Fun-filled December!

December started off the same as it does every year...decorating for Christmas!!!  This year we had a new addition to our decorations.  It's this pretty canvas painting with lights added by my sister, Kristin.  It was a present the year before so I was very excited to hang it up.

As always, I straighten out all the branches and make the tree look "full" and Keith puts all the lights and star on, followed by the garland.  Then the kids get to work on the ornaments:)  It's always so much fun looking at the "old" ornaments and remembering how old the kids were, or what grade they were in, or where they made it/who got it for them.  It's hard to find empty space on the tree!

Kaleb-9, Kassidy-10, Karson-5.

Such goof balls!!!

These next few pics just crack me up!  It really shows the relationship between Harper, our puppy, and Jack, our old guy.  Harper always wants to play but Jack gets annoyed...

And Harper is VERY good at finding anything in the year that's not supposed to be there, or needs dug up to find;)

One Saturday we headed down to a very popular picture spot in downtown.  It was just re-painted awhile back so it has very bright, vivid colors.

Yes, I know there's no individual pic of Karson...unfortunately he was NOT in the mood today;(

We had a snow day!!!  Well, not really.  They just dumped a pile of snow in the street and let the kids go at it.  Before we went I was picturing the whole street being filled with a huge snow pile, down the left and down the right, tons of space for all the kids to enjoy the snow.  Well, I was hugely disappointed when we got there and saw literally one big pile of snow.  That didn't stop the boys from having fun, though, and throwing lots of snowballs! (Karson-lime green jacket/minion hat, Kaleb-light blue jacket, Kassidy-right in the middle of 1st pic)

I caught one coming right at me!

Out to get me, too!

Instead he got his friend Ella's mom.

And here's the little cutie Ella.  These two are in the same class and adore each other:)

Santa was even there to visit:)

On December 8th Keith and I celebrated our 13th Anniversary!  Thanks to Kathy and Jim for the delicious chocolate covered strawberries!!! (and to everyone for the very sweet cards)

This year we participated in 360 Trees.  It first started years ago when a family decorated a tree on Hwy 360 in December in honor of their loved one who passed away from cancer.  Each year more and more people decorated trees in honor of loved ones.  Eventually it became so popular that people even had a theme for their special tree.  It's really neat driving down the highway and seeing all the beautifully decorated trees at Christmas time.  Next year maybe we'll get more creative.

We had some warm, sunny days in December so we enjoyed some hikes together.

 This bridge is on Hwy 360 and has a gorgeous view of the lake (Colorado River).

Just a short drive from there is another small hike with more  views of the lake and houses and downtown.

Each month during the PTA meeting one grade performs songs they learned in choir.  This month was 3rd grades turn.

Mama Hauser gives all of the grandkids a special ornament once they turn 10.  Kassidy has been looking forward to this for years, patiently waiting her turn.  She was thrilled to finally get it:)

Kassidy's friend Kathryn made this cute little sled out of candy as a gift for me...yummy!

I finally got around to baking some cookies.  I definitely wasn't as motivated this year without my sister Kelly (and Beth Ann) around to help me.  I sure do miss our Saturday after Thanksgiving baking days!!!

Some more warm days had us playing at the parks.  Karson was brave enough to climb all the way to the top!

Beautiful dress from Krish:)

Class party time!!!  And an ornament specially made for Mommy and Daddy!

Christmas is finally here!!!  Santa's gifts first.

Now onto the rest of the family gifts.  We were SO blessed to have Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Beth and Uncle Jimmy with us this year!!!!!  It felt so good to have family celebrate with us.  We sure do miss them.

You can't read the papers, but there are for season passed to a waterpark...woohoo!!!  Thanks Mama!

This was obviously all 3 kiddos favorite gift this year:)  (Kaleb's favorite part is when Keith or I made him go really high!)

Kassidy's goodies

Kaleb's goodies

Karson's goodies

Kaleb got Super Smash Brothers for the Wii U...all the boys loved playing this game:)

Who says kids get to have all the fun?  Jimmy and I tried out the boys new scooters and trust me, they are fast!!!

Even the doggies got new bones!

We did so many fun things together when everyone was here.  This was from our special girls day out.  Manicures, lunch, and a movie:)

We took them to our hiking spot off of 360.

And a night out with just the adults is always a welcome treat:)

Only these 3 were daring enough to try the jalapeño shot!

 Boys new bedding and slippers

 Kassidy's new bedding and outfit

Beth Ann had a very special gift for Grandma...all of her favorite cookies that her mom used to make, homemade and gluten free!!!  We ALL enjoyed these.

Kassidy is in Kardivas.  It's a group for 5th grade girls only that meets after school once/week.  They play games and do activities to get to know each other and learn about good character traits, how to be a friend, helping the less fortunate, etc.  They had a special guest at their Christmas party...

Kassidy with her friend Amelia and her mom.

Well as you can see it was a busy month!  We really enjoyed the time we had together with family!!!  That's been one of the hardest things about moving...not having any close friends or family near.  We had so much fun:)