Birthday Boy

I just realized I forgot to post about a VERY important day!  Hunter turned the BIG 5 on January 30.  We celebrated it right with a movie, pizza, and cupcakes.  He invited all of his best buddies over and we had a great time.  He really wanted an Ironman party, but we switched it up to Superhero Squad instead.  He wanted to watch a movie with our big projector and we didn't think Ironman 2 would be very appropriate for a bunch of 4-5 year olds :)  We watched an episode of Superhero Squad while pigging out on Pizza then enjoyed a few chaotic games that the kids loved!

Here we were testing every one's superhero senses and they had to guess what they were holding while blindfolded.  The best was giving Haley a pickle!

Instead of Pin the tail on the Donkey it was pin the star on the target, or Captain America's shield.

Haley getting a star on the face by Sophia.

I think this was the kids favorite, but not mine :)  Silly string aimed at all the villains.  Slightly messy!

Gifts---YEAH!!!

Tattoo cupcakes with lots of sprinkles

Hunter and his best bud Samo--notice the headlamp.  I think this was his favorite gift.  We couldn't get it away from him for days!

He also got a helmet of his own.  He's gearing up for T-ball which starts next week!

Hunt, Logan, and Samuel

We had so much fun this party and what a great kid to celebrate!!!  Hunt always keeps us guessing with his sense of humor and his imagination.  Hunter is the goofiest, happiest, and most lovable kid I know.  5 years has gone by so fast and we look forward to watching Hunt continue to grow and learn and become an amazing young man!  Happy Birthday Hunter!

January??

The weather has been so nice this month we keep asking ourselves . . . is it REALLY January?  I know Mother Nature is teasing us and we'll still have some cold days, but for right now we're just enjoying it!  We've spent many afternoons at the park and look forward to many more as spring approaches.  Unfortuately this means it will probably be a scorcher of a summer, but I'm trying not to think about it right now.

O'Callahan-Tillman Memorial Bridge

The weather was so nice and we had company so we decided to head out to see the bridge I'd heard so much about.  I must say getting there I wasn't to impressed, it was when we went down onto Hoover Dam and looked up that I was in total awe.  It really is an amazing site to see.  My parents and nephew Konner were in town and even though the kids were a little nervous they really enjoyed it!  My Dad--not so much.  We couldn't even get him to the edge of the bridge so he hung back with his buddy Hayden (he is Grandpa's Boy!!!!)  We were so glad to have family in town and Michael and I planned on having a date night, but stayed home to enjoy everyone's company.  Michael smoked some ribs and we had a delicious dinner--I wish I had pictures of it, but it just wouldn't do it justice!  We can't wait for Grandma and Grandpa to come visit again!  (and Konner to :)



This is the view from the bridge--amazing!





It was a bit of a hike up the hill--especially for little legs.




Grandma and Hayden



Tough kids :)

Family Photos

We had some pictures done back in November of the family and I just got them back so I thought I'd share. I'm not thrilled with the way I look, but I never am :) My kiddos on the other hand don't take bad pictures. I swear they are so cute it's impossible to get a bad pic!

The Boys

The Girls




Haley

Harmon



Hunter

The Kiddos

 

Hayden



Girls Day Out

 Haley and I got to have an afternoon together at the Mall just after Christmas.  She finally decided it was time to get her ears pierced.  The funny thing was as soon as we got to the Mall she started to chicken out, but after an hour of shopping with me at Dillards I had her convinced!  She couldn't stop looking in the mirror afterwards and can't wait to change her earrings to some that she got for Christmas.  We celebrated by sharing a cookie and a Diet Coke afterwards.  Man I love this little girl.  I hope our relationship is always as good as it is with my Mom.  I always loved girl time with Mom and I look forward to having many more with Haley.  She says next time we're going to the Spa (I'm not sure she knows what that means, but she knows already that it's a magical place :)

Christmas 2010

The Pictures say it all--we had an amazing Christmas.  Everyone was spoiled rotten (a little to rotten) and the sheer joy on their faces makes it all worth it!

