Merry Christmas.....

We hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year. I have so many pictures and activities to share. This holiday season has been crazy and time has slipped away from me. I promise to catch up and share all of our adventures.

Tis The Season

For Craziness!! The rush has started to fit everything in before Christmas. We are certianly not exempt. This week has been full of parties, activities, and of course the never ending homework. It has been so busy that I was looking forward to a slower weekend. Much to my surprise when I check the calendar and remembered that Saturday was the craziest day of the week.

Saturday morning we were greeted by snow & rain. Every day the weathermen had claimed we would have snow. Finally, on Saturday it came, well only a small dusting on the grass. It soon melted and we had rain the rest of the day. We were off to the Rec Center for Breakfast with Santa. As we were walking in Santa came through the door. He hugged each one of the kids. They were in heaven.

Breakfast with 300 of our closest friends. There was so much activity that the kids barely ate a thing. There were games, crafts, music, movies, dancing, and finally visiting with Santa.

The Grinch was also there with many elves. He must of loved us because he was never far away. He stole my breakfast. Reganne & Ryder were upset and started telling him off. Ryder just stared at him and wouldn't get to close. Rylee went and danced with him.

Rylee, Reganne, and Ryder eating breakfast.

Rylee, Grinch, Reganne...

He wrote on my picture !!!! He autographed Reganne's picture. She had to have another one because he ruined it.

Ryder...They took by glue!!!

He was prefectly content to color, cut, and glue his picture. However, the kids around us kept taking his stuff.

Robin, Rylee, and Reganne...Making Elves. Reganne promptly gave hers away to Robin's sister Phoebe. She didn't get to make one.

Reganne & Robin watching movies.

The kids all had a fun time and are already pleading to go back next year.

Rylee had her year end test for karate. She has been working so hard to earn her next belt. We arrived in time to warm up and get ready. Luckily there were only 4 other students, but she had never met them. She was also the youngest orange belt there. 3 of them were orange belts and one was a green belt.

She did really well with her testing. She was a little timid with the other students, but she hung in there. It came time to spar with the others. She has only done this twice before. They matched her up with the next boy (age 10). They started and did really well. However, he was bigger and stronger. His kick caught her just right in the ribs. There was a quick break to make sure she was ok. Much to my relief she was just shook up. The visiting instructor checked her out and calmed her down. She then asked Rylee to spar with her. Rylee came back stronger than ever and scored her points.

She was awarded her blue belt and congratulated for not giving up.

Rylee & her new belt

The look on her face is the one she had the whole time. I am not sure if it was from fright or concentration. She is eager to start work on her next belt.

Wow, we survived the day. I hope we can survive this next week. It's not supposed to slow down.

It's All About The Hair

In Primary they have been talking about service and what each person can do for someone else. We have been talking the past couple of months about cutting the girls hair off. We have talked, threatened, pleaded about their hair. Rylee wanted to donate her hair. Reganne wanted to keep her hair and let it keep growing. After the last Primary discussion I asked them if they would like to serve someone that doesn't have any hair? There was a pause and finally Rylee said that would be cool to give someone hair for Christmas. Reganne promptly replied all they want for Christmas is hair.

Off we went to Shawna's house on Monday and Rylee was first. We decided this time to try two ponytails instead of one. She had to still saw through the hair.

The first cut
The second cut... Can I change my mind?

What am I doing???

The final product. She hated the process afterwards. Shampooing, cutting, drying, and finally styling her hair. She sure looks cute. She was so excited to show her friends at school. She couldn't wait to be the center of attention.

Next in line as Reganne. Now that it was her turn she wasn't so sure she wanted to do it. Her expressions are priceless.

The first cut.

The second cut... My hair is gone!!!

And finally she it is done. She is learning to like her short hair. She was afraid that nobody would remember who she was. She doesn't want anyone fussing over her or her new hair.

We are really proud of them for wanting to share & serve others.

Finally, Ryder's hair.

I had a quick, fleeting thought to let his hair grow out a little. So I tried spiking it to match the patches that were all ready standing up. This lasted about an hour and it was all laying down, except the back patches. So he also got a haircut. Not enough to donate, but he sure looks better.

