Cookie Crumbs

Better late than never, considering the fact that Houston's Birthday was at the first part of February!


Houston woke up and got to follow a trail of presents to our bedroom


Getting ready to make a wish on his Birthday breakfast

Houston was looking forward to his Birthday party so much, that for his entire Birthday week he kept telling his friend Emma that his party was the next day.....every day of the week!

We had a little party on Saturday with Houston's Primary class.
The Birthday crew (minus Emma and Katie)




Opening his prized Lego helicopter

When I asked Houston what he wanted to do for his Birthday party, he said "Ice Cream Sundaes!"


The kids loading up with every topping at the table


Mmmmmm....Jelly beans, colored marshmallows and gummy bears


Happy Birthday Houston, we love you!

Jaxson, Paxson, Londyn and Kenny having fun and enjoying some cookies!



Bundled up to watch the fireworks. Both boys were really excited to watch, until the loud noises started and Jaxson wanted out! Next year I will keep him further back and get some good ear muffs for him.


The fireworks were amazing and I think half of the neighborhood showed up to watch


Josh and Houston watching the show


Randy trying to light himself on fire....boys and fireworks!


The aftermath of the firework display

Here's to a great 2012!!

Girls Night Cookie Exchange.....Oh soooo yummy!


Ugly Sweater Fun at Cold Stone


Growing up my family always celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve morning. The tradition has continued and now includes a treasure hunt that my dad puts together each year. Since we couldn't be in Utah for the hunt, my dad decided he would send the hunt to us. He got my friend Robyn in on things and really surprised us this year.

The boys in Robyn's garage at the end of the hunt


Enjoying their spoils


Houston and Jaxson enjoying an amazing Christmas Eve Dinner. I love me some deep fried Turkey!


The little ones relaxing after a good meal


The Adults & Young adult playing a game of Scum



All of the kids by the Christmas Tree


Newell, Harr and Cook Family


The kids decorating cookies for Santa. I think Houston had an inch of sprinkles on his cookie and I suggested that he eat that one and save the others for Santa.


Jaxson making sure to keep his work station clean! He had more of a frost and test technique.


Houston ready for the Christmas excitement to begin!


Poor Jaxson was sick and spent the whole morning opening presents on Josh's lap. It was so sad, but sweet to watch him cuddle with his daddy.


Houston with his gift from Santa. A few minutes after opening this, he was ready to go up to the toy room and test it out.


Jaxson loved his new piano and was singing along with all the songs in his croaky sick voice.

We were very blessed this Christmas and although I missed being around our extended family this year, I loved getting to set up Christmas for the boys and starting our own fun traditions!

The first week in December they had a Merry Merchant Munch (free food and prizes at several of the local small businesses) and the lighting of the tree in town square.



It was a lot of fun and the boys loved the abundance of treats and hot chocolate everywhere! Josh's favorite was the warm chocolate chip cookies...I think I caught him mid bite in this picture.




Santa made his appearance in true Alaskan style, accompanied by his eight "tiny" reindeer. I couldn't get a good shot with all of the reindeer and sleigh, so this is Houston with Cupid.




Houston at his Christmas Program, they all did such a good job! Houston is on the second row from the bottom, behind the little girl in the Santa dress.





Jaxson playing in the new snow



Josh and I decided to test out our snow shoes and had a good time stomping around in our back and side yard. Jaxson wanted Josh to give him a ride!





Houston building a snow fort with our neighbors next door



Our wonderful primary choir


Mary and her baby. Everyone got to put straw into the manger as their gift to Christ


The list keeps changing...


Super Cheesy and super sleepy

We had such a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving with some of our "Alaska Family" and wow did we celebrate!




Jaxson going lefty just to make sure the food kept coming!


I love that the Coombs have made pinatas a new must have at any celebration. Such a great time and the kids were in heaven!



I still don't know who was having more fun, James or all of the kids!




Some of the guys on "babysitting" duty....such hard work!

It wouldn't be quite the same without Black Friday craziness and this year was insane, but so much fun.


Cute pregnant Marianne being a good sport and repeating her Target Lady pose from last year.


Cathie, Marianne and I with our cart full of goodies

Hard at work scraping, carving and decorating





Most of the finished products


Jaxson and Paxson ready for the Playgroup Halloween Party


Trying to get everyone lined up for a picture....it was pretty cute!


Cupcake walk


Optimus Prime and The Green Skeleton at the Ward Halloween Carnival


Cheese! If I was holding my camera then he would say Cheese and want to see the picture.



Entertaining, messy and hilarious to watch! (donuts & Pie eating)



The neighborhood hayride was a lot of fun and the kids loved the hot chocolate and candy at our stop.



Enjoying the ride


Our attempt at a family picture....not so successful, but funny!