Merry Christmas Morning 2009

Christmas morning found our kids tired, but excited!

Dylan found his long awaited for Ripstick. Running down to the tree and finding the loot is so fun.

Lance got a golf club and (soft) golf balls. He was set and didn't need another thing.

Allie was excited for Polly pockets, a Kilan doll and a leapster game.

Makayla got a razor- and some body butter and lotions from Bath & Body- so she was happy with that!

Christmas morning Grandma and Grandpa Draper came over to open presents with us and got a picture of our family on a sunny Christmas morning! If you come into our neighborhood- our house is the one with the Husker flag in the yard.

We had a beautiful morning- another Christmas come and gone!

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve with Quinn's parents at his sister house.

Makayla and her cousin Aspen organized all the kids into a Nativity. They wanted Uncle Quinn to be the donkey carrying Mary. And cute little Camree filled in for baby Jesus.

Ummm.. Dylan was a shepherd, but decided to RIDE his sheep.

Makayla was the angel- as uncle Ryan read in Luke chapter 2.

Then a secret Santa dropped off new jammies for the kids, so they put them on and pretended to be asleep.

the Nutcracker

My sister in law's neighbor was performing in the Nutcracker Ballet in Portland, and the Ballet company wanted to have some musical performances in the lobby as people came in and during intermission of the ballet. So my sis in law put together a mother daughter choir, and Makayla and I were able to go see the Nutcracker on Christmas Eve and get in the Christmas spirit by singing Christmas songs too! The cute little choir. It was a fun treat to get to be there!

Washington Pictures

We haven't been here long, but we are keeping plenty busy!

My sister lives in town, and came over Wednesday afternoon with her kids for lunch! They are getting So big- it was fun to visit and play. We went with some cousins to OMSI in Portland ( big hands on museum).

I told the girls to Scream because they had just been in the big Scream exhibit.
Lance liked the fish tank in the childrens area.

Allie spent most of her time in the sand!

Monday night we had some of the Draper clan over for a little family night and goodies.

We are lucky to have such great family around. We are really looking forward to this new chapter starting here!

The MOVE

I can't write much on this post- I'll start crying and get a headache. Heres some of our move from Nebraska to Washington. The kids at a view spot in Oregon. Allie had the camera for part of the trip- here's some of her pictures in the car.

Most of the trip I couldn't take pictures because the roads were so bad, but I tried to get one of my view:

The kids stayed with their Nebraska cousins our last night there, the when the truck was loaded we picked them up. Every time we'd leave their house, the kids would all race the car to the corner, so heres one last race:

The staggered starting line:

Quinn and Eric getting the truck loaded.

Thanks for your help Mathisons- we couldn't have done it without you.

We are home sick for Nebraska, and the good people there. It still feels like we're just visiting family in Washington, but we are slowly getting settled. The kids are enjoying the new place and love having cousins near by. Just a tip for those of you planning to move- wait until summer time!

Last day at Humann Elementary

I still get teary-eyed thinking we're done in Lincoln. We loved it there- and I loved the kids school, and their teachers. On to new adventures...

At the apartments, I would have the kids wait in the lobby so I could go out and warm up the car and scrape ice. Here's Makayla and Dylan going to their last Friday at Humann.

Now you can see why we had 3 snow days. Brrrr...
After school saying goodbye to teachers and friends. Many tears.

Dylan saying goodbye to some buddies.

Way to go kiddos- its been hard but you are strong!

Last Snow day in Nebraska

I should have been packing- but the kids thought the boxes were great play places... On the kids last week of school in Nebraska- they we're snowed in for 3 days!

On Thursday we spent the morning cutting snowflakes and throwing them over the loft. Again- could have been packing, but which was more fun?

Let it snow!
The railing was so far apart- I had to tape it closed so a kid wouldn't fall through.
The kids actually really liked the apartment- Im glad to be in a house again now!

Lances new thing-
He LOVES to watch the movies on Webkins. He asks me to turn it on, then makes me leave the room so he can secretly dance to it. Pretty funny. He is often asking someone to turn on "ug a ug". (Hug a Pug)

Snow Days....

I guess Nebraska doesn't want us to move! Monday night we started getting a little snow- and A LOT more was on the forecast, so schools closed for Tuesday. IT was a good thing because it snowed ALL day long. We bundled up to play outside a couple of times, but Allie wasn't feeling well so we didn't stay out long.
When dad got home he pulled out the sleds for the kids in the back of our apartments.

This is one reason why I miss a garage!

Wednesday morning we woke up and the snow had blown all over into big drifts.

They closed schools again. It took all day to get the roads cleaned up.
Look at these drifts!

Dylan showing off the snow before coming inside.

Now- if it would just melt a little so we could move this weekend!!!

ta da!!

As Lance would say, "ta da!" Tonight was Quinns graduation ceremony from his orthodontic residency. This has been a long long road, and he has done great- we are so proud of him!
We celebrated at the Cornhusker hotel with dinner and a few speakers- including the 3 graduates!

Look at these cute families leaving Nebraska. We got into a program with such wonderful residents. We will surely keep in touch with them- way to go guys!!

Star City Parade

Brrrr... I'm not sure why this city has this annual parade the first weekend of December, but we thought we should go before we moved. The kids were sad there was not much candy! But Lance liked the big balloons and waved at the people on the route.

Star City Holiday parade 2009

Bday

I had a fun bday yesterday! Lunch with hubby, dinner with the fam and movie night with the girls! What a fun day!
Guess I didn't get pics with the lunch or dinner group, but heres some girls going to see New Moon!
Anna, me, Tanya, Heather & Michelle- I'll miss these ladies!