Harmon can hardly contain himself

Hayden was thrilled with his blocks and wrapping paper :)

Hunter got the DSi and Indiana Jones game he wanted.  I must say they have been
INSEPARABLE ever since Christmas!

Harm LOVES anything superhero so the Imaginext Batman toys made  him VERY happy!

More superhero stuff--Look out here comes Ironman

Yes that is my 6 year old--she asked for GI Joes!  She loves to play with the boys

Hard to believe he can actually hold up his head with this on!

After the tearing open of presents we said goodbye to all our new toys and headed to Utah to spend some time with the Henrie Family.  There was a delicious Prime Rib dinner and cousins to play with.  The kids didn't even mind having to leave most of their toys at home!  Haley and Hunter both got DSi's and they made the trip.  They played with them every minute they could.  I love it when we have success!

Michael and Hayden staying warm by the fire



Grandpa Henrie -- just happy to be surrounded by his kids and grandkids!



Me and my tired baby Hayden



My poor Mom stuck in the kitchen.  She's Amazing at keeping everything sane in a house FULL of people!

Christmas Eve

We had a blast this year on Christmas Eve, we have started many traditions with our family that keep us busy almost the entire day!  We had a turkey dinner with all the trimmings followed by a drive to look at Christmas lights while wearing our new pajamas.  After that we head home for Mr. Kruger's Christmas and Luke II.  I usually send the kids off to bed with tears in my eyes as I think of our Savior's birth.  What a special time it is and I love hearing my kids talk about the true Christmas spirit.  They don't forget that Santa's on his way though and everyone was tucked into bed by 8:00 and surprisingly sound asleep.  That sure makes it easy on Santa--he doesn't even have to sneak around :)

The Christmas Letter

Dear Friends and Family

We hope the holiday season finds everyone happy, healthy, and ready for Santa to visit. Our family loves this time of year, the spirit in the air is strong this year as our kids get older and understand the meaning of the season more.

Haley is now 6 going on 16. She is all girl with a tom boy twist. She just finished playing soccer for the year and her team was undefeated. I’m afraid Haley got the competitive edge from her parents and LOVES to win! She also played T-ball last spring and loved every minute of it. Having her Dad as a coach helps to make it that much better. First grade is a breeze for her and she amazes me everyday with what she is learning. She loves to read and do math. When she’s not doing sports or school she has many friends to play with and 3 little brothers to keep busy. Haley is a HUGE help and I rely on her more than I should.

Hunter will be 5 in January and I can’t believe it! He goes to pre-school 3 days a week and can’t wait for Kindergarten to start. He is bored if Haley isn’t home because I think she’s one of his best friends. Hunt’s favorite thing to do is play the Wii and GI Joe. He played T-ball last spring as well and got to be on Haley’s team (Red Sox of course). It was so great to watch them play together, I’m afraid it will be the only time they’re on the same team.

Harmon is 2 and boy is he good at it. There were many times this year I didn’t think I would survive his terrible 2’s. As the year went on he’s gotten better and better and he is such a funny little guy. He loves to perform for everyone and keeps us laughing. He loves his brothers and sister and tries really hard to keep up with the older kids and does most of the time. It’s hard to believe he’ll start pre-school this year!

Hayden is working his way to the 18 month mark. He is a good little guy and easily entertained. I’m afraid he knows he’s the baby and gets jealous when Mom holds anyone else. He is loved by his older siblings and his favorite time of day is when they go to bed and everyone fights over who he’ll kiss goodnight first. He is all boy and loves cars, balls, and being outside.

Michael and I just celebrated 9 years together and it’s hard to believe it’s been that long! Our joy in life is spending time with together and with the kids. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing as long as we’re together! We’re enjoying teaching in Primary and will be sad to loose our class at the end of the year (It’s a REALLY good one). 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!
Merry Christmas!

Love

Michael, Alleen, and Kids