Snow Day

Shauna planned a snow day for us. I was hesitant to be excited about it. I knew the kids would love it but I HATE being cold! Thanks to some friends we rounded up clothes for the kids and my mom was nice and let me and the kids (Jared was at work) ride in the van with her. We arrived and I was in Heaven!!! There was plenty of snow AND the sun was brightly shinning! Nothing is better than playing in snow and being warm at the same time!

Here is Gwen sporting a snow suit straight from the 1980's

Rach (it was her birthday !!!) and Gwen

Owen and Max

Briant

Rachel and I and eventually Shauna started to build an igloo.

We gave up before we finished the roof but it made a good snowball station for the kids.

Happy snow days!!!

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning went by so fast and I got so few pictures...that could be because at 4:30 in the morning I heard Max telling Briant "Hey Briant, we got electrical scooters!!!" I was disappointed that they didn't wait for us to look at their gifts, but obviously not enough to get out of bed and start taking pictures! They loved every minute and that's what make me happy. We woke Gwen up at 6:30 to finish opening gifts. She gave the best reactions of all! I just sat there watching my little lovelies so grateful for them!  I am one happy momma!

Christmas on Sunday is my favorite. I loved the spirit that was felt during church. I didn't think it was possible but Christmas is much more exciting as a parent than as a child! Yay for happiness! 

Christmas Eve / Sylvia's B-Day

Christmas Eve was with the Burr's this year! We went over to Jared's parents house for a Mexican fiesta, Nativity play and my personal favorite...White Elephant!!!

Here's Rush with Camille and Peyton

Jenny and Paisley

Sarah and the Irish boy Justin

Righteous Ryan and June

The Birthday girl

Courtney and Peyton

Jenny and Trigg

The Irish boy again

Kenzie and Brennen

Gwen, Lyvi, Brooke, Kenzie and Brennen

Blake and Briant

Briant, Tate and Max

Nana with most of her great grandchildren!

As always, the white elephant game got a little out of control...that's why I love it. Thanks to Pinterest there were a lot of creative gifts : ) It was a wonderful evening with wonderful people! We are blessed!

"Holiday Program"

This is Max at his "Holiday" program. Since it's only "Holiday" and not Christmas, all of the songs were about penguins, candy and snow. It was cute but missing the true meaning of the season. Max had this face the entire time...not a single word came out of his mouth. Briant was so glad he wasn't the one up there this time!

Ward Christmas Party

Our ward did a great job on the Christmas party this year. I wish I would have taken pictures of all the decorations but I got lazy.  Jared helped Santa by handing out the candy canes.

We brought Grey with us. He was a little shy with the big guy!

Gwen was nervous at first but after watching a bunch of kids go up she ran right over and gave him a big hug! (the theme was Polar Express hence the pj's)

Briant was getting a little mouthy with Santa.

Max was embarrassed but secretly loving this.

Mustaches

Max really likes these.

Thanksgiving Fesivities

Thanksgiving weekend started off with a trip to the North Phoenix Baptist Church for some roller skating! Instead of getting exercise...I had Gwen pull me.

These two had a lot of fun together. In the past it has taken them  a while to warm up before playing with each other but this time they were instantly besties!

Thanksgiving morning = football

The teams were all the Martindale's and in-laws vs. Derek's friends.

The Martindale's didn't win but I am proud that no one quit the team (despite Jared's efforts to join the winning team)!

Some of the spectators

Derek was sweet to bring a chair for Lo!

Almost all of the players

aaaaaand on to the food! 

Dad made the most Delicious and moist turkey!

Gwen could be found here most of the day

Jared is such a poser!

The brothers played unbeer pong. They each brought their own beverage to make the opponent drink. They brought Clamato, sparkling water and prune juice! Clamato was by far the least yummy!

You could say Jason lost : )

Those are some cute kids.

Ellis : )

The next day we took the troops to Jump Street. Much thanks to Rachel for bouncing around with them. I think she is the only one that can still jump without peeing her pants.

Sister shot right before everyone went their separate ways!

LOVE Thanksgiving!

Pilgrims and Indians

Briant's class put on a cute play about the Pilgrims and Indians. As expected Briant hung his head low and was barely heard when he gave his part! I don't understand how he can be so loud and crazy at home and afraid to look anyone in the eye whenever we are in public???

Holiday Train Ride

Derek and Loren accompanied us to the train park in Scottsdale for the holiday display. It was cold and crowded and totally worth it!!! My camera kept taking blurry pictures...I'm convinced one of the kids has been messing with the settings : ) Anyway, there were lots of characters and music but best of all was the train ride through all the lights! I love that Gwen still believes that these characters are real...however she was curious as to why they couldn't talk!