Happy New Year!

We decided to to stay at home with just the 4 of us this year. We played lots of games, ate lots of snacks, and relaxed in our pjs. :) Nothing fancy or wild for us!

After our delicious taco dinner, (Ali's request!) the first game was the new Scooby Doo game that Mer gave Daddy for Christmas. It was a little like Jenga... and took a steady hand!

Next up was Apples to Apples (the Disney version, of course. It's one of our camping favorites!) and then Ali's new game; "Sleeping Queens." We loved this one!

Pretty soon it was time to turn on the New Year's Eve special. It was definitely different not seeing Dick Clark out there... :( Ali loved the Gangnam Style performance the best! We all boogied to that one. :) At midnight we busted out the crystal goblets and sparkling apple cider. Happy 2013!

Merry Christmas!

After opening a few presents at home...

We gathered our things and headed over to Gramma's for breakfast and more presents! 

The highlight of the day was opening a present from Grammy that had a clue in it... a clue that began a treasure hunt. The first clue led to another clue, which led to a second present; American Doll brushes, and a clue. (Hmmm...) The girls were led to the bathroom where they found American Girl outfits, and, of course, another clue. As you can see in the next photo, Ali and Natalie were starting to get an idea about what they were going to find.

Can you see Johnna holding her hands over her ears? There was quite a bit of screaming going on.

Ali was one happy girl!

For the Christmas dinner, everyone was responsible for making a dish to bring to the table. Mer was in charge of rolls, and Johnna was in charge of the green salad.

We all worked together to make a delicious Christmas dinner with all of our favorites. Ali's favorite: cranberry jello salad, Mer's: the rolls and butter. I love the turkey and mashed potatoes. :) Trav had to work, so we put together a plate for him to have later.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

After celebrating with Greg for his 40th birthday, we went up to deliver cookies to Dad's headstone. :) He always loved cookies... and the girls love leaving them so he can "share them with the deer". In fact, the deer were hanging around when we got there!

From there we went to Grandma Sandy's for dinner, presents, and a card game: "What Would You Do?" Ali loved it! When we got home Daddy and the girls made Krispy treats for Santa, and set carrots out for the reindeer.

I almost forgot! Merilyn had to get four shots on Christmas Eve morning before Greg's party. She was a little behind in her immunizations... but she was a trooper! No tears!

Breakfast with Santa

It is always such fun to watch the dancers, eat a yummy breakfast, and of course, meet Santa. 

Ali asked for an American Doll, and Mer asked for a Monster High Doll. 

We had a great day! And... we "won" a fun day at Bullwinkle's in the silent auction. Trav and Ali kept running to the auction tables to make sure we were the last name signed up on the list. They may have also signed mom's name to a few items... :) 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving 2012

Mer's all ready to head to the Salty's on the Columbia.

What a great day! We joined Mike and Mom for an amazing brunch/lunch buffet at Salty's. Yum!! Always a treat. The girls especially love the chocolate fondue. {In fact, I'm pretty sure that all Meri ate was strawberries and chocolate.}

There's so much that I'm thankful for, and these two are at the top of that list. :) I'm a blessed mama.