Nic & Casey Porter Family II

Goodies Day!

2011-12-18T22:07:00.000-08:00

Mmm, we made all sorts of yummy deliciousness today! Our special friend Kim came to join us and help and it was nice to have extra hands in the kitchen that were helping in a cleanly manor :) All three girls had a special treat, Maddi helped to make hot chocolate popcorn & marshmallow fudge. Ashly helped make rolo turtles that she said could swim in the sea & s'mores bars. Halle helped with oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookies & banana bread. Yep, it was a yummy day! I did miss my momma by my side quite a bit though!!

Of course while us girls spent time in the kitchen, daddy spent the day with Uncle Ryan at the Cardinals game. Oh how we love creating memories.

Grins 1st Annual Christmas Party

2011-12-18T21:52:00.000-08:00

We have truly been blessed with an awesome crew! We had a fun night downtown with the doctors and staff and cant wait till we have hundreds more to share Christmas with!

Kg Christmas Party

2011-12-18T21:42:00.000-08:00

So proud of this girl!

2011-12-18T21:34:00.000-08:00

This sweet Bean is part genius, We love her and are so proud of her! My little forth grader made it as the runner up for the schools spelling bee, she beat out 12 sixth graders and 9 fifth graders. She fought for 10 minutes back and forth with a 6th grader who she tied with at first...Good job baby!

Halle has been in the school chorus, and LOVES to sing. We love to watch her and her charismatic little expressions.

Mom & girlie movie time is always fun! These girls of mine are so stinkin fun!

After begging for a year to get braces, dad took her in to see Uncle Whit and got her steel! She loves them!

Happy Birthday my Magnadoo

2011-12-18T21:15:00.000-08:00

Maddi chose the Melting Pot for her birthday dinner. We got to order our yummy food, enjoy our cheeses and salads, smores & yin & yang drinks and dancing in the aisle...until a brief play outside landed us in the womens bathroom. My poor Maddi ran too much and couldnt stop coughing, vomited ALL over the floor of the MP, and covered their bathroom sink. We made it home with less clothing than we started, but ended the night with fun presents from Nani & Papa and Kimi. Everybody loves our Mags!

Congrats Kimi & Rory!

2011-12-09T20:56:00.000-08:00

This beautiful young lady, Kimi, has become quite a big part of our lives in the last few months. Her family is absolutely amazing and Ive always loved the Tenneys! Kim has been babysitting for our girls, she never complains about the travel time, and our girls ADORE her! It was an honor to attend her wedding and reception on December 3 and the girls thought they were in heaven seeing a real live princess! We love you Kimi & wish you the best!

oh BiJunka...

2011-12-09T20:52:00.001-08:00

Halloween 2011

2011-12-09T20:46:00.001-08:00

A shower, a blessing and story telling

2011-12-09T20:35:00.001-08:00

Pumpkin Huntin

2011-12-09T20:31:00.001-08:00

Canning with my bestie and her momma

2011-12-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of canning apples, peaches pumpkin pie...oh wait, just apples and pears, with Tiffani and Momma Tenney. What a great experience to have spent that time with those two women, I sure do love them!

Fun Run

2011-12-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

Maddi and Halle were both involved in their schools FunRun & they both did well! I was able to get many pics of Maddi, she was quite the runner!! I was the "Checker" for Halles class, so I didnt get to take any pictures :(

Halles odd self

2011-12-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

We are "lucky" enough to live close to Uncle Tony now. He has become a part of our lives, and has shared a few of his oddities with us. My sweet Halle, LOVES his collection of skulls, so Uncle Tony mounted a kit fox skull on a unique piece of wood for her. Thanks Uncle Tony!

Happy 33rd Birthday to my Mister Right

2011-12-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

I surprised Nic with a trip to Iowa, weird I know. I looked up the best golf places for the month of October, and Granville it was. Little did I know, it was supposed to rain our entire trip, and be very cold! Oops. We had a driver too and from the airport, Papa being our ride home, dressed all fancy, holding his sign. Thanks Nani and Papa for tending to our girls so we could run away!

a weekend in Heber

2011-12-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

Nani, Mom (me), Nanis sisters and Niece spent the weekend in Heber, bagging 60lbs of green chilies, eating too much food, dancing and having fun. It was nice hanging out with family I havent been with in forever.

