Clinton ~ Michelle and Tyler: 2009

December 5, 2009

Christmas Decor

Thanksgiving is over and it's time to get into the Christmas spirit. This week Clinton put up our tree and the lights,and really does like putting them on, he is very specific to how he likes it done with lots of lights. Even ashes got into the spirit. Tyler and I put up decorations and the ornaments on the tree. Poor Tyler was sick with a fever Sunday night into Monday night but still helping us get everything ready. Wednesday night we finished up with putting the train around the tree.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving went well at my house this year. My Turkey was still frozen the morning of so I had a melt down moment, but with Clinton's help everything ended up great. All the food was delicious, thanks to everyone bringing a dish or two to share.

I would just like to share how grateful I am for Clinton, who works so hard to provide a wonderful life for us. Tyler, who brings so much joy and happiness to my life. Erika, Tyler's birth mother who is beyond amazing to me with her love and selfless act of giving me the joys of motherhood. My job, where I get to take Tyler, and have developed many wonderful friendships with my co-workers. The gospel and the sacrifices Jesus Christ made for me so I can return to my Heavenly Father. I am grateful for Clinton's and my own extended families, who support me and love me for the crazy person I am. There are so many other things I am grateful for that I will just include in material posessions (home, cars, etc..) I am able to have in my life.

Here are a few fun pictures playing with baby Ellie, the kiddos playing in the Batcave and of those watching a movie.

Today we went Pinyon Tree cutting, another family tradition the weekend before Thanksgiving. This tradition used to be the day before Thanksgiving and then returning Thanksgiving day. However, with everyone married, and Thanksgiving day being so busy, we love that it is the weekend before.

When asking Tyler what his favorite part was he said "riding the bike", I assumed that as meaning the motorcycle ride with Cameron. Then he said he also loved riding the four-wheelers. I guess it is to say that he had a GREAT day! We were able to get all the trees cut this year by 12:00. Had lunch, celebrated Dominic's birthday and then the boys had there usual gun shooting fest. We then loaded up the trees and headed home.

I just love this photo of Rachel

Tyler so excited that he just shot the gun with Daddy's help

Tyler with his play gun. I love that his eyes are closed, I guess we should teach him to open his eyes so he knows what he is shooting at.

A couple different Pictures of our tree cutting gang

Thrilled

I am so excited that Tyler this week decided he can buckle his own seatbelt. I have no idea when most kids are able to do this, but up until Monday he pretty much refused to do it himself. For whatever reason, Monday morning I asked him to get in the car and try doing his seatbelt. After gathering coats, purse and anything else we needed, I arrived at his door to help with the seatbelt and he had the biggest brightest smile smeared on his face and he said "Mom, I did my seatbelt all by myself". He said it in a tone of suprise and amazement.

I told him of course how proud I was of him and secretly hoping that it would happen again. Well it has been a few days and he still tackles doing up his own seatbelt.

I am proud and happy for him in this simple accomplishment. I am probably more excited about it than he is, just in the fact that I don't have to climb in and out of the car to help him buckle his seatbelt anymore. Every time he does it I am still jumping for joy inside.

Adoption Awareness

Today Tyler, Nicole, Jordan, Kinsey and myself celebrated Adoption Awareness. The kids had a blast playing on the rides, getting balloons, eating chocolate donuts and listening to music.

Tyler on his favorite game "Road Burners Leader", a Motorcycle ride

Tyler just had to play a gun game

Tyler grooving to the music

November 11, 2009

Leaves

On Monday, after picking up Tyler from Spanish school, we came home to Clinton raking leaves in our backyard. I couldn't believe how many leaves there were. So after helping a little bit, we decided to play in them. Seriously it was so much fun. We threw leaves and buried each other.

After we played Clone Wars on the tramp, when Clinton said what a girl I was with my noises and pretend lightsaber fights. To be honest I haven't even seen the Clone Wars, I guess I better get on it.

Where's Michelle?

Where's Tyler?

Fishing

This past weekend Justin my brother came down to stay the night. After church we took Tyler fishing. With Justin's expertise they accomplished it from digging up their own worms at our house to catching a little cut-throat. I must say I was extremely impressed. I am so grateful Tyler has such a wonderful Uncle, who is willing to take him out and be so patient in teaching him how to fish. We then headed home and Justin cooked it for us to eat. It was a great day, and hopefully one Tyler will always remember.

Justin and Tyler on their way to catching fish

Tyler waiting to catch a fish, while Justin gets the pole ready

Justin trying to use Tyler's Spiderman pole to catch a fish

Look at that smile, do you think he is having fun?

Moving to another fishing hole

Tyler paying attention to how you put a worm on the hook

After changing fishing poles and holes, Tyler caught a fish. YIPPEE!

Justin and Tyler with their fish

Tyler posing with his fishy

Tyler naming his fish

Tyler kissing his fish after having a little talk with it

Another pic with the fish after being gutted and cleaned

Tree Cutting

Once again we went on our annual tradition of cutting Alpine Christmas trