in her first spelling bee.

 After a fun scavenger hunt through the house, my kids found out they were going to Disneyland with their cousins ...but they would have to wait until October.

And then, of course, there was the annual trip to the Stock Show with Papa!

Christmas 2012

(Pretend this was posted about 10 months ago, ok?)

Christmas is always an adventure, but thankfully this year it was less of an adventure to get to St George and be with the Petersons than it was last time.  We always have to start with the AMAZING and kind of ridiculous Christmas Eve meal.  Every person picks one or two dishes to be prepared and served...that's a LOT of dishes!

Next up is the Christmas story acted out by ridiculously dressed people playing parts that don't fit them, but they really want to play...unless of course they are over the age of 10.

 Then the talent show...

 And of course an appearance from the Jolly Old Man himself....before he gets stripped down to just plain Grampy.

 And FINALLY Christmas morning!

 On the drive home we got to stop in and see Grandpa Klaversma in Grand Junction.  Most of the kids don't remember ever meeting him before, so that was nice.  They thought it was funny that he couldn't hear them no matter how loud they were.

 Why do I always try?  I never get a decent picture in their Christmas outfits, but I try every year...

My BABY is ONE?!?

We started this birthday the same as usual, with a birthday donut!  He wasn't sure how he felt about it at first, but he quickly decided that he LOVES donuts!

I made this banner for his party...can you tell that this is the last baby and I am desperate to savor every single moment?

He started to get into the party about the time the cake came out!  He was ok with the people, better with the presents, but the CAKE!  That was the real winner!  This is a mild kid that is not the first to chat, smile, or giggle, but this finally got fun for him!  He destroyed the cake, which made this mama VERY happy!

I love remembering his story.  It always makes me smile to remember that this baby is full of surprises!   Remembering that day a year ago...so much has changed!

He makes me happy every single day!  I LOVE YOU SO MUCH ISAAC ALLEN!  You make me so happy my little "Miracle Man."

December 2012

 Tori had her first elementary school choir concert (yes, they sang at Veteran's Day, but that was not an official concert...).  She had been looking forward to it for so long and was so thrilled to finally perform.  She sang the songs so often and for so long.  I am pretty sure that most of our family could have performed with them.  

Tor and Lil

Angie and Tori

I am super sentimental. so I am all about traditions!  I post every year about the decorating of the tree, the cooking making, etc.  I don't think that I have ever remembered to post this tradition.

We usually decorate our tree on the Monday night after Thanksgiving as part of our Family Home Evening for the night.  After we finish decorating the tree we turn off all the lights except for the lights on the tree and we eat donuts and drink egg nog while we sing Christmas Carols.  I LOVE this tradition!  I always feel so happy to hear my kids sing those beautiful songs!

November 2012

We got to spend a little time in the mountains over fall break.  We love our little mountain getaways!  The kids and I had a little adventure while Daddy and Zac took a nap.

Tori had her first elementary school choir performance at a special Veteran's Day breakfast.  She was pretty excited.  It was a little gathering, but surprisingly touching.

The Whitmill side of the family had some great pictures taken!  Talitha was fast and great!  With a group this size and this make up, there isn't a lot of time to get a good picture, but she snapped several, and we were so grateful!

(Three generations)

The "Petermill" Family

All the cousins in age order Hunter, Jake, Lily, Tori, Brayden, Marlee, Sophie, Lizzie, Logan, Makenna, Owen, Gavin, (looping back to the beginning) Liam, and Isaac

Mom and Dad

Sisterly love

The Whole Clan--DANG! There are lots of us!

One of the MANY reasons why I adore my husband--the way he loves our children!