Ashly Nicole, my schoolgirl

2011-12-09T19:46:00.000-08:00

Ashly has started school! Two days a week, 2 hours a day. Its not much, but she thinks shes a pretty big girl now & mom is sad that shes home alone!

Ashly & Van

2011-12-09T19:42:00.000-08:00

Ashly has a little friend, his name is Van Moore. He's in her class in school, and likes to sit by her and ride in her car ;)

Globe Wedding

2011-09-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

Heber Times

2011-09-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Grins Grand Opening~Success

2011-09-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday my Haller Bean

2011-09-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

My sweet Halle, I love you so! I cant believe you are NINE already! I remember the day you were born, just like it was yesterday. Youve grown into such a beautiful girl, Im so grateful that our hearts were chosen to love you. You are such a smart, loving and helpful girl!

Halle celebrated my heading to Heber for a bbq and s'mores roast with the family. She also got to stay up late and help bake bread & she did a great job!

Happy Birthday Papa Sam

2011-09-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

My grandfather passed away a little over 4 years ago, and we keep his memory alive by celebrating his birthday every year. He was an amazing cook and made pineapple upside down cake for everyones birthday, even if we werent in town, hed make it and deliver to my moms house for everyone else to enjoy. He would put the funniest things into his cakes and cookies, and we often wondered what we were eating until we had to ask why there was grass in our chocolate chip cookies....he had shredded squash and put it in the cookies because he didnt want his garden veggies to go to waste..he also saved everything! The cookies were amazing!

The girls helped make pineapple upside down cake, we wrote him letters on balloons and sent them off to Heaven. We love you papa, and miss you dearly!

Halle's Big Day

2011-08-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

New Kicks New School New Friends

2011-08-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

The first day of school was a SUCCESS for my beautiful girls. Halle & Maddi had great days, loved their teachers and both made lots of friends. Halle is my big 4th grader (that kinda hurts to say) and Maddi is my big Kindergartener (again, ouch). I thought Id be like the majority of moms, and be happy to send them off to school, but for the 5th year in a row, Im the one who walked away in tears. I want my babies home with me all the time, I dont want the ugly world to influence them or break their hearts! I love these three little girls more than life itself, them and their daddy are my world! Little Ashly and I stayed busy though, we spent some needed "mommy & baby time" getting our toes painted, cuddling on the couch and playing games, making strawberry jelly, cleaning, and preparing a yummy dinner for our favorite people to come back home. Aunt Rhonda came to visit too, the girls were excited to see her when they got out of school, and had a blast with her after dinner in the pool. Today was one of the many days recently, that I was so gratful for our decision to move back home, I LOVE MY FAMILY!

Fun with Visitors

2011-08-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

Our cousin Jordy came back to AZ & we got to keep him and his friend, Nicola, for a couple days. They were wonderful! We took them to see the "Temple Hole", its the location of the new Phoenix Temple. We also spent a fun filled the day at Wet & Wild, had a nice trip to Heber and stopped to see "the Rim". We also had the opportunity to see the most adorable baby boy, ever! Stihl is an amazing little boy with amazing parents & I wish his momma would let me have him!

Light show!

2011-08-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

We have had many light shows here since we moved in, and its been awesome to watch.

Pool time

2011-08-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

When we moved to Arizona, I voted against a pool...I feared it! Well, Im so glad my husband made the last call because I have LOVED having a pool! Maddison has taught herself to swim within a week, none of the girls watch TV, and family time is constant! Yay pool!

Luvin Cuzins

2011-07-16T23:49:00.001-07:00

Porter Reunion Part DOS

2011-07-16T23:32:00.000-07:00

Porter Family Reunion Part 1

2011-07-16T23:12:00.001-07:00

Softball

2011-07-16T23:02:00.001-07:00

This guy still melts my heart & I STILL love to watch him play ball!

