New Years Tradition

                                For New Years we kept with tradition and stayed at a hotel with friends! 

I brought a cookie decorating kit that was supposed to represent ugly sweaters - it seemed to be a hit even with the teenagers. 

I was hesitate to go this year as I had not fully healed but Levi suggested we not miss because we have been home loads this winter and he would be back to working all the time soon. 

So, we made it happen. 

 Nerf gun wars. 

 Coraline made Brandy a scarf. 

 Nerf gun wars even for the littlest ones.

 Baby holding....

Newest addition to the crazy tradition.

 Elevator picture 

Hot Tub!

 Jace and Nephi 

 

Book club - The Ark

This was such a sweet story. The kids enjoyed it.

 Drama of a family in post war Germany while the father, if still alive, might be in a POW camp in Russia or he might be making his way back to his family. Made us all feel very thankful for the sometimes-mundane life we live and get to enjoy. Sweet read during the holiday and beautiful detailed descriptions. 

Alyssa hosted and we stayed the day away......

 B & C

 Picking out books for another year of book club!

Mrs. Wiley with Charlotte - they even matched!

 

Coraline & Riley

We got another visit from the Chadbourne family! They actually came back to Indiana to pick up all their things as they decided to move to South Carolina near family. 

Coraline and Riley loved seeing each other but it was bittersweet. 

 

Blessing

Charlotte Mae was given a name and a blessing at church by Levi. 

When we got home, I quickly tried to take a few pictures of the kids together.

They were all trying to hold her like the priesthood does when they give blessings.

Nephi did get to be part of the circle as he held the microphone. 

She fell asleep. Instead of the typical white dress I went with a cute little pant outfit because the weather was so chilly.

 

Random Catch Up

 Art by Clairana

Littlest Love on a lovely blanket one of my favorites made for her.

Clairana was supposed to be an actor in the Clue game for 4H - she was a girl who worked at Wendy's. 

 Bella in her new crown from her best friend.

 Cecily got hand me down coats from a set of twins. She LOVES being a lion.

 Bella and Lotte

 Clairana went to her first church dance! I snagged this picture from on of the older young women who attended as well. It was in Indianapolis, and she had a blast. 

Dinner with Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Clayton. Lotte gets to tag along to our every other month night out. 

 

Baking Day!

Backing up to finish out all my Christmas posts!

Baking day at Grandma and Grandpa's house. 

Mom with Charlotte

Mom with Cecily

 Levi got to join us for baking day this year. 

 Coraline got to read the traditional book this year. 

 Rolos and Pretzels

Helpers.....well we think.... Coraline and Nephi

 So many cooks in the kitchen.