Modes of Transportation

Our little Clara is so sweet, but she definitely has a mind of her own. She has decided to forgo the tradition mode of crawling, too boring, for two alternatives.

First, her Army crawl. It really does look like shes a wounded solider crawling across a beach trying to escape enemy gunfire.

She also scoots. I tell everyone about how she scoots. They think it sounds cute until they see her do it and start to laugh at how funny it is. My family has started calling her "Scooter".

See for yourself.

Ellie's Birthday

We had Ellie's birthday party before the actual day. So for her real birthday we had a whole fun day of events planned.

First, her birthday breakfast of choice, French Toast.

Next she got to open presents from Mom and Dad. She had enough at her party so we saved ours for later.

Happy to show off her new "Mariposa" Barbie.

Some new silky butterfly pajamas to match her butterfly barbie.

Modeling her new birthday outfit. She had requested a new dress.

It was then time for lunch and her restaurant of choice, Chili's.
After lunch we then headed to Build-a-Bear. Ellie picked a pink leopard which she named Elle. McKay picked a brown bear he named Heart Friend.
After stuffing the animals and combing them, we let the kids pick out outfits for them. Ellie picked a pink miniskirt, pink sequins tank top, and pick sequins shoes for Elle. McKay picked a Buzz Lightyear ensemble for Heart Friend.
After Build-a-Bear we went to see Enchanted. It was just as good the second time.

Ellie had a wonderful fun filled day for her birthday.

Ellie's Birthday Party

Ellie's birthday was on a Tuesday but we had her party the Saturday before. She had long before decided upon an Animal party so we did our best. My favorite find for the party decor were the tiger, zebra, and leopard print balloons. The party was a success and a good time was had by all. It was fun to have all our family over to help celebrate. Thanks to everyone that was there.
Mckensie & Aaron
Clara & Whitnie
Dad and the birthday girl.
Barbie fashions courtesy of Grandma Sherrie.

It wouldn't be an animal party without some lions. Thanks Aunt Lindsay.
Her Madagascar cake.
"Make a wish." Enjoying the frosting off the bottom of the animals.

We are so happy to have this wonderful 4 year old in our life. She is a true joy!

First Ski Lesson

Ryan took Ellie up to Sundance for her first ski lesson a few weeks back. She had a great time and did a wonderful job. They have even been back another time since. I guess Ryan's experience as a ski instuctor is coming in handy.
They met up with Whitnie and Jackson up there. Whitnie was our camera person so we have some great video shots of Ellie and her Dad. Occasionaly Ryan would let go of Ellie and have her ski down the mountain to crash into Whit. Here's to a lifetime of skiing, and maybe next time we can even get McKay to go.

New Years

The Hills rented a cabin up at Timber Lakes for New Years. It was a huge cabin with enough room for everyone to enjoy.

Ryan with his siblings.

Mckensie, Trevor, Jackson, and Ryan.

Happy New Year 2008!

The night was spent playing guitar hero, eatting, and chatting. We all had a great time.

The next day everyone bundled up and headed out with snowmobiles and sleds. Ellie was a great sport and enjoyed in all the activities. McKay was more hesitant but once we got him outside he really enjoyed himself.

Christmas Day

Better late than never, right?

McKay checking out his stocking.

Clara observing the commotion of Christmas morning.

McKay with his new V.smile Art Studio.

What good is a Barbie without a pink convertible?

This is all Ellie wanted for Christmas, a tiger, panther, and two bats.

She was so happy to open it I think she would have been fine if that was all she got. Lucky for her Santa spent a little more than $5.

Lincoln Logs, classic.

Jasmine and Aladdin.
I bought a set with a boy on purpose so McKay wouldn't be stuck playing with a girl doll.

Ellie showing her sister how a xylophone is to be used.

The most dreaded part of Christmas morning . . .

the assembling of the toys.

The finished product.

Keeping Clara away from all the small pieces.

For Christmas Ryan and I didn't get each other anything, instead we purchased this new office furniture.

After we had opened everything on Christmas morning my family came over to say Merry Christmas and see all the loot.

Ellie showing Grandma Judy her new dollhouse.

Clara with Grandma Judy.

In the evening on Christmas day Ryan's family came over. We didn't have our camera charged though so the only picture we got was Sherrie and I challenging each other to a round on Ryan's new Guitar Hero. The kids did get some wonderful gift though, thank you. McKay's was his favorite from all of Christmas, an Imaginext castle with knights.

Christmas Eve

Christmas was a different experience this year being back by family and trying to balance our time. Christmas Eve we started by going to a live nativity call "Night in Bethlehem". It was very impressive. We started in a nearby chapel and then were shuffled by the Roman guards into "Bethlehem". The neighboring house had the whole yard tented and a bustling market set up inside.

Kimberly and Ellie braving the snow together.

I think Clara was on sensory overload.

The metal worker and potter set up in the Bethlehem market.

We stayed in the tent until Joseph and Mary, on a real donkey, entered and asked for a room in the inn. There was no room but the innkeeper showed them to his stable and the crowd followed. We were led outside where an angel appeared in the sky and pointed the shepherds towards the stable. When the shepherds arrived there was Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. The whole crowd of over 200 people were led it song. It was very powerful and a great reminder of the meaning of Christmas.

We made a quick stop by the Grow house to open some presents.

McKay and Ellie showing off their finger puppets and theater.

We then went to the Hill house for fondue and more presents.


The kids got to open their presents from their Great Grandparents.


Back at home in their Christmas pajamas.

Right before bed leaving out oats for Santa's reindeer.