Claus and Paws

Today the Boise Zoo did a "Claus and Paws" day at the Zoo, with free admission and a Santa Claus. Emilee wanted nothing to do with the Santa part but she did enjoy the animals. The Phelps called us this morning and since Will was planning on spending the day at the library writing a paper, I decided it would be a fun outing for me and the kids. We were able to see the new Africa animals and play on the slides. There was also a area with animal costumes that the kids could dress up in. (there are more pictures on my myspace page) The kids had a great time and then we got done in time to go meet Will for lunch at Pizza Hut. It was a nice break for him before going back to work on his paper which he is still not done with! We just have to make it through two more weeks of school and then Christmas Vacation!

Christmas Trees

This year we went up near Cougar Mountian Lodge and cut down our own christmas tree. The Phelps and some of their friends were going and invited us along. It was so much fun and the kids had a great time running around. I couldnt believe it was only ten dollars for a permit. We should of been doing this a long time ago! Emilee and Jake loved walking through the trees and then bringing it home and decorating it. Now the only thing left is to make it live til Christmas!

Rella the brave little hunter

Our sweet little kitty cat gave us our first gift this Christmas season. Will got home tonight to find a bird on the front porch. He tried to kick it off into the flower bed, but Rella didn't like that idea and pulled it back up and ate it on our doormat. We were hoping for gophers but I guess birds are a good place to start. Will thinks that she is still way behind the dogs with them eating chickens and rabbits and birds and all but I think she will catch up in no time.

Emmy Jo

So when I went to download the pics from Thanksgiving I found this on my camera. Emilee loves taking pictures and anytime I leave the camera in arms reach I am sure to get a few suprise pictures on there next time I turn it on. She will take pictures of anything and everything. The couch, the tv, toys, her brother, her cat, and of course her favorite, herself. There is always atleast one picture of her. It always makes Will and I laugh to see her and all her different faces she makes. We have got to get that girl her own camera! What a character, but thats our Jo!

Happy Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving, I decided since my parents and grandparents have cooked the meal my entire life it was my turn. After much planning and note taking I was ready! I found a great recipe for a turkey, I shopped, spend hours in the kitchen making pies, and at last the big day came. I got up at the ungodly hour of 6:00am, got the bird all ready and put it in the oven, and fell back asleep. What a morning. Then the fun came. My bird, the one that was suppost to take 7 hours to cook was done by 11:00. Which would of been great but we were not going to eat until 2:30. Great! Now what do I do? So I turned down the heat, and prayed! It worked! The bird was great! I took it out of the oven at 1:00 which worked out perfectly because then I could cook green bean casserole and bacon wrapped green beans in there. We had so much food I am still full. Our menu consisted of; turkey, stuffing (Which Gma brought because she would not take no for an answer.) mashed potatoes and gravy (That I did cheat on and enlist the help of Dad) candied yams, green bean casserole, bacon wrapped green beans, cinnamon applesauce, rolls (Which Audra made and were fantastic by the way!) green salad with homemade feta cheese (again Audra) a broken glass jello salad which was a recipe from my Great Grandma Vetter, and I am sure there was more but just thinking of it is making me hungry! I am quite pleased with how my first Thanksgiving turned out and if all that food was not enough we had cheesecake, pumpkin pie, blackberry pie, and a apple cranberry ginger pie. So if you get hungry in the next couple of days just drop by!

Library Night

The Ada County library out by our house does a story night once a week. Audra had been inviting us for a couple of weeks and we decided to take her up on her offer, on pirate nite no less. The kids had a great time with snacks, a puppet show, a live parrot, craft time and a book to take home. It was a nice break from our usual evening routine, and we will have to go again.

Emilee and Lora at Ballet

Emilee went to a bring a friend day at Loras ballet class.She seemed to really enjoy it and the pictures were so cute!

The Oregon Coast

So, I just got home from Beck and Dianes and I thought that since I had a second I would post some of my pics from our day at the beach. I had forgotten how amazing the ocean was! It has been about 9 years since I had been there and it was a blast to get away for the weekend and spend time with some of my favorite people! And of course no trip to the ocean is complete without a bowl of clam chowder at Mos! I had a great time and am looking forward to taking the kids in the future.

Jake and Uncle Dan

Halloween Party

The day before Halloween we took the kids to a party at Mom and Dads church. The kids had a really good time and came home with lots of candy.

We're off to see the Wizard......

Carving Pumpkins

So..... I know that it has taken me a while to get these pictures up but here they are. Hope you all enjoy!