Happy Fathers Day

2011-07-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

My daddy is without a doubt the most incredible father to date...he is the hardest working man I know and I love him so much! The girls and I had the privilege of spending Fathers Day with him and Im grateful.

Salt Lake Trip

2011-07-16T22:55:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Baby

2011-06-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

Ashly didnt want a cake, she wanted cookie brownies...so mom made them for breakfast! Mmm, a great way to start the day. After breakfast, we headed to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. All she wanted for her birthday was "to ride a horsey"...so, she got to ride a pony! We finished the day off with Mexican food so she could have "pillas" for dinner. All in all, it was a good day. Sad for mom cuz her baby is growing up, but baby had a good day.

Field Day

2011-06-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

Halles first and last field day at Cherry Hills Village Elementary. Mom volunteered for the 3 legged race, dad came to cheer Halle on, and we all had a blast!

Halles teacher, Mrs Gully. What a great teacher, we are for sure going to miss her!

Happy Birthday to Mom

2011-06-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

2011-06-09T06:30:00.001-07:00

Halle can Sing!

2011-06-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

I knew Halle could sing if she wanted to, but had no idea that she was this good! We watched her perform a few songs, and I am so very proud of my girl! Again, a parent commented "Your girl has the best expressions, I couldnt take my eyes off of her!" I sure do love my girls!

Maddis Dance Recital

2011-06-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

This little girl has got some mad dance skills! She started dance three months later than the rest of the class and was ten times better! Im not just sayin that cuz shes mine, three other moms made the same comment! She is simply AMAZING! Her teacher, Miss Debbie, owns Dance Kaliedescope in Greenwood Village and is an incredible teacher, we will miss her!

BackYardigans

2011-06-05T10:18:00.003-07:00

Dad thought it would be fun to "camp" in the backyard...and the kids LOVED the idea. They had a blast until it started pouring ;) Its all fun while it lasts.

Winter takes State

2011-05-21T16:22:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of my little sister, Winter. She ran for Creek this year, the most hated team in Colorado, and blew away the competition the first day, taking first in prelims. The second day, she led the 4x100 team to take 5th in State. Congrats Sister, you make us proud.

Ashlys first Recital

2011-05-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little Ashly has been taking dance with Miss Ally this year. She loves it and she is the spunkiest little girl in the class, shes also the youngest. Momma, Daddy, Maddi and Miss Leesha went to watch her perform, and she was so fun to watch!

Visit from friends

2011-05-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

Nicole and Tiff came to visit for a few days, we had to hit the Melting Pot and it was deeelish! My handsome Mister was given an entire bag of their yummy mints, guess Im gonna have to take him more often ;)

Fishin with the Wrights

2011-05-20T20:09:00.000-07:00

Gratitude

2011-05-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

I have to take one small moment away from my chaotic day of my nose stuck in a computer, my hand stuck in the filing cabinet and my ear stuck to a phone. With everything going on in our lives right now, things get a little crazy...which leads to a crazy mom, who randomly blows up at her beautiful girls, who hides in her room to make phone calls and cries in the shower after a long day once she realizes how horrible shes really been to her most precious gifts on earth...her babies.
Halle got home from school today, I was still on the phone and typing at the same time. She asked for help with her homework and I snapped my ugly witch finger and pointed to the door, she walked away with her head down...it hurt, I couldnt apologize right away because the lady on the other end of the line was really irritating me and I needed her to pull her head out of her rear and help me out. Once I got off the phone, I called Halle up, gave her 2 seconds of help and she went on her way. I went back to the computer. An hour went by, and she came back upstairs with her head down and said "I need to talk to you, I know youll be mad and Im sorry, I was just trying to help"... I followed her downstairs, to find that she made dinner, fed her sisters, made them hot cocoa and did the dishes...she couldnt unplug the sink, and thought Id get mad for using too much water to wash the dishes, dang...I must be really hard to live with! I gave her a kiss, and cried as I held her, trying to explain how much I appreciate her, how much I need her and how much I love her. My sweet Halle is such a big hearted girl, she realizes when I need her and steps up to the plate with an amazing attitude. Thank you my sweet girl, momma loves you!
As Im typing this, upstairs in my office cave, I hear her again..."C'mon girls, lets make mom happy again, Ill turn on a movie and we will eat popcorn, then I will give you baths, sounds fun huh?"
I love you Halle Selena!

