Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Christmas Eve we decided to do something a little different and went to White Sands. We invited the whole Kohler group but only Papa could make it. It was such a blast! We are so glad that Papa came with us! He was so fun! I must admit that it was totally worth $15 to get the sled, I only wish I would have gotten one sooner! The weather was perfect for it.
And Christmas eve night we got to talk to Kalli on Skype whose in Russia! It was Awesome!









On Christmas day we opened presents, went over and visited at the Hakes and then went to Karl and Leslie's house for lunch! The rest of the day we stayed home and took naps and played! It was a fun quite day!

Hakes at the Cabin

Fun with cousins...








A week before Christmas we went up to the Cabin for 2 nights and 1 day for a big Hakes family reunion. Most of the family was able to make it. We had games and crafts and food and fun. We also went tubing for a few hours. I'm sad I only took my phone to the tubing and not my nice camera but I was worried about the snow flurries getting it wet although it seemed like there was none while we were out there doing it! Go figure!







I do have to add that we had our WORST night ever as parents. Troy had the hardest time sleeping! I'm not sure what it was, maybe too much excitement but we got about 3 hours of sleep each, Josh and I, and that's even with us taking turns with him most of the time. He wasn't in pain he wasn't feeling so sick he just seemed energized and not wanting to sleep. So when he finally feel asleep at 6am I had to take a picture. Unfortunately he woke up around 9 when my phone went off. We all did much better the next night.


We also acting out the Nativity after we got back with all the cousins. Hailey was switched from a wise man to Mary at last moment and she took the role very seriously. She sat very still and listened very carefully the whole time.




On Sunday we took family pictures. I think they turned out pretty good. Thanks Katie for taking our family pictures for us! We appreciate it!




More fun with cousins! Hailey keeps asking me when will we see them again? She asks me too if we can fly to Nathan's house and also she told me recently remember when we went to their house and stay with them. So sweet.
This one was just so cute of Josh and Troy I had to add it!


Playing with cousins while they got ready to leave:

Thanksgiving/ Kohler Reunion

For Thanksgiving we made the 14 hour drive to St George. There was I believe close to 80 family members and all were there except for 3 cousins. There was flag football(Hailey even got in on it), Thanksgiving dinner, Family photos, a talent show and we even squeezed in a few extra fun things. We went swimming outside in 25 degree weather (SO AWESOME!), Hailey went and saw Tangled with Grandma Robin, and we stopped at the Phoenix Zoo on the way back which was tons of fun too!




Here's my phone showing how cold it was. And the pool of course is heated and it was super nice. We all had a blast swimming in it!




We had absolutely best experience at the Zoo ever! I have to give the PHX Zoo props! The Monkeys were so very cute and active, seriously all over the place. Then they had a squirrel monkey exhibit where you went inside of it and they were just walking all over the place inside there. They were above us and next to us jumping in the trees it was so neat. The highlight by far was the Elephants. (It's funny because josh was like oh the Elephants always disappoint. And I agree, usually!) We went to see the Elephants and we saw one Knocking on the door and then the trainer came out and started feeding them. We got to see them so up close and active and we got to ask lots of questions. Then he asked if we'd like to feed the Elephants and we were like of course. So Hailey and Troy both got to feed them and we got way up close and personal it was seriously the coolest thing ever! They also had a petting zoo full of goats which the kids loved the only bad thing is that we all smelled like that all the way home.

Just Me and my Dad Nov. 20

Josh decided the lawn needed to be cut probably for the last time this winter and everybody wanted in on it. I just think it is so cute how sometimes my kids are just content following me or Josh around and doing whatever we are doing. These are some pretty fun ages/stages (except for Troy at church!) We are very much looking forward to Nursery.

Going out with Grandma Hakes Nov. 8

Hailey got to go out with Grandma Hakes to clean the models, which she does from time to time, and she started earning some money working for Grandma to help her earn a Kaleidoscope she had really been wanting. Grandma also took the opportunity to teach Hailey about tithing. (I thought that was very sweet!) Hailey also got her nails done and got to play with Grandma at the mall a few times! How fun!

Neighbor Kids Nov. 3

We are lucky enough to have a lot of neighbor kids in our neighborhood. I also feel very blessed to live in a tiny colda sac. Also so lucky that they are all very nice and always include Hailey. She just eats up every minute of it and always enjoys her "Neighbor kids." Hailey just loved it when they had a few days off recently so hopefully she'll enjoy winter break!