December Fun

We had a special visitor right after Christmas.  Cadence, a relative from Texas, came to stay with us for the week. She doesn't see much snow in Houston, so we took her up the mountain for an afternoon of sledding

Cadence loved our dog, Hudson.  The feeling was mutual...Hudson thinks he is a lap dog.

Gabi & Maya played basketball this winter.  Both loved it!

We made lots of sugar cookies to take with us to Colorado and decorate over Christmas.

Joyce buys the kids matching Christmas outfits every year and it is fun to get them together for some pictures.

Maya had a holiday dance recital during a craft fair.  She thought her outfit was pretty snazzy!

Our annual gingerbread houses!!

Thanksgiving in the Black Hills

We spent Thanksgiving near Deadwood, SD with Dave & Joyce and the Monterastelli crew.  We went over a day early to beat a storm and the kids had fun swimming at the hotel in Deadwood.  We spent the rest of the week at a beautiful rental house a few miles down the road.  The kids were so excited to have their own bedrooms together and had slumber parties every night.  

Kids cuddled up watching "The Polar Express"

Thanksgiving dinner, complete with the chocolate turkeys they had decorated earlier in the day.

Grandma Fern was able to come from Spearfish to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with u s.  Jacob is not into getting his picture taken.

On Friday, we to the Polar Express train in Hill City.  The kids had a great time!  It was complete with cookies, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa at the end.

Maya with the "North Pole" in the background

Late Fall Happenings

Here are some pictures from October, November, and early December!

Gabi received a scooter for her birthday.  Since we don't have much concrete around our house, we have been taking it in to town on Mondays while Maya is at dance class to ride around the ice rink.

My loves!

We celebrated Papa Dave's birthday with dinner at our house.  He is well loved!

The girls and I participated in the "Make it with Wool" contest for the first time.  I made Maya this persimmon dress out of very lightweight wool.  She did a great job modeling it and we won first place!  She will be able to wear it for the sheep lead this summer.  I have some extra wool, so I think I will make Jacob a matching vest and bow tie so he can walk with her.  :)

Gabi made this poncho out of wool.  She would NOT make a skirt or a dress, so this was the next best option!  She did a great job and won 4th place.  She will also be able to wear this for the sheep lead and enter it as a 4-H project this summer.

Our sweet kitty, Rocky.  Can't believe he is almost 13 years old.  We are thankful for his friendly nature and warm snuggles.  We could do without the slaughtered mice in the bathtub every night, however.  ewww.

Maya lost her first tooth in November.  The second one came out not too long afterwards.  The new teeth have grown in fast.

The girls love decorating the tree in their bedroom every year.

Halloween

We kicked off Halloween festivities by meeting up with the other KL&A families for the "Monster March" through downtown Buffalo.  Jacob & Landon (the minion) weren't too into the annual picture.

Jacob is the 4th one to wear the beloved giraffe costume.  He thought it was pretty cool. :)

Gabi carved the owl, Maya carved the kitty, and Jacob was the mouse.  :)

Maya was Pocahontas.  We found feathers, including the huge turkey feather, to make her headband.  

Gabi was Jasmine from the movie, Aladdin.

We didn't do much actual trick or treating around town, but went to Splint and Diane's house for the annual Halloween pinata and cousins party.

Best part of the giraffe costume!

One Tough Girl

Gabi had so much fun playing flag football this year!  Being the only girl didn't phase her one bit.  She holds her own against those boys!  We are so proud of how tough and determined she is!

 

Touchdown Gabi!

 

Getting chased by boys is fun!  All smiles!

and...the clown. :)