Movie Night

2011-05-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

The girls and I were supposed to go to a movie but I was too tired & wanted to stay home. They were such good sports that they were happy with setting up a theatre at home and enjoying a movie. Halle let her creative juices flow, and even made tickets.

Maddi & Ashly's Photo Shoot

2011-04-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

The girls got new skirts today, as soon as we got home, Maddi declared it "time for my photo shoot". This girl LOVES to have her pictures taken...and, I'll be honest, shes pretty fun to photograph! Ashly on the other hand, is a little crazy and cant sit still, so this is as good as it gets for her ;) Its a good thing shes super cute and cant take a "bad" pic. I dont have my real editing software on this computer, so these quick edits will have to do for now.

Easter 2011

2011-04-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

We spent Easter in Heber this year. We attended the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the park, colored eggs with the Reidheads, had a few hunts, explored the forest, ate too much, had a great time with family and caught up with family we havent seen in years. All in all, it was worth the drive!

Sad day

2011-04-19T20:25:00.001-07:00

Id have lots more to post, but when we were on our trip to SA, my camera was lost or stolen. I havent decided which, but since I know I put it back in the case and then left it for a couple days in the hotel....I dont know, hopefully someone enjoyed our pics and a brand spankin new camera!

Happy Birthday Branca

2011-04-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

Branca turned 17 this April, there were too many candles to light individually, so we torched em! Happy Birthday little sister.

I Looked out the window...

2011-04-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

I LOVE these girls! I am so blessed with my three little princesses! Maddi & Ashly declared that they were going "exploring", so after an hour of packing and getting ready, I looked out my bedroom door to find this...

The last few days of Spring Break

2011-04-19T20:03:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time with Aunt Heidi and Uncle Brandon. We visited Sea World, Rudys, the pool, drove to Heidi & Brandons to see THE John Wayne, Corpus Christi, The Boiling Pot, USS Lexington, the Selena Memorial and so much more! We all had a wonderful time.

Day 2 Spring Break

2011-03-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

Last night ended while watching movies in bed...
Today was a fun filled, busy sunny day. The girls and I had breakfast at McDonalds and drove to the zoo, once we got there, we decided against the zoo and rode the train around Brackenridge park, and visited Witte Museum and the Japanese Tea Garden. We came back to our hotel and met up with daddy and had a blast with him at the pool for a bit before he headed to the basketball game with Uncle Brandon. We stayed at the pool for a couple hours, eating dinner in the water and finishing up listening to music, dancing and roasting marshmallows. All in all....today was a good day!

Spring Break 2011 Dia Uno

2011-03-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

Hour 1...DIA for a plane trip to San Antonio. We were going to head to Arizona for a week, but plans changed when we found out there was a SeaWorld in San Antonio! It wouldnt be us if there werent last minute changes.

Our favorite quote of the night from Ashly, "Im walking away" as she stood still while the walking sidewalk moved her. The sass in her voice made the whole quote. She is so full of attitude, we love her so much!

Full Day one, was spent at the pool! Dad spent his breaks with us, and helped with floaties. We spent dinner at Rudys, an awesome bbq joint/gas station, funny place, great food & then we topped the night off with some Baskin Robbins...mmm mmm good!

Oh, and there was a shopping spree in there too :) The girls needed hats and sunglasses, and for some weird reason, we couldnt get out of the store without new purses! Oh the joys of raising three girls. We are so blessed, they are so amazing!

Happy Birthday Papa

2011-03-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

Papa turned 30 AGAIN this year, and we were lucky enough to have him in Denver with us! We love when he is here, especially for holidays.

best.smile.ever

2011-03-24T18:50:00.001-07:00

Happy St. Pattys Day

2011-03-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

Nani & Mom made awesome fluffy tulle skirts for the big day & we headed downtown to the Denver St. Pattys Day Parade. It was huge, it was fun and we enjoyed ourselves. Dinner consisted of salted pork and green potatoes, cabbage and green milk...mmm

Up..dates (email caseylporter@gmail.com)

2011-03-08T20:43:00.001-08:00

Date (over)Night

2011-03-08T20:41:00.000-08:00

I love this man, more than he will ever realize, more than I can explain. Sometimes, I want to punch him in the face, and he probably feels the same way about me, but all in all, I cant get enough of him! He is heading out of town this weekend, and decided that we needed a date, and he needed individual dates with his beautiful little girls too, before he left. Well, to my surprise...my date was an overnighter! We arrived at Hotel Monaco around 4, and headed to Magiannos at 5:30, followed by a movie at the Pavillions and back to the room for some much needed sleep! Yes folks, a full night sleep! I rarely get those between a sweet Maddi who has nightmares or wakes up itching, and a crazy little Ashly who wakes up yelling "Youre posta seep wis me!"

Thank you babe, I had a wonderful time!!

Another Family FUNday

2011-03-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

Dad (Nic) was the host of this weeks funday & he was a star again! Nice choice with White Fence Farms. Yummy fried chicken, smiling goats, naming donkeys, feeding chickens and lovin family time! My kids (and their daddy) think its a good idea to get a donkey and some chickens??!!

Zoo Day

2011-03-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful day, sun was shining and kids were out of school on a Thursday! Where else do you go in Denver on a day like this? The zoo!! We took advantage of the two hours of sunshine, and then froze when the sun went away and the wind came out to play.

Family FUNday

2011-03-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

Nic was in charge of choosing the activity of the day, and he chose Casa Bonita. We had heard rave reviews about it since we moved to Colorado, so we decided to give it a shot. The food was below par (yuck!) but the entertainment and endless sopapillas were great!

Photo Fieldtrip

2011-03-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to take a fieldtrip around lower downtown Denver in February with a world renowned photographer. It was super fun, and very informative. Here are a few of my shots.

Cabo Quicky

2011-02-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

Nic had a few days off, and decided that we should take a quick trip to somewhere warm and golfable. Maddi was the lucky girl to get to go on our "business" trip to Cabo del Sol.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T22:07:00.000-08:00

I am one lucky girl! I dont need Valentines day to know that Im loved, I wake up to beautiful little girls and a handsome man who tell me they love me, every single day. Why waste 364 other days not showing those you love that you love them??

I will use it as an excuse to eat unhealthy chocolately junk all day though ;) My girls each surprised us with goodness today. Ashly and her sloppy cheek only kisses, Maddi with a beautiful shrinky dink necklace, and Halle with chocolate roses. Nic and I got them each adorable little bracelets with their initials engraved on them. They think theyre so cool now since they have "matching" bracelets to mommys Tiffanys set. Nic worked a long day & handed them each a beautiful gerber daisy as they went to bed & me a beautiful set of earrings, to finish off our day. Nani got us an awesome chocolate candy bouquet & made us a delicious dinner. Thank you all!!

I made two delicious fruit pizzas! Man oh man, one with a peanut butter dough and the other with sugar cookie! So yummy!! Thanks for the idea Nicole!

As I went to bed, carrying my camera, I decided to take a few pics of my entry way, it just looked cool with the lights coming through the outdoor chandelier and the shadows that the etchings on the windows made.

Beiber and Gnomeo

2011-02-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

We got to watch TWO movies this weekend, NEVER SAY NEVER, the Beiber story and GNOMEO & JULIET. Both were great movies, and the kids had a wonderful time.

The girls got all decked out in Valentine style so Miss Valicia could take their picture and send it to the Movie Tavern corporate offices and have our adorable little girls sent out all over the web.

Love is in the Air

2011-02-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

Halle and Maddison are having Valentines parties at school on Monday, so we had to prepare. Halle painted an adorable little mailbox to take with her, she did a great job. I took pics of the girls and added some cute text, then the girls decorated them with glitter, foam hearts and cutesy stuff. They had a great time.

Story Time

2011-02-13T19:25:00.001-08:00

I love walking by the little ones' rooms and seeing this....Halle can be such a great big sister. She loves to read, and her little sisters LOVE to have her read to them.

Basketball and Beautiful Days

2011-01-31T20:16:00.000-08:00

Theres not much better than a day together playing and enjoying the outside. We are so blessed with our property, we dont enjoy it as much in the winter because it gets too chilly, but this day was beautiful! Almost 70 degrees in the middle of January, so we spent most of it out on the basketball court.

I love the sunsets over our lake, its so pretty.

Yes, he swished it...he's still go it :)

Papa walked the lake with Dex, taking note of the sick geese, the coyote markings, and collecting trash and golf balls. We find 4-5 a week, usually all in one piece, this one wasnt so lucky.

Go Wildcats

2011-01-31T20:06:00.000-08:00

Halle had another basketball game this week, go Wildcats! She did great again, and theyre getting closer and closer to taking over the scoreboard! Within 4points the first two games, and tied number 3. Not too bad for a group of girls who have only had three practices and never played together versus a group that has been together for three years!

After the game, we headed to SmashBurger for some yummy burgers, and apparently some shakes!

BOWLING

2011-01-31T19:57:00.000-08:00

A lazy Sunday afternoon led us to the bowling alley. Ashly HAD to have the cool shoes that we all wore, and they looked SO cute!

She's got skill...

2011-01-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

her daddy's skill! Halle is playing basketball for the YMCA this year, her team is the Wildcats. They are a fun bunch of girls & have a great coach. Aunt Winter is helping assistant coach, so Halle has some home coaching too. Lucky girl.

They had one practice, it was pretty chaotic and the girls were really confused...but, as soon as they hit the court two days later, they knew exactly what they were doing & they played a great game.

Halle was really aggressive, which surprised me. She stole the ball, she dribbled well, she ran up and down the court...she didnt mess around! Way to go Halle, you make us proud! The Wildcats lost their first game, 22~29, but it was close the entire game. WAY TO GO HAL.ER.B

Projects

2011-01-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

Halle still thinks mom is cool, so I jump on that & volunteer every chance I get. I have so much fun with her class, they are a crazy bunch. I get to give spelling tests and let them give the sentences, where do third graders come up with these things?!?!

I also get to go in and be camera happy every time they do a project. Today, they were creating tiles for a huge piece that they will sell at an auction. Halles was beautiful, of course!

Weekend in AZ

2011-01-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

Nic & I traveled to Arizona for the weekend, for a little golf and a little family. The weather was amazing in Scottsdale, 60s the entire weekend! While Nic was hittin balls, I went to Glendale to see some family that I hadnt seen in ages. I picked up Wrenetta & we went to Ihop for some yummy breakfast before heading to the spa for some much needed mani/pedi, massages and waxes :) then off to lunch to meet Erik and Uncle Tony for some yummy "beaner" food. Then we headed to the other side of the world to see Aunt Denny makin some delicious cupcakes, to Uncles house to pick up some bird houses that he'd made for the girls and see my housewarming present from him, he loves me, he made me an outhouse!! So funny! Then I was back to Scottsdale for an amazing dinner at Nic's fave, The Mission.

Snow Days

2011-01-01T22:35:00.000-08:00

We didnt get a white Christmas this year, it didnt really feel like it was even Christmas. The snow waited to hit us until four days later, and it hit us good! Uncle Ryan and Faith were here from Arizona, and they got to play in the snow with us, making snow angels, riding quads, sledding and building fires. Ashly wasnt too fond of the noises of the quad, so she stayed close to the house(and cried). Even Nic got in on the fun and let us pull him around on the sled.

We love to watch the geese takeover the lake, we love to watch them land & skate on the ice and crash into the water, we love to watch them takeoff and fly over the house...we hate what they leave behind! The past few days, we have enjoyed watching the coyotes test the ice and see how close they can come to the geese, and oddly enough, we would love to see one catch its dinner & enjoy a goose! Hopefully we can catch it on camera too! I know, its mean, but its wild...and its all part of life. Coyotes gotta eat too, right? Oh how I love our land, our lake and our home and all the wonderful things it brings to us, including guests, not only in fowl & wild dog form, but human too!

Merry Christmas 2010

2011-01-01T20:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve consisted of a yummy dinner, delivering gifts as Santas Elves and Christmas pajama opening. Girlies in mom & dads room, & waiting on Santas arrival.

Christmas morning was wonderful, the kids let us sleep until 7 this year! Halle got all she asked for in a diary, Maddi got her own iPod and Ashly got her own rendition of an iPod so she would leave my phone alone :) Thanks Santa!!

After opening presents, Maddi and mom hung out in the kitchen and made caramel chocolate pretzel sticks and sang and danced.

Christmas Caroling Carriage Rides

2010-12-23T22:07:00.000-08:00

We decided to carry on our annual tradition of riding horse drawn carriages through downtown Denver, singing Christmas Carols and drinking hot cocoa. We started off at a lovely dinner downtown, then headed to our beloved Starbucks for our white chocolate peppermint hot cocoa and waited for our carriage to arrive. To our surprise, this year, Santa himself guided us through the streets of downtown!

Maddi and Ashly danced to the street performers, we should have put out a cup, they could have made us some good money!

As we drove down past the capitol building, we were pleasantly surprised to see a HUGE nativity on the front steps! The past few years, protesters have won the battle to keep religion off the property of the state buildings, Christians won this year! There was even a huge sign at the top of the building, lit up, that read MERRY CHRISTMAS! It was wonderful to see. Not so wonderful to see the truth filled sign that the homeless women held though, may we never forget that there are people out there that can always use a helping hand, and we are not the ones to judge how they got there or what they will do with our help.

We sang so much, completely out of tune, and a little too loudly...but we had fun & made onlookers smile!

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, filled with the ones you love, a warm place to rest your head, peace and happiness.

Wood,Golf Balls,Ice Skates and Zoo Lights

2010-12-21T22:03:00.000-08:00

My daddy came to visit, and brought us a prize! Since wood is $500 a cord here, and half that in AZ, he brought us three cords! Thanks dad for the delivery! Everyone helped unload and stack it, thanks everyone for your help!

After unloading wood, Papa and Nic decided to hit a few balls at the geese. Ashly was not very happy about that idea, and yelled at them "You dont golf my ducks!!" We all got in on the fun and had a good time!

Then we went for some ice skating, with the Witte kids, and had some yummy hot chocolate!

and finished the night off at Denver Zoo lights. We usually go after lighting our tree on the 12th, but this year has been a liiiittle crazy!

Staff Christmas Party

2010-12-21T21:42:00.000-08:00

We hosted the Christmas party this year for Nics staff, only because they are GREAT and we love them! We had some delicious food, that I wish Id have taken a photo of, some wild games, and some Santa! Yes, thats right, Santa came to visit and read stories and answer questions about the North Pole. I had to stop Halle because her questions were getting a little too in depth and she was trying a little too hard to make Santa slip.

Maddi's Winter Whee Program

2010-12-21T21:36:00.000-08:00

Ill start off by saying that Im sad that they have taken Christ out of so many schools, and a little mad too. Maddi had a "winter program" this year, and was a skunk, a forest animal that sang about hibernation. She also happened to be the cutest skunk around.

She too is quite the little performer, and was the only one who excitingly did all the moves to the songs. Again, Im one proud momma!

Choir

2010-12-21T21:30:00.000-08:00

My beautiful Halle decided to join Choir this year, and has been working so hard on this Holiday performance. She had five shows, three at the school and two in downtown Denver. She was amazing!

Daddy, Maddi, Mom and Ashly attended her school performance and were impressed, Maddi and Daddy danced quite a bit and Ashly watched in amazement and yelled "thats my Halle" each time it got quiet. I was able to go downtown to watch her too, and I am one proud momma of the little beauty my baby has become.