More Memories and Pictures

This year Michael and I seemed to talk about a lot of our Christmas celebrations from when we were young. He has a way better memory than me and remembers some of the gifts he recieved, but mostly the memories of the fun traditions they had as a family. One of them was the "Dead Duck Box." When Michael was young he broke his Dad's piggy bank and felt horrible about it, so he got him a new one for Christmas one year. Only it wasn't a pig, it was a large Mallard Duck. The box from that duck floated around each year and the kids were always excited to see who would get the "Dead Duck Box" for Christmas. I mostly remember being so excited to open a gift on Christmas eve. It was usually from a sibling--we always drew names and that was the gift we opened first. Christmas morning my Dad would make us all wait outside the room so he could make sure Santa came. He would tromp around and jingle bells, as a child it was pure torture, but fun. The funny memories are the one's that last and I love making them with my family now. I hope you made some lasting memories as well!

Christmas Memories

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! We stayed home and enjoyed some good ol fashioned family time. I realized this year we have a ton of traditions that keep us very busy, but I couldn't stop any of them! Christmas eve we had a delicious Ham dinner then opened a present (PJ's and a toy), watched Luke II, drove around looking at Christmas Lights, and got everything ready for Santa. He likes doughnuts and milk--and the reindeer like carrots left on the porch. The kids were so excited and couldn't wait to go to bed. Christmas morning it was fun to watch everyone open presents and we were all spoiled horribly!! We had breakfast with our friends the Wagstaffs, Hunts, and Alexanders. It was fun for the kids to share what they got with all their buddies. We had to go home after breakfast and finish opening presents, we actually overslept so we ran out of time. I had to beg the kids to get out of bed at 8:00. They'd sleep all day if they could. Anyway I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas like we did. I'm hoping the Christmas spirit lasts longer than usual, I just don't want to let it go this year.

Hunter ready to go
Happy Dad

Hunter's favorite gift--his Fire Station

Let's go for a ride

Haley's scooter

Harmon loved this gift that my brother gave us--it is a Proclamation surrounded by pictures of our family. He kept kissing the frame.

Getting the carrots ready for the reindeer.3 VERY HAPPY KIDS

The Christmas Letter

Dear Friends and Family
Merry Christmas! Hopefully you are having a very happy holiday season! We are staying very busy this year between the kids and all their activities, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Haley is now 5 and keeps us running constantly! She is in Kindergarten this year (which she LOVES) and is keeping busy doing dance and soccer. Her soccer team is in a tournament in December and they are not happy that she is taking the spring off to play T-ball, but Dad is her coach for T-ball and she looks forward to playing with him! Haley is quite the social butterfly and has a TON of friends. She is a HUGE help around the house and takes care of the whole family!
Hunter is a spunky, loveable 3 year old. He’ll be 4 in January and can’t wait for his birthday. He is planning it already. He is ready to go to Sunbeams and be with the big kids! Hunt has been playing soccer this past year as well and has improved with each game! He is definitely the star most of the time and has scored countless goals. It is so fun to see him get excited and do his little dance each time! He’s a good brother and tells Mom and Dad “I wuv you” about a billion times a day, and Mom and Dad love it of course!
Harmon is 18 months old and helps keep us young. He keeps us constantly busy and doesn’t let anyone get much of a break. What a handful this kid is, but he is so cute that he gets away with everything. He has a smile that makes you go weak in the knees, so yes he could get away with murder! I fear the terrible 2’s have set in a little early, but unfortunately I think that’s normal. We love having him to entertain us and keep us going everyday!
The new addition to our family this year is precious little Hayden. He is now 4 months old and gets cuter every day! All you have to do is talk to him and his cute little grin goes from ear to ear! He was an unexpected surprise, but our family wouldn’t be complete without him. We’re glad Heavenly Father knew he needed to join our family.
Michael is still working hard at work and even harder at home. The poor guy never gets a break! He’s a great dad and his biggest joy is to cheer the kids on at their sporting events. As for me I’m trying daily to be supermom, but have a LONG way to go. I have a love/hate relationship with all the carpooling and business of sports, but I’d do anything to see the kids happy! We are all very excited for Christmas this year and hope everyone has a happy holiday season. It’s our prayer that the true Christmas spirit finds its way to your home!
Happy Holidays!
Love
Michael, Alleen,
Haley, Hunter, Harmon, & Hayden

Our December in Pictures

This month has been so busy just like everyone elses, it's been a ton of fun and we've had lots of time to spend together. Family time is what makes the holiday's special and I am so lucky to have Michael off for a large portion of December. We started the month off with Haley competing a soccer tournament. There were no other girl teams in her division so they had to play all boy teams. The first team they played were "The Bruisers" It was greatly satisfying when they won that game and made the boys cry. The boys team was undefeated for their season so they didn't take loosing very well. Unfortunately they lost the 3 games after that, but they played great! It was so fun to watch them even though it was freezing cold. Grandma and Grandpa Henrie were in town for the weekend and came to 2 games then took all the kids home to get warm. It's always nice to have extra help cheering on the Ladybugs.After soccer games we rushed to the Winterfest in downtown Henderson to watch Haley dance (that's why she has no curls and looks a little messy). Being the great Mom I am I forgot Haley's undershirt and the poor thing froze to death, but she still danced her little heart out and didn't complain once! Her dance was to "Christmas Fever" and it was adorable!Who can resist a cute girl in a tu tu!The same weekend we had tons of company in town because we went to the NFR. We went Friday night with my brother David and his wife Becky and my parents went the next night with Cameron and Jessica. It was a blast to watch the show and spend time with the family. Cam and Jess stayed an extra day and we did gingerbread houses after church. It was a fun activity to do with them.Last weekend we headed to Panguitch for our annual prime rib dinner. It was delicious as always and almost everyone was there. We took the kids sledding and had a start to opening presents. It was a blast and we all had a great time. The house was packed, but that makes it even more fun.Haley and DJ hitting the jump--Backwards. Crazy girls!Wa-hoooooooooo!Haley even pulled the sled up the hill herself. She didn't want to go home!Hunter enjoyed sledding more than I thought. He wrecked a few times, but kept going and was beaming each ride!All the grandkids got a Life-saver storybook from Grandma and Grandpa--fun tradition. Troy and Jodi waiting patiently for their gifts.

Ty, David, and Brittney
Cameron played Santa and handed out gifts. He and Jessica had our family this year. Hunter got a fun catch game, Haley got a coloring book, and Harmon got a Elmo book. They were so excited. Hayden got a CUTE outfit and shoes that he wore to church the next day. Grandma and Grandpa spoiled them to with balls, nerf guns, and Polly Pockets. We don't even need to do Christmas anymore, the kids were happy!Tabby, Konner, DJ, Haley, Hunter, Harmon, and Mallory waiting for their gifts. Look at the excitement in their eyes! A few weeks ago we also went on the Santa Train and to the Light Parade in Boulder City. It's a fun tradition that the kids look forward to each year. Santa comes on the train and says Hi to the kids and poses for a picture. The kids love the train more than Santa. Harmon was really fun to watch, he thought it was pretty cool!
Hayden zonked out by the end of the ride--to cute!

Wow!Oh No! It's over :(Mrs. Claus was a hit--she was super nice! Harmon wasn't to sure about Santa, but no tears.
Haley and Hunter at the House of a million lights. Haley did a great job dancing in the light parade. Harm enjoyed the light parade and the suckers that were handed out.

Eight Years and Counting

So we just hit our 8 year Anniversary. It's been a great 8 years with lots of ups and downs, it's crazy to think about all that has happening in those 8 years we moved 2 times, 4 kids, 1 dog, 2 vehicles, many pounds (I won't say how many :), lots of fun vacations--Boston, Disneyland, and Countless trips to Utah. I wouldn't trade a minute for anything. We have a wonderful life together and 4 of the most beautiful kids on the planet! I'm so glad our friends Jeremy and ShaLayne set us up! Blind dates do work sometimes. We dated for about 10 months before we were married in the St. George Temple. I'm so thankful that Michael has put up with me for this long, I'm sure it hasn't been easy. Can't wait for the next 8 years and the ups and downs that will come with it! I LOVE you Michael!

Goin on a Tree Hunt

One of my favorite traditions each year is going after our Christmas tree. I'm not sure why I enjoy it so much, it's cold and miserable usually, but we have a great time! We load up in several different cars and stop for Hot Chocolate on the way up the mountain, Grandpa loads up with other goodies so he can sit in the car with the little kids. I think everyone enjoys riding with Grandma and Grandpa so you can have their treats! This year we went up above Panguitch Lake and didn't expect to see any snow, but there was some on the ground and it started falling while we were out. My entire family was there and we had fun playing in the snow and watching all the cousins run crazy. For me this is when Christmas begins. We picked the perfect size tree and after the adventure of getting it home (on top of the Suburban) the kids had fun decorating it. We always make the tree we cut down the "Kids" tree and I get my fake one with my favorite ornaments.

Grandma and Grandpa Watch Out . . . Flying snowballs

Couldn't resist this picture. Hunter loves his sister so much!

Snow Angel

Our family

Turkey Day

We had an awesome Thanksgiving this year. We headed to Panguitch and the WHOLE Henrie family was there. My parents house seems to get smaller each time we get together. There are 13 grand kids and all but 2 are mobile and running wild. It is pure heaven for my kids and they look forward to seeing their cousins as much as they can. My mom pulled off a wonderful dinner and we were stuffed to the brim for about 3 days! It was a wonderful day to reflect on all that I'm thankful for . . . 4 happy kids, a healthy family, a home to live in, a steady income, family who loves us, the gospel, my freedom, my wonderful husband, good food, and having the time to enjoy it all! The list could go on and on, I feel so blessed for all I have!

David Getting ready to FEAST!Troy, Brit, Jodi, Ty and Cam . . . Mmm Mmm Good!Marc and Dad carving the TurkeyA few of the Grandkids waithing patiently. Hunter, Bryson, Konner, Mallory,Haley, and DJAfter Dinner we headed out for a little football game. The kids had a blast and luckily the sun was shining. It was a ton of fun!Haley running for a touchdown.I think Haley is at the bottom of this pile.