So yet another hike, but this one closer to home. These are some of Jason's pictures he took for his photo merit badge. We had Melody that day and she and the kids had fun. Though they liked seeing the different birds and animals, their favorite thing was to pose like "wild cannibal children" for the camera. Yes, it was Nick's idea!
We have very brave families in our ward. The Mabb and Virgin families decided to put together a soccer league with 6 and 7 year olds. I swear we have at least 40 kids playing! They have enough for 4 teams. Erik is now a soccer fiend and loves it. A big thanks to Jon, Chrissy, Theron, and Anna!
The kids did great.
Alene and I are soccer moms now!
Nick was working on his photography merit badge and needed to take 20 pictures with a theme. Cole decided that a hike would work out great. Exercise for us and an opportunity for Nick. It was a gorgeous day even though we started out late. Nick was their but took all the pictures alas why no pics of him. Jason and Trevor thought our idea was flawed and stayed home to play video games. Their loss!
This year Cole and I tried to cut back on presents and make it a simpler Christmas. Yeah whatever! I made half of their presents. Cute BBQ aprons, blankets, & pillows. We did break down and get them all a big present, hence the big smiles in the coming pictures.
Christmas morning.
Erik with his new silver DS.
The boys with their big gifts
Jason with a PSP.
Like the box? Cole came up with that though I wish I could claim the idea. Inside was Nick's new green I-Pod.
Ryan with his DS. Red is his favorite color as well.
In every picture Trevor put his gift in front of his face! That is Trevor though with a black Pokemon DS.
The Gardner's have a tradition that they offer $$$ for any (Gardner) child who is willing to jump into freezing water Christmas morning before opening gifts. It started when Cole was in college and came home for Christmas vacation flat broke. His dad has perfected it over the years. Extra cash if you wear a speedo or jock. Diving to the bottom for bags with different amounts. And even envelopes with undisclosed amounts of money so that you weren't even sure of getting $5 or $100. I have even done it twice. Cole and I started up the tradition again when we got our own pool. This was our third year. I have decided our children are spoiled since no one but Ryan would jump this year. Ryan got 50 big ones for being the only brave one. Maybe next year we will get some more volunteers. Good job Ryan!
It was a toasty 57 degrees!
Mom waiting with a warm towel.
Ryan with his hard earned cash.
