Christmas 2011

Frosty Greets all Visitors

This has been a great Christmas.  We actually went to Jared and Heather's house on the 14-16th of December and had an early Christmas with them.  We had so much fun.  We got to open presents with the girls and enjoyed seeing the enjoyment they had.  On Saturday we went to Sophie's school for a Breakfast with Santa program.  We had great pancakes and then Sophie's class sang a number of Christmas songs - they were great - what fun.  We met her teacher and saw her class room and some of her school work.  Then we drove over to Roanoke and enjoyed the farmer's market before going to the Roanoke Hotel and looking at many decorated trees.  The trees were decorated with a number of themes and were beautifu to see..

On Saturday (Christmas Eve)  we went over to Jonathan and Nicole's and enjoyed Christmas with their family.  They had decided to do the presents on Saturday.  It was great.  They opened the presents and then we got to play with them and watch Michael and Jax having a great time.  We took many pictures! 

At this Christmas season we are very blessed.  We are greatful for our savior whose birth we celebrate and for his gospel,  What joy and happiness we feel as we enjoy our family and loved ones.  As we count the many blessings he has shared with us we give thanks..  Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!

Hannah looks like she is ready for Christmas!

Ripping the wrapping off is the best part.

Pinkalicious is the book of the year.

Sophie got a great new easel to create her works.

Sophie is ready to sing.

Sophie's Class

What a beautiful family!

Hannah is such a special young lady.

Sophie.

In front of the fireplace at the Roanoke Hotel.

Sophie and her grandmothers made a gingerbread house.

Jax in her new castle.

GI Michael

Grandma reads a story.

Jax dancing.

Mom and daughter.

Dad and son.

Nicole wanted shelves - Jonathan obliged.

Michael - upside down.

Jax with her glasses and fan.

Michael and Grandpa.

Reading a new book.

Michael and his remote control mustang.

Beach Trip 2011

Finally the time came that we were able to go back to the beach and revert to our more primal state.  Robin and Lynn flew into National Airport and we spent a couple of days resting up and packing.  Lynn and I picked up the trailer on Friday and we started getting it loaded.  Of course this turned out to be the hottest day this year.  It was over 100 degrees and with the humidy broke the heat index at aboaut 118 degrees.  Needless to say, we were sweating as we loaded towel, bikes food, boogie boards and other necessary items for the beach.

On Sunday morning we got up early and headed out.  We had a great trip down with not too much traffice and we met Jared and his family at Captain Frank's a little after noon.  We had our obligatory hot dogs and officially started our vacation.  Our house was ready so as soon as we finished eating we headed over and moved in.

With that introduction, here are some pictures of activities.  Sorry, no pictures of Lynn and me playing golf.  We had a great time, but it was rather warm.  As a result, we only played one course during the week.

There is always lots of digging at the beach.

The pool was great and we used it a lot to cool down from the heat.

Katie is always such a sweetheart.  We are glad she can join us.

Cherry, Robin and Katy take a bike ride.

This is the same house we have been in for several years.  Not that gravedigger is not there.  Jared, Heather and the girls enjoyed airconditioning for the first time in several years in the new Honda.  They did have several blown out tires on the trailer however.

More digging at the beach.

Hanna enjoying the beach.

Sophie

All the kids were better swimmers this year.  Michael is getting very good.

We decided to take the picture of the whole gang early in the week

Jonathan, Nicole, Michael and Jax

Jared, Heather, Hanna and Sophie.

Mel and Cherry

Lynn and Robin

Jared, Katie and Jonathan

Jared and Heather brought their jet skis and we had a ball riding them.

Jonathan and Michael

Jonathan and Jax before she lost her hat.

Cherry getting ready to head out.

Jax and Sophie spent a lot of time playing in the water by the dock.

Heather and Jared about to leave on a motorcyle ride.

Of course we spent a lot of time eating.

More eating.

Waffles for breakfast.

We went to the go cart place and the kids got to ride.  It was great fun for them.

Jax, Nicole, Michael and Jonathan.

Jared and Sophie

Hannah and Heather

They also had bumper cars and all but Jax were old enough to ride them.  That was really fun because they each got their own car.

Hannah

Jax didn't get to ride the bumper car - nest year she will be old enough.

Katie and Sophie.

Hannah loved it and Sophie was able to "take mom out!"

Michael

Jax and Nicole