Thanksgiving and More

Thanksgiving it a time for food, family, and decorating. Not necessarily in that order. When Dave decides it is time then everything comes out and we start. This year is started last Sunday and has lasted all week. Bryan & Becca were coming for Thanksgiving and Dave wanted to make sure the house looked good for them.

This is Dad's Tree. It is perfect with everything matching and placed perfectly on the tree. This is also the tree that has tempted Ryder all week. He can't seem to leave it alone. He has broken bulbs, plugged in the tree so he can see the lights. Then he quickly unplugs them before I can't get over there.

Decorating Dad's Tree is hard work. They all had to have an ice cream treat afterwards. Ryder is into the Me Do It phase and he did it.

Ryder & Mom..This has been a busy week and bed time comes way to fast. Ryder brings me his blankets, books, and wants to rock before bed. Rylee has started reading to him also. They both love it.

Ryder & Aunt Becca..He discovered that whipped cream is a good treat. He didn't care for the pumpkin pie, just give him a bowl of the cream and he would be set.

Rylee, Uncle Bryan, and Reganne..Poor Uncle Bryan they girls were never far away from him. We loved having Bryan & Becca visit, but I am sure we wore them out.

Lori, Reganne, and our Traditions Tree.

This tree is all about traditions. The girls were upset Dad told them there was only going to be one tree this year. They begged all week to please to their tree. Saturday after cleaning and decorating the house we finally started our tree. I handed each of them their ornaments and we talked about each one as they put them on the tree. We had only one fatality this year. An ornament that Grandma Henderson gave us off her tree a few years ago. It slipped off and hit the tile.

It's all about traditions!!!

Oh how we love this time of year and spending time with family and friends. We hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.

2009 NICU Reunion

It's hard to believe that it has been 2 years since Ryder was so sick and in the NICU. This year for the Jubilee of Trees they decided to include a NICU Reunion for all Graduates and their parents. We were able to get in at no charge to see all the trees and visit with old friends.

Ryder wasn't so sure about the visiting with old friends. He would duck his head when anyone would try and talk to him or take his picture. We saw many of the nurses, social workers, therapists that helped us.

The NICU Staff donated a tree this year. Included was a nice flat screen tv showing various babies currently in the NICU. Ryder loved the trees and wanted to touch them.

NICU Tree

Ryder & The Life Flight Helicopter

This year the Foundation is trying to raise money for our own Life Flight Helicopter. We were told they ordered it on Friday. He really did love the helicopter. The staff let him climb inside and look around. He just didn't want his picture taken or his cookies taken away.

Dad, Mom, and Ryder

Vanessa, Ryder, and Jodi

These two women are Ryder's Guardian Angels. Without them, their skills, and following their promptings Ryder would not be here today. They literaly saved his life. Ryder was tired and ready to be done. They were so glad to see all of the graduates. They said this was the biggest payoff seeing how healthy the kids are and that their hard work is paying off.

All we can say to them is Thank You !!!!!

Exploring

This week has been full of early out days, parent teachers, getting bumped from flights, quick trips to Salt Lake City. It is amazing we found time to explore a park in St George. We have driven past it many times in the past 15 years. This week we were searching for a quick picnic spot to each lunch. It was the perfect place for a quick lunch and then exploring. The kids loved climbing around the rocks and through the rocks. There were caves, holes, and wild life. This truly was a kids paradise. It also offered wonderful backdrop for a few pictures. I can't decide which to use on our Christmas cards.

Reganne, Dad, Ryder, and Rylee

This was a good climb to get to this point.

The Kids: They found a trail and were eager to follow it.

Rylee, Mom, Reganne, and Ryder

This rock overlooked town and the temple.

Our attempt to get a family picture with the timer on the camera. Ryder refused to move closer.

Rylee & Reganne at the hole in the rock.

Ryder decided he needed to look as well.

What a perfect picture to end the day and start the week.

Rylee VIP for the Day

Rylee's Second Grade Class this year every member gets a VIP Day. They are able to celebrate everything about them. Rylee decided she wanted to take Harley and share him with her class. We also shared her favorites, hobbies, and what makes her special in our family. She loved all the attention. The biggest suprise to the class was Rylee knows Karate. Now at lunch time they ask her to show them the kicks and practice on the side of the school.

Mrs. McBrides' Second Grade Class + Harley

Bonus pictures...

