Merry Christmas Everybody!

Melina's NON-alcoholic gift. All the ingredients for Italian sodas. Looks suspicious though, doesn't it?

I think Courtney is pleased with her gift.Silly Jakey
Ahhh...nothing like a good foot massage.

Yup. Even the dogs got a toy.

Happy Birthday Devin!

I am really sorry we didn't get any pictures of Devin for his birthday. After all, he has officially hit the quarter century mark!! We had a good time even though it wasn't offically his birthday. We had to sing Happy Birthday very quickly before he dug into the cheesecake. Which was very yummy, by the way, Katy.

Not exactly a one horse open sleigh

This was the second ride of the day. Grandpa took them around and around the yard, then around the block again.
I'm not sure where Brigham is. At one point he & Jacob got out and waited for them to come around the house. Brigham was poised & ready to let fly a big snowball as they came around the corner. They all had lots of fun. Jaz practically had to be pried off the sled. Hopefully we can do this again on Christmas Day.

These guys had as much fun decorating as eating. They were very creative.
I had to throw in a picture of the snow sliding slowly off the roof. I couldn't believe how it was hanging on for so long.

Happy Thanksgiving

I loved having a kids' table this year. I grew up at one & gradually graduated to the grown-ups table. Don't they look like they are having fun? Of course having a kids table meant moving the grown-ups into the living room.
Believe it or not we were all here. That is Katy's hand holding the salad tongs (sit still for a minute, girl!) & I, of course, am hiding behind the camera.

Crafty girls in every way!

At least Jake kept his ice-cream in his own area.

No blizzard will stop us from seeing Harry Potter!

Yesterday Melina, Troy & I braved the drive up to Rexburg (around the Buttes no less!) to see Harry Potter with Doug, Mallena & Mala. Wish Katy & Rebecca could have make it.

This is the view out my window today.It is hard to tell, but the wind is blowing snow everywhere.

Courtney in her new snowsuit. Everything fit perfectly!Sorry about the blizzard, Doug, but we are happy you & your family made it through!
Not sure what Miriam is gasping about. She & Brigham were playing soccer. Did something break? Whew, nope.

Happy Birthday Shay!

I LOVE Shay's birthday wish!! After she blew out her candles, Melina asked what she wished for. Shay wished that everyone could be friends. No hesitation at all. What a sweet kid! Fantastic cake by Melina!

Now, Grandpa, I've told you, I am FIVE fingers old!

This is the way we rake our leaves, rake our leaves, rake our leaves. This is the way we rake our leaves down on Redneck Lane.

Uh, maybe not a good idea?

So, did you hear the one about how to fix a chip in a windshield? It was a crack-up.

Playtime

I know that these guys are posted on other blogs, but maybe these pics are just a little different.

Aren't they cute?

Is Your Mama A Llama?

I love the Llama books as you may all know & this guy reminds me of that little llama. A day at the park while it was still hot.

Last camp-out of 2010?

Jaz & Grandpa just got back from a 4-wheeling trip. I love the look of delight. Different ride, better snacks.
The bug on Larry's sweatshirt was huge!

Whaaat??

Jacob, our little camera poser. You have to snap quick before his "camera smile" comes out in full force.

Extended Ricks Family Reunion

The Ricks Reunion was held at Green Canyon Saturday. I knew 3 people (other than immediate family) there. But they were nice and the food & weather was good. Everywhere we turned someone was taking our picture, so Larry decided to take a picture we would actually see. Brigham & Jaz loved the little stream behind our trailer. Jake kept trying to get back there too.
This was taken just seconds before Brigham stepped from one rock to another (slippery) rock & he ended up on his backside. He was a good sport about it though & soon dried off.

This is the sunset from partway up the trail.

Good night. Yeah, right. They were not tired because they both fell asleep on the four wheeler. We were tempted to take them for another short four-wheeler ride. They fell asleep listening to John Bytheway singing & talking which they loved. They asked to listen to it 3 times.

Hours of swimming

Uh, Dad? Know how you've been asking if I gotta go pee? Brigham
Jakey being weird

Jazzy

The Blue Angels Airshow was incredibly amazing. I would either be a nervous wreck or passed out if I were in any of these jets. Jake & Troy play outside...outside being Jake's favorite place to be.
Desert fires make for awesome skies.