Christmas 2010 in Pictures

So, we have been sick, sickity sick sick since Christmas. We have had colds, croup, ear infections, fevers, more fevers, sick tummies, eye infections, snot, more snot, and everything else it seems like. I have been a little pre-occupied taking care of everything, and everyone, including myself. We have spent more on doctor bills, and prescriptions in the last month than we actually spent on Christmas this year. That's fun. Who doesn't love insurance being self-employed?! Yeah right. Don't get me started....

Here's Christmas, in pictures. It was great. You get the jist.

At the grandparent's house Christmas day.

Taylee in Costume

Tay had the "Polar Express" show on Saturday, and all went well. She danced, and sang so beautifully, and we were extremely proud. She had such a big, exhausting day, performing in 2 shows, pretty much back to back, that she woke up on Sunday with a fever, and throwing up! We love our girly girl!

She was a North Pole Fairy

And, she was also a Winter Wonderland Eskimo.

I just can't think of a title for this one

Although Christmas is fast approaching, I feel so busy, that we haven't done much to get into the Holiday Spirit. We put up our little tree again this year. We wanted either a real one, or a big, fancy one, but, I'm glad we decided against it. Our 1 year old monster has already knocked it over twice, and broken numerous ornaments. Oh well, maybe next year. . .

Last week at church, Rohnie got his fingers smashed in the big, heavy, weighted door leading to his classroom. It was kind of a bad injury. Jake had to take him home, because he was causing quite a scene in primary. The picture above, is what it looked like the day after he did it. It got progressively worse after this, and by Friday, it was swollen, and all purple, and hurt him really bad. So, I took him into the Dr., and they drained all of the fluid, and gave him am antibiotic.
And, now, it looks like this. Much better. He still might lose his nail though. He thinks that might be kinda cool.

Last Saturday, Taylee was able to perform at WinterFest in Seattle. Here's her little Ballet group all dressed up. She is performing in her studio's Holiday Show, "Polar Express" on this coming Saturday. She is doing a ballet number, as well as a song and dance number. We have been rehearsing for months, and although I am excited to see her perform, I will be glad when it's over! She is just loving it though, and that makes all this money, and time worth it. She will be our little star, for sure!!

Whirlwind trip to Wyoming

I went to Wyoming last week to my Grandpa's funeral. Tristan and I flew out early Monday morning to Denver, where my sister, Natali lives. Then, on Tuesday, we drove from Denver to Bridger Valley, where the services were being held, and where I grew up. It was a crazy trip. Very fast, and packed full of stuff to be done, and people to see. But, I'm so glad that I was able to go. All of us sang at the funeral, and I was grateful for the chance to take part, and see many dear friends, and family. I have been gone from the country for so long, that the small town seemed very foreign to me. It's crazy how fast I have become a city gal. Because I was mainly chasing around my vivacious 17 month old, I didn't snap as many pictures as I should have. But, here are a few to commemorate the occasion.

This beautiful floral arrangement sat on top of the casket. It included some driftwood, and one of my Grandpa's old stirrups from a worn, favorite saddle.
The pallbearers placing the casket.

My uncles, John, and Rick, placing their boutonnieres on the arrangement.

I thought this casket represented my Grandpa well. They did a great job of picking it out.

My brother, Ben, dedicated the grave. It still makes me cry to look at this picture.

Ben's wife, Heidi, and their youngest boy, Austin. She is having their 5th boy in March!

2 of Grandpa's dearest, oldest friends paying respect.

This is my favorite picture. My Grammie, and my sister, Holly.

Ben, Grammie, Holly, and my mom.

We attempted to get a group photo at the Cemetery. This is sooo not everybody, though. It was freezing! I often forget what those Wyoming natives have to deal with in the winter. Wind, more wind, and frigid temps.

I thought this was a pretty picture of my Grammie smiling, while talking to friends.

I tried to get a good picture of Mom and Dad. This is the best I got. Dad's behind those 2 women, I promise!

We stayed in Lyman, (my rival town) in a hotel owned by my cousin. The picture, above, is of Nat's baby, Benson, eating on the bed. So adorable! Though the Motel wasn't 5 Stars, by any means, it was just fine. Natali and I stayed in one room, together, with our babes. What we thought wouldn't too bad of a scenario, ended up being kind of a nightmare. With 2 light sleepers, the boys kept waking each other up all night. We were glad to get them home in their own beds!

Tristan chillin' on Natali's couch before we we left to come home.

Til We Meet Again

My Grandpa Taylor died last week, the day after Thanksgiving. He was a great many things, but, his most memorable attribute, was that he was a "True Wyoming Cowboy." He had many loves. His greatest loves included my Grammie, his beautiful wife of 58 years, horses, Bronc riding, cattle, ranches, Wyoming countryside, cowboy poetry, cattle dogs, his 4 children, 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and his Savior. I spent entire summers on my Grandparent's ranch in Lonetree, Wyoming, and these were some of the best memories from my childhood. Though I never worked beside him, like my parents, and my brothers did, I witnessed his hard working ethic day in and day out. He awoke at dawn, and didn't come in until dusk. He put me on my first horse, bare back, as a young child, and let me drive a car on the ranch when I was 12. His last words to us were always "Be careful." He knew the dangers of the world, and worried about us when we stepped out of his protective barriers. Although I will miss you, Grandpa, I know that you are where you should be, with our Brother. And, I look forward to the day when we meet again.

Our Thanksgiving

There is so much I am thankful for this year. But, most of all, I'm thankful for a wonderful family. My little family, and everyone else. The holidays are so wonderful, because we get to spend a lot of time with Jake's side of the family. Even though we live close to each other, and see one another often, it's nothing like celebrating a holiday to bring everyone together. We had such a great time this year. It's getting crazier all the time, but, the older kids play together, and love each other so much. And, the 2 little boys are a hoot to watch, and chase around the house.

Of course, it started out bright and early Thankgiving morning with Jake's Turkey Bowl. I was wondering if he would cancel it because of the snow, but, those guys are die-hards. He puts so much time into organizing these sporting events that will be fun for everyone. I think it was well accomplished this year, as it is every year.

Girlies playing Pollies. We didn't see much of the girls the whole day. They were just doing their own thing, enjoying Grandma's toys and dolls.

Tristan was into everything, as usual, and kept me on my toes making sure he didn't cause a huge uproar.

Early morning football, and a large meal always calls for a nap. Too bad I didn't get one!

Aunt Jessi and her boyfriend, Aaron, sure love to play with the kids. They are so fun.

These 2 are getting to be really good playmates too. Cousins are the best!

Finish it off with a friendly game of Settlers. A great Thanksgiving!

Snow Days

They have been sayin' that it's going to be a rough winter. I have been in denial, by just ignoring the news people, or refusing to believe them. Sure, I grew up in frigid Wyoming when we started getting snow that stuck in October, but, I'm not a fan. Too cold, and I hate driving on slick roads. This past week, we got snow. And, it decided to stick around for awhile. They cancelled school Tuesday and Wednesday, and should have cancelled it Monday. It's not like there was a ton of snow, but, it's very unusual for this area, and no one is ever prepared. It was nice to have the kids home before Thanksgiving, though, not running around to all of their different activities. We drank hot chocolate, and the kids played in snow, and ate a lot of it too. I'm thinking this storm is just the first of many more to come this winter.