Reganne & Ryder were playing together and discovered the rocking horse. This rocking horse is older than them. It was from my first Christmas. Every child that has come to our house has to try it out. Rylee & Reganne both hated sitting in it. Ryder would only sit there for a minute and then he wanted out.

Halloween Week

Halloween Week finally arrived and along with it came the cold weather. Rylee had been planning her costume since September. Reganne couldn't make up her mind and Ryder found his and wanted to wear it all the time. This year we had a cowgirl, a witch, and an alligator.

Tuesday kicked off the activities with the Ward Carnival and Dinner. The kids had alot of fun with the games, seeing their friends, and of course eating the candy.

Reganne & Rylee @ the ward carnival

Rylee " The Cowgirl"

Reganne: The Cute Witch

Ryder: The Alligator, dragon, or dinasaur.

Thursday was Trunk or Treating with the Dixie State College Athletic Department @ Hansen Stadium. This was a quick trip around the track. It was really cold and the wind was blowing. Afterwards I asked the kids if they had fun? Yes was the quick reply let's do this again next year.

Ryder, Rylee, and Reganne @ Hansen Stadium

Friday was a busy day. Little Valley Elementary Halloween Party at 9:20. All the kids walked around the track twice. Of course being kids they left their coats inside and were all freezing. I was amazed at the creativity of the costumes. There weren't many store bought ones. There was a toilet, the Geico Money thing, H1N1 Swine.

Rylee @ Halloween Parade

Next came Trick or Treating @ SkyWestin the afternoon. The buildings were full of kids in costumes. We came home with 3 bags full of candy and 3 tired kids.

Halloween officially came. They were ready to trick or treat around the neighborhood. Ryder had to walk the whole way so it took longer. They had so much fun. We then tried out the Rec Centers Trunk or Treating. It was full of fun, games, and of course more candy.

By 8:30 when we got home everyone was exhausted. Ryder climbed in his bed and promptly fell asleep. The girls had to wind down, but that didn't take long. Thank goodness for the extra hour of sleep. I never thought I would enjoy ending Daylight Savings Time so much.

A Quiet Fall Week

This week was spent recovering from allergies that turn into sinus and ear infections. School was back in session after 5 days for Fall Break. A long with that came the homework and getting back into the swing of things. The hunt for Halloween costumes has started in preparation for Halloween Week that is right around the corner. Next week will be full of trick or treating, trunk or treating, parades, and parties.

Today in our Primary Program so let the fun and anxiety start. It was decided that I must stand on the bench so the pianist and kids in the back can see me. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't fall and break my neck or leg.

Family Night: Staheli Family Farms

Fall has finally arrived in St George. Staheli Family Farms / Corn Maze is open for business. Rylee made us promise last year that we would go there are a family. Every time we would drive by on our way to the rec center she would remind us of our promise. Monday's is family night so we were off . There was so much to do and see. We were sure where to start.

Rylee found the Tire Horses.

Reganne was right behind her.

Ryder found the sand pile and trucks.

Next came the tractor ride to the corn maze. It was starting to sprinkle.

The corn maze..... Are we lost?

The girls love the corn. They hated the rest of the maze. We got seperated from Dad & Ryder. They were afraid we would never find our way out or their dad would leave them. I told them I had my cell phone and I would call him. They told me that dad had left his home. So much for comforting them.

Rylee, Reganne, Ryder

What is this stuff???

Rylee & Donkey

This picture is blurry, but I had to share it. The helper at the petting zoo asked Rylee if she wanted to sit on him. Rylee hesitated for a moment and climbed on. As soon as she was on the donkey took off. This look of suprise or terror was priceless. Reganne saw this and she had to have a turn. However, the donkey would not move.

Reganne spotted the horse rides and she just had to have one. She was in heaven and didn't want to get off. The workers gave her an extra long ride.

Ryder found the big tractor and he was ready to go.

It was a fun family night. Too bad everyone came home with allergies from the corn. Don't get allergies or a cold. Everyone thinks you have Swine Flu gives you the evil eye if you start coughing or sneezing. Rylee got sent home from school for sneezing and coughing to much and she has to stay out for 5 days even with a doctors note. The near panic and hysteria here in town is almost out of control and laughable. Everyone has a different theory and will share it.