{Frosty Weekend}

Each year the we hold the traditional "Frosty Weekend." All of my brothers and sisters and our kids spend the night at my parents house and party party party. The grandkids always have to find frosty before the festivities can begin. Grandpa reads clues which send the kids on a scavenger hunt to find Frosty's body. The kids love this!!

The rest of the weekend includes: hugs and kisses, visiting, laughing, volleyball, card making, eating, laughing, games, presents, mafia, laughing, movies, treats, and a little more laughing!

There wasn't enough snow for football this year and not enough room on the counter for sugar cookies. Those are the only traditions we couldn't pull off. But time together was the purpose and we loved every minute hanging out with our sweet family.

All the grandkids call my dad "Grandpa Ice-cream" due to the fact that he has an entire freezer dedicated to his Schwans Ice cream. Zane and fallon brought him this Schwans delivery man uniform with his name embroidered on the back. It was absolutely hilarious.

This is my sister-in-law Fallon. Her and Zane surprised us and flew out from California to be here for the weekend. I love this girl so much. We already have our lots picked out and are counting down the years until they move back and we can be next door neighbors!

My mom gave all the kids matching pj's like the ones Ave has on. We just never managed to get all the kids in one room to be able to catch a picture of it. Believe it or not these "action" shots show the true colors of what fun chaos it was the whole weekend.

Christmas Chorus Performance

On December 17th the kids had their Chorus Performance. Brecken has been in chorus for 2 years and this was Tate's first year. They both practiced a lot and learned a bunch of fun Christmas songs. The theme was Christmas around the world. It was so much fun to hear the kids singing Christmas songs to themselves around the house.

Brecken represented America (winter fun)

Tate represented Hawaii (Christmas with no snow)

Tate performed the Mele Kalikimaka with actions and all.

It was pretty adorable and definitely his favorite!

Who needs a mom when Nana is around. Avery and Skylar get drug here and there enjoying all the big kid events. At least they have each other and Nana to hang out with.

Brecken, Ashton, and Tate at the end of the performance.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I love love love Christmas time and all the beautiful lights and decorations. I love having the Christmas tree up and having the wonderful spirit of the Savior in our home! And my dear husband loves me enough to deal with all of my loves!

The kids are at such fun fun ages right now and are very into the "Christmas Spirit" what a wonderful time of year!

A blessing or a curse?

Brecken and Avery have both been given my gene of curly hair. I haven't decided wether this is a good thing or a bad thing in life yet. I like the variety, and yet it's a pain to have to straighten constantly. I think the curls are cute on the girls but I'm not sure how fond they'll be of them when they're older.

Snuggles

Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm all about comfort. My children have now taken after me. One of their favorite things in the world is soft, cozy, fuzzy, warm pajamas. They get so excited to get in their PJ's and "snuggle" at night.

I love these two "little Cindy Lou who's"

Unfortunately Tate's new snuggly pajamas didn't fit, so I'll have to do some exchanging.

Birthday Girl

Avery turned 3 on November 29th. I cannot believe these years have come and gone. It has really gone by way too fast! Avery is absolutely the firecracker of this family. She has us laughing constantly with the funny things she says. She may now be 3 but I think she's actually going on 13. She is quite the unique little girl, always full of surprises and curiosity. I feel so blessed to be her mother. I love you little Ave!

Avery's guests

Blowing out the candles

Opening Presents

Thanksgiving 2009

This Thanksgiving we had a fried turkey along with our baked turkey. The Men were in charge of the fried turkey... Here they are giving the bird a shot of a yummy herb mixture. They had Bubba inject because he was the most handy with the old syringe. Both Turkeys were FABULOUS, way to go boys!

Our family has now very much out grown my parents huge dining room table, so we are to the point that we have to move the huge meals downstairs into the entertainment room and set up a bunch of tables!

YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY

How could I not be thankful with such an amazing man by my side!!

After we ate the kids played pin the waddle on the turkey. My mom made this adorable Turkey, the kids LOVED him and loved the game. It was adorable.

Twilight Saga

Our New Moon night couldn't have come soon enough! Especially considering that we've waited a whole year for it!! November 21st the Allred girls gathered for another night of food, fun, laughs, and Edward. (yet contrary to the reader in me, Jacob was definitely the high light of my night not Edward!) hhhmm I wonder why? We had So much fun and loved getting away for the night.

It is hard to admit, but here is were I stand. While reading the books I was absolutely on team Edward. The Edward in my head that is. But the movie watcher in me has to side with team Jacob! I mean come on when Edward was so HORRIBLY cast who can't be a little bit of a traitor?

Here's my "ooohh I think I can't help but switch to the team Jacob side." face

2009 Primary Program

November 14th was our ward Primary program. It also happen to be the first day we got some snow. My kids thought I was absolutely in sane for making them stand out in the freezing cold at 9:00 in the morning to take a picture. But I had to capture these darling little faces. The program was centered around families and I couldn't help the tears that came as the sang songs about the roles and importance of families. I watched them with a mother's pride feeling so grateful that they are each a part of my family!

Yes, that is a huge bouncy ball in Tate's hand, he was trying to smuggle it into church. He got past me when we were hustling out the door, but I luckily busted him during my security check at the church door.