Friday, January 29, 2016

January

Hello Everyone :) 
Hope you've all had a great start to the year and keeping up with those New Year's Resolutions!



A few more pictures from my cross country skinning experience during winter break.



The days were so pretty and warm (for us)!
This is looking back at Creamer's (where the trail started).





Walking along the Chena River.
One of my and Cooper's favorite places :)



More river...







Emily and her boys 
It's unofficial yet, but Emily will probably transfer from 
West Valley to Lathrop for her last two years.





West Valley Senior Ball.
These are the two Emily's (cheer friends)
Keep your eye on this blue dress because she WILL wear it again. 
The thing cost a fortune and she didn't even go to this dance with a date or anything.
She was there to take pictures for Yearbook.
I told her to forget the dress, but NOOOOOO!
She will wear it again!




Cheer pictures...




Go Wolfpack!




I finally bought lamps. There is no overhead lighting in the living room.
Always had to "borrow" light from the hall or dining room.
Wasn't really working, but I love these :)



two little ones...



...and one floor lamp.
Now I can read in my comfy chair :)




When in Anchorage two weeks ago, Caleb's finger got slashed.
Coach thought it was broke and sent him to the locker room. 
Trainer took a look and said it was just dislocated. 
She gave it a tug and it was good as new! 
Looks pretty freaky there, don't it?!?!
It bruised and swelled for two days, but at least it's not broke.


Senior Night...
West Valley vs. North Pole
final score 10-1
Woo Hoo!


Gabe, Caleb and Stoshie. 
They were interviewed and on the news :)




The cake...




found this gem...
Caleb and Gabe a lifetime ago...
and Caleb and Gabe this week :)
Too cute!



All the Senior skaters escorted their parent on to the ice for recognition.





Each player got a poster designed for them.
I was actually on the design team so I made Caleb's :)




the program...
(check out what Caleb's hobbies are...)




They each got a really nice monogrammed duffle bag with West Valley insignia, 
then had to give a speech. Of course they all said the exact same thing :)

The red helmet is earned each game. 
The player who has it gives it to the player he thinks was "player of the game" for whatever reason they see fit. They keep it till next game and pass it on. 
Caleb got it this game. 


After Regionals this next weekend, they head to the state tournament in Wasilla.
 Emily and I are taking two days off to go watch. 
West Valley has never won a state tournament, EVER!
This could be their year!

Love you all :)


Friday, January 1, 2016

Forgot about Vegas!!


The Venetian 



The Strip





From the show "Tanked"




Thanksgiving day - Emily Gambles Nana's $1 and wins $5
You go girl!!





Eiffel Tower




Oh yeah, why did we go to Vegas...? That's right, to watch hockey!
Nana, Papa, Stephen, Uncle Jim, Caleb, Kristy, Emily, Aunt Carol.
So glad we could all be there together.




Last day. Sunny photo by a palm tree.
Yes, I could live here:)
Thanks, Nana and Papa for providing us with amazing accommodations!




Roller Coaster at New York New York...




Lovin' it!









Back home...
This is where Stormy spends quite a bit of her time. 
She'll curl up with anyone, but she's partial to her brother.




Ready for the big guy...






Caleb donated blood!
He earned extra credit for his Human anatomy class :)
I was going to do it with him, but was iron deficient that day.
Went back the following week and did my part :)



HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope 2016 brings each one of you happiness, inspiration and good health!



"Sparkle the Subaru" reached a milestone... 20,000 miles!
Love this car :)





The start of winter break...
Not much sunlight this time of year, so when it happens, you take advantage.





Christmas Eve Dinner





Check out the "fire place" :)





Emily and Stephen's matching Las Vegas sweatshirts.




Christmas Eve Service at Friends Church





I managed to bring both kids and a few friends...
this is Caleb, Tayllor and Cole





After the service, we went home for yummy Hickory Farm munchies (thanks Nana and Papa) and a rousing game of Apples to Apples, then checked out the Christmas Lights around the neighborhoods.
This one is the best :) 




Cooper's Christmas presents.
I totally forgot to take any pictures of our gift opening. 
I decided to just live the moment!
Thank you everyone for everything!!!


Emily and Morgan ski Birch Hill
(Emily's new selfie stick from her cheer coach)




Two days later we went sledding on Mile Mountain (out on Haystack)
Cooper and Annie




Emily and Morgan




Emily, Kristy, Laura and Morgan




Picture doesn't do it justice, but every year Pioneer Park is all decorated. 
Cooper and I often will walk over and stroll through the lighted town.
Very pretty.




Even the S.S Nenana gets festive!




New Year's Eve Stephen comes home from baseball camp in Phoenix. 
He arrived at 10:30.
After watching the UAF Sparktacular, we picked him up and headed to our house.
Watched reruns of the Times Square party then hooted in the new year with champagne.
We topped off the night/morning by watching "Inside Out"


We'll be doing more skiing (kids) and cross country skiing (me) this weekend. 
So, hopefully, more pictures soon.

2015 was a good year.
Here's to an even better one in 2016!!

Love you all!