New Years Eve and Chocolates 2015

We did our annual chocolate dipping tradition on New Year's Eve this year.  It was so much fun as usual.  Cameron made a rolo tower before putting them on the pretzels.  Braxton helped dip the cherries, Dakota helped Becky with her dipping, and Shane made toffee.  This year Alisha had sick kids so it was just Cody, Shannon, and Tanner with our family and Russ and Becky. I love this tradition we have been doing for the last few years.  Such fun memories made.

With the passing of two grandparents in December I keep thinking about what we will say at our parents funerals.  At both funerals they mostly talked about things we did as a family.  No one went into great detail about their personal hobbies, or their careers-- it was all about the times we spend together.  I am happy that my kids can someday reflect on their Pinata at Christmas and their time spent dipping Chocolates.  A lot of effort and time goes into doing things like this and sometimes it feels like a pain, but it is soooo worth it.  Every tradition my Grandma did means so much to me and I know it means a lot to my kids the traditions their grandparents do also.

Christmas Day

This year we let the boys sleep in our upstairs, above the garage room.  It was weird to not hear Braxton get up 7 times in the night, although I am sure none of them got any sleep.  At 4:30 Shane and I went up and woke them and told them Santa had come.  It was a beautiful sight to see the tree with all the presents under it.  We all came down and broke into the gifts.  It was a great happy day.  We had my mom, dad, and Tara over for breakfast then headed over to Becky's.  It was relaxing and full of yummy food.

December Fun

Family party at mom and dad's this year was special to me because the pinata tradition came from my Grandma who just passed away a week earlier.  This kids love this tradition and so do I.

Don't forget about the pajama tradition that Grandma Jo started too.  Love making all the kids put on their Jammies and pose for a picture.

First time I remembered to get pictures at the Pilgrim Christmas Eve party.  We do a game where you bring a $5 gift and exchange/steal them.  It is really fun and everyone is always fighting over Broc's Salsa. We have about 50 people there every year.

Silly mom and Cam selfies

Troy and Hailey invited us up to Mountain Green to sled behind their house.  We also played games and got in their hot tub.  It was just like being at a condo, everything right there.  We made homemade pizza for dinner and had hot chocolate and tons of snacks.  

On Christmas Eve Shane took the boys and our next door neighbors the Hills sledding.  We sure love having all this snow this year.  It is so much fun for the kids.  Jerry Hill also built an ice rink in his backyard.  They play out there every day.  Hockey mostly, but also tag and just skate.  What a great winter idea to get the kids active and out of the house. I secretly think Shane likes the ice rink as much as the boys.

Shane, Cam, and Kate Hill

6 best buddies blessed to grow up next door to each other.  Couldn't ask for better friends or neighbors.

More Funeral Pics

This was our Dakota the entire night at Grandpa Farr's funeral.  Quite a day for him.

Me and my Dad (above) Braxton and my Dad (below)

Troy, Hailey, and Eliza

Shana and Joel, Elsha, and Josh's Family

Braxton, Cam, Eva, Geana, Troy and Hailey

Dakota, Braxton, Tara, Cam, Troy and Hailey

Mark, Abbie, DeAnn

After the viewing my work, Bella's kindly provided the whole family of 30 a meal.  It was so nice to relax and visit after it was over.  They have such big hearts.

We celebrated Tara's Birthday while we were there, since unfortunately she go to experience the viewing on her birthday.