Pinewood Derby

 Tyler had his first ever Pinewood Derby!  We were so excited to see how his car did.  I know he wanted it to do well, but he just sat in the background waiting to see what would happen while all the other boys couldn't help but crowd around the track.

 Setting up the cars

 Tyler's car was coming in first every single time.  It was not even close how much his car was beating the others!

 Then on one of the last races something happened and a scout leader leaned down to pick Tyler's car up from the track as it was still racing - missed it, but knocked the wheel and the car went flying off the track.  When they would try to race it after that, it couldn't even keep up with the other cars.  All the dads realized something was very wrong.  They looked it over and the wheel got cracked.  I was so upset and when I finally told TJ what had happened I was surprised at how upset he was - almost like I shouldn't have told him what happened he was so upset. 

 They ended up giving him 2nd place over all which was nice.  But, poor Tyler was upset he didn't win - which he should have!

Green Smoothie!

Since Tj has left, I have changed the way we eat around here.  I don't know why, but I'm starting to be really turned off by meat.  I don't want to be a vegetarian, but I'm just not liking meat much.  We have been eating a lot of quinoa - which I LOVE - the kids are still getting used to it.  We also drink A LOT of green smoothies.  Brena loves them, Tyler's still getting used to them.  Who knows what will happen when Tj gets home, I know he will turn his nose up to a lot of the stuff we eat!  Here is our favorite green smoothie recipe:
Throw in blender:
1 cup almond milk (we like vanilla)
1 frozen banana
1 TBS chia seeds
1/2 - 1 TBS almond butter
2 handfuls organic spinach leaves
Blend until creamy!  I will sometimes add a few ice cubes to make it thicker.  Also, for beginners you might need to add a touch of agave nectar or honey for just a touch of sweetness!  So healthy and good for you!

Pinewood Derby Car...part 1

Before TJ left on deployment he worked really hard getting Tyler's car ready for the pinwood derby, so I wouldn't have to worry about it!  I was really grateful he did that.  The only thing he didn't get done was the painting and the wheels.  So, we took that baby to Colorado and turned that job over to papa :)

Papa also took the time to help Tyler pass off some of his other stuff in his scout handbook.  They made a beautiful bird house.  It didn't fit in the suitcase, so we had to leave it in Colorado.

 I know Tyler had lots of fun working with papa!

 The finished product.  Thanks papa!

Colorado

Tyler and Derek played a lot of football.  Unfortunately (or fortunately for them I guess) there was NO snow in Colorado!  I couldn't believe it.  There really wasn't even much on the ground.  It didn't snow the entire 10 days we were there.  We were all bummed.

 We had a fun New Year's Eve with lots of games and yummy foods.

 My baby sisters - oh how I love them!

 My kiddos - ready for church. 

Christmas

We left our house at 4:30am Christmas morning to get to the airport.  I was mad loading all the suitcases into the trunk at 4:30am because I was sweating!  Yes, sweating on December 25, did I mention it was 4:30 in the morning??!!  I just kept thinking, I can't wait to get to Colorado to get out of this danged heat!  It was an easy flight.  We got to CO about 11am.  The kids had written a letter to Santa asking him to drop their presents off in Colorado.  They were excited to get there and see what Santa had left them!

 

 Brena got lots of fun presents, including a new Udraw for the Wii.

 She'd been wanting a robe forever, so I'm glad Santa remembered that!

 The 3 little girl cousins.

 Brena loves Little House on the Prairie books.  Grandma made her her very own Little House on the Prairie dress!

 Complete with bonnet :)

 Tyler was excited to get the Guinness Book of World Records.

 And his Aaron Rodgers jersey!

 He and Derek spent a lot of time on the Wii.

 We went down to Tj's parents and had fun playing with cousins down there.

 The kids visiting g-pa

 and gigi.

We had a wonderful Christmas and it was nice to spend it with family.  We really miss Tj, and look forward to spending next Christmas with him.

Ballet

 Brena is in her 4th year of dance, that seems crazy to me!  She is such a good little dancer :)  Every year before the holiday break we get to go into their class and watch them perform and see the dances they will be performing at the end of the year recital which is held in the big auditorium at UNF.

Tyler's Party

 For Tyler's "holiday party" they decorated gingerbread houses.  I have never heard of decorating a milk carton!  It was SO easy!  I know how I'll be doing gingerbread houses from now on!  He had a great time slathering on all that frosting and adding the candy and graham crackers. 

 The finished house!

School Party

 Brenalee's class had their "Holiday Party."  They did different stations showing what different countries do at Christmas.  They all put one shoe outside the door because that is a tradition fr the children in Holland (I think it was??)  Then, St. Nick fills the shoes with candy.  Sure enough, when the kids went out and looked in the hall, they were filled with candy!

 This wreath on the top of the head was another custom - and I can't remember which country that was from either!

 Decorating Gingerbread cookies - Germany??

 Playing Dreidel...Jewish game.

 Then they did the pinata - I know that one :)  Mexico!  Brena was one of the last in line and unfortunately she did not get a chance to whack the pinata.  She was devastated.  But, she was a trooper and got over it without too much fuss.

 This cracked me up because it is SO Brena.  She has her desk all blinged out!  Can you see the beads and bracelet hanging from it?  There was more on the other side too - she is so funny.  Her room is like that too, beads and stuff just hanging everywhere!

 Eating all her sugar - oh boy!