Gone and Left Us

Our roommates have gone and left us. My parents sold their home in preparation for retirement. They were able to spend their last few El Paso months in "the basketball room next to the furnace" (a.k.a. Luke's room). We had a really fun run, but now we hate them for moving and ditching us. No more Dairy Queen runs or Friday nights spent at Gil's. No more "ground rules" and just who exactly is John suppose to make fun of now that the "older couple" has moved out.

What is Ashley suppose to do without her best friend?

Grandpas last day of work.

Snowman, El Paso style

All that moving tuckered Ashley out, so she commandeered an empty box and took matters into her own hands.

Noah deep in thought, probably wondering who is going to scratch his back now that Grandpa is gone.

Gone and Left us.......

Christmas

Picking out the perfect tree.

Christmas Eve Pageant

The Elves brought some more PJs this year.

We were few in numbers.

The set up

Double light saber death.

Ya give a girl a ballerina doll house and she just wants to play with the Star Wars Lego ship.

Didn't take too many pictures, mostly because we were having too much fun just opening gifts and enjoying the whole day at home relaxing in our pajamas. It was a wonderful Christmas.

It's Never Too Late..... Right???

Thanksgiving 2010 - Headed to Idaho, first Thanksgiving back since we moved.

First snow sighting

Luke jumped out of the van as soon as we got to Grandma and Grandpa Chaffin's house and headed for the snow. Captured the first snowball of many.

Ashley all suited up for the winter weather.

Baby Emmeline

My Surprise Birthday Party. (Well sort of a surprise, Max had a hard time keeping it a secret.) Complete with purple Barbie cake, courtesy of Aunt Amanda. John got me Dance Central, so much fun, best dance video game to date. Plus watching John attempt to play is priceless.

Noah got a new pair of "Sympathy Sunglasses" from Walgreens. He came down with the croup during our visit. Anything to make my No-no feel better. Special thanks to Mary's doctor brother who saved us from an Urgent Care visit.

Ashley got a pair too, but mostly because she is so spoiled.

Kids testing out the Kinect.

Turkey Time

Grandma Chaffin loves her stove top.

Trina, the turkey connoisseur.

Grandpa Bert

Strange bearded man.... Oh wait, that's Tanner, all grown up.

All the boys

Jennifer made a turkey craft for all the kids to color.

Luke and Karsons sleep over. (And Luke got a visit from the tooth fairy that night.)

Snow mobile time

Eli The Stud

Trying to get a family picture for Christmas Cards. This one made the cut....

This one.... not so much.

Headed home, stopped in Salt Lake to look at the lights.

It was such a fun trip, even with coughing kids. We were so grateful for all the snow on the ground. The kids and John loved it. As for me... well, lets just say I won't be asking for a northern border transfer any time soon.

PS Thanks Jared and Mary for the B n' B to and from.