Christmas

Due to lack of time off (too much fun had during the summer) and winter driving conditions, we opted to stay in Boise over the entire Christmas break.  It was good for our family to spend time with just the four of us (not to minimize our love for the dogs and hamster, but you know what I mean).  We went to church on Christmas Eve, followed by a very traditional Christmas Eve meal at Tepanyaki Japanese Steak House.  By the time we got home the kids were dying to open presents!  I made them open the pajamas first.  Let's just say that Jeff was more excited for his new camper van (more on that later) than the family's matching jammies, but I got him to pose for this picture as long as we covered him up.

Jeff and I also give each of the kids a Christmas book to open and read on Christmas Eve.  It was so cute when they were little and we could snuggle and read with them.  These past few years, they politely say thank you and look for another present to open.  I have hope that in the years to come they will treasure those books!  I'm an optimist.  Ashley's book this year was the Spirit of Christmas and Peyton's was Christmas Magic.  Maybe they'll read them to their own kids some day.

The following pictures are for the grandparents--the kids loved opening their presents from you and holding them up for the camera.  Thank you for making sure the kids did not get bored during Christmas break!  Unfortunately, after remembering to take pictures for Grandmas and Grandpas, I neglected to take pictures of anything else.  Oops!  Peyton was really excited for his electric scooter from Mom & Dad and electric guitar (with amp!) from Santa.  Ashley was in awe with her new BIG girl bike from Mom & Dad and Barbie house from Santa.  She said to us, "Santa must not have seen me be bad!"

Candy & Graham Crackers & LOTS of Frosting!

The kids talked me into doing our own houses with graham crackers this year (no ready-to-go kits).  And they had fun picking out various candy decorations.  After spending way too much money on frosting and candy (I did go with pre-made frosting, I'm no Betty Crocker), we had 3 masterpieces!

Exciting Things Are Happening in Kindergarten

Before Thanksgiving (I know, I'm behind - I'm trying to catch up before the end of the year so I can print out this blog!), Ashley's class had a special Thanksgiving lunch in their class.  This was a big deal for several reasons: (1) Kindergartners don't usually get to eat lunch at school, (2) the kids were asked to dress like pilgrims or indians, and (3) because everything is a big deal when you're 5/6 years old!

Ashley wanted to dress as a pilgrim, but didn't tell Mom until THAT morning, so this is what we came up with.

When Mom and Dad got to school, we noticed Ashley's non-pilgrim-like headdress.  Turns out she decided to be an indian when she found out their headpieces were more stylish than the pilgrims.

I still can't believe our Kindergarten teacher does all of this. There's a reason I'm not a Kindergarten teacher.

While we're on the subject of Kindergarten, Ashley got to perform in her first school program this winter!  In keeping with politically-correct public school criteria, she was a Wind Fairy in a production of The Share Bears.  What?  The moral of the story was "when you give, you receive" which is pretty universal.  The boys in her class were bees.  So cute!  I apologize for my novice videography, but the family cinematographer (Justin) lives in Iowa!

Speaking of Crazy Cousins...

Stacy's not our only crazy cousin! Here she is with cousin Angie - just two members of the wonderful family started by Jeff's late Aunt Rea. She would be very proud of them - they know how to live life. I'm sad I missed the annual cousins' ornament exchange where these pictures were taken (again, stolen from Brandi's blog). : (

Samuel Finn Michael Banks

Because Mike & Emalee don't have a blog (yet), we don't get to see many pictures of the little guy. Here's a picture I stole from Brandi's blog. [That's our crazy cousin, Stacy, in the background]

Favorite Blog Post of 2009 from the Hess Family

I visited Brandi's family's blog a few months ago and saw the funniest post. Here it is recreated for all of you:



Friday, August 28, 2009
Thanks Peyt!

Cousin Peyton taught Max how to go to the backyard turn on the hose and put the hose on your head to drench yourself. Cousin Peyton didn't realize that this would now be Max's new favorite thing to do for the next two weeks! But at least he has big muscles!

Matchmaker Matchmaker Make Me a Match!

For some odd reason, Jeff's sister Brandi (and husband Matt) seem to be on the same baby schedule as my brother Harley (and wife Angie). Not only are their babies similar in age, but they also have the good looks of their aunt, uncle, and cousins. I am hearing wedding bells in 2029...

Ashley Lost Her 1st Tooth!

Who took this picture, anyway?

(Jeff)

Our Christmas Tree & the Coolest Stocking/Ornament EVER!

Merry Christmas!

I felt so good about myself when I ordered our Christmas Cards in October and put them in the mail the 2nd week of December. Except now I've referred everyone to this blog and it is embarrassingly not up-to-date! As evidenced, I keep myself busy--you'd think I'd be 50 lbs. lighter with all the running around I do. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened yet.

What HAS happened is that the kids have grown up too fast! Peyton will be 9 years old in February. He is in the 3rd grade at Washington Elementary School. He shares his birthday with the namesake of his school --- pretty coo! He keeps busy with soccer in the Fall, basketball in the Winter, and baseball in the Spring. There's also skiing in the Winter (which I think is his most favorite thing to do) and rafting in the Summer. He also keeps busy with Chess Club, guitar lessons, and Cub Scouts. Have I forgotten anything? Ashley is 5 1/2 years old and just lost her 1st tooth. She is in the afternoon Kindergarten and spends her mornings at the YMCA. She wants to be an artist when she grows up. Ashley also plays soccer and basketball like her big brother; in addition, she enjoys gymnastics and being a Daisy in Girl Scouts (call me if you want cookies). She is the tallest girl in her class and only about an inch away from passing up her brother.

Jeff and I are still bankers - the good ones, not the bad ones that President Obama talks about.  Mostly, though, we're proud parents and happy to be enjoying life in Boise, Idaho. We welcome all of you to visit, in the winter for skiing or snowshoeing, or in the summer for rafting the Mighty Payette River (and many other gorgeous rivers).

Hope you enjoy the rest of our blog with a smile on your face! Love and hugs, Jen.