Christmas 2011

Wow, I can't believe that it's almost 2012. Thank goodness. The last 6 months have been more difficult then I would have liked. I can say I've had my fair share of hospital visits for my life time. Thank fully not on my part, but for my family. We had Jack's (Clint's brother) brain surgery in August and then about 2 weeks before Christmas my dad fell down the stairs breaking 3 ribs and punctured his lung. That was the easy part. The hospital visit is what almost killed him! Man, don't ever leave loved ones in the hospital by themselves. The staff literally tries to kill you!
Anyways, that's another story, but ties into this Christmas because we were very thankful that he was home, and on the mend.

Here are a few of the good pictures I had on my camera:

Christmas Tree, most of the presents are for Clark. Typical. HA!



Clark with one of his new toys.


Broken Bob and Mental Marge. (Nick names from Santa for the year.)


And here is why those three were the best I had on my camera from Christmas Eve:
The name of the game: Name that object, courtesy of Clark's amazing picture taking skills.






Next game: Who does that food/feet belong to?:




In all seriousness, Clark actually got some good pictures:




Christmas Morning we went to church. It was amazing! Very spirit filled and we got to sing lots of songs. Just my style! Then we went Diane's (Clint's Mom) house.
Opening presents:





The camera thief strikes again!




I'd like to say Clark took these but it was me! I was trying really hard to get pictures of everyone, but Grandma and Jack were to my left and the pictures ended up looking like this even when I tried to shade the lense with my left hand. :p


Clark flying:

Clark playing with his new truck. He broke it shortly after. :( Too bad because he really liked it. The axle broke off the truck from his pushing on it and then it wouldn't roll any more.



Christmas Dinner Table:


More Clark Art:

Thanksgiving 2011

Each year since anyone can remember my dad's family has gotten together for a family reunion. Some years we have taken over parks, and other years we have all fit into a house. This year we decided to try to take over the parks again. We had about 30 people. Not bad and we did make a big impact at the little park we were at.


Right side of the table: Clayton and his friend (sorry dude, never caught you name, I was too busy running around chasing a 2 year old!) Bobby (my dad's cousin), Scott (My brother's friend)
Left side: Nancy, Debbie (my dad's cousin's), Beka, Nate (My brother's friends).




Right side: Michael (Jen's [Jack's girlfriend] son), Clark, Clint, Karen (My soon to be cousin!)
In the background, My dad and Shelby being master cooks!
Left Side: Larry, Tammy (my dad's cousins), Dawn (My SUPER Cousin)




Clint's beautiful Grandma, Barbara and Mom, Diane!




Jen, her mom and Jack





Shelby and my dad and Mike (Jack's friend in the background).


The centerpieces I had been working on for this day: I painted twigs and die cut the leaves. The idea is to have everyone write what they are thankful for and put their name and year on the leaves. Each year we will add to them and can read them for years to come. :)



Various pictures from the night:
Jack and Scott holding Amber and Jack. Kori (The kids' mom)


Jen and Jack and their moms! I got you mom! You couldn't escape my camera today! Muhahaha. :) She hates me posting pictures of her, but I have to share my beautiful mommy with you all.







Every year we also celebrate Dawn's birthday. Come years her birthday falls on the day of our reunion.


Lastly I'm sure you saw the hung monkey in many of the previous pictures. Nate HATES USC. This is a USC monkey that joined our festivities for the day. :) Why it was allowed, no idea...

What Happens When Your 2 Yr Old Gets The Camera

The other day Clark got a hold of my camera and went around the house taking pictures of his toys. :) Here are some of the pictures he took:











Can you tell what I'm doing here?