Weekend Fun at Duck Creek, UT

Last weekend we got together with some of the family up at Duck Creek, UT. We had to detour the long way around (3 hours), but it was worth every mile ;)
Upon our arrival, there was a Christmas parade, and Santa was making appearances around the little town. This was actually a happenin' place.

The lodge was really nice; but smaller than the lodge we stayed at in previous years. We ended up spending more time outside in the snow than inside anyway because it was a beautiful, sunny weekend! We were all eager to sled!

We ended up working up quite an appetite from all the activity. A hot meal really hit the spot. I think we all felt exercised after hauling sleds, a mattress, and in my case a 26 pound little boy repeated up a long hill. lol

It was SO much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

Later, people met in the main living room area to play games............

The following day, after consuming a delicious breakfast......we returned to sled for a few more hours before departing back home.

Ava went crazy with the sleds this year. I think she learned a lot from Kara & Jenna and suddenly gained this amazing confidence to go all the way to the top of the hill and fly down by herself!
lol

I was quite surprised!

Thank you Chandra and Anita for organizing this get-together!
It was a very memorable, wonderful time. Can't wait to see what's in store the next time around ;)

They got their ducks in a row......

Bryan took the camera with him this last time he went to Pruess to hunt. He took the first few photos (in addition to the video) of Ava. The waves on the water look pretty cool :)
I looked at the photos and video, my first reaction was "Burrrrrrrrr."

This was before the ground was covered with a blanket of fresh powder................

Maybe next year Isaac and I will join them in this activity :)

After the hunt............ Isaac joined in the photo this time :)

Here's the video:

Happy Birthday Little Man!

On December 5th my little boy had another birthday.
*sniff*

We had a low key celebration on a Monday night with Mom, Adam, Audrey, and Grandpa & Grandma Hanks. I made pizza (all from scratch) and of course, cake.

Audrey took a majority of these photos; after we sang the "Birthday Song"........

We asked Isaac "How old are you?"

He tried to show us two fingers..... lol

After filling our bellies until we burst, it was time to open presents.....

He got a gift card from Grandma Casper (which I bought The Hungry Hippos game), an Old McDonald musical tractor/trailer from us, and a Thomas the Train scooter from Grandma & Grandpa Hamilton.........

I think this 2 year old had a great, memorable birthday!

Thank you everyone!

A huntin' we will go......

Yes, Bryan went duck hunting last Sunday ;)

While he did that, we went hunting for something else: a Christmas tree.
"We" included Mark, Audrey, myself & the kids :)

It was cold and snowy - but I knew what size of tree I wanted. So, with that goal in mind ~ we were fast and efficient. Well, mostly Mark since he did all the labor..... Ha ha ;)

"Thank you Audrey & Mark for all your help!"

Even though our cheeks & noses were being bitten by the cold - the snow was really pretty :)

Christmas lights; check.
Stockings; check.
Shortening my shopping list; check.

Christmas tree; check.

Being of good cheer? I try ;)

Gaining holiday pounds; check :(

lol

Hopefully your holiday plans & preparations are going smoothly too!

Calm before the storm.....

The last day of November was so nice. We decided to take advantage of the day and play outside. It was warm enough we even shed our jackets :)

I guess in my mind, I consider this day the last day of Fall of 2011 ;)

Here's to a memorable, eventful Fall!

December has arrived.

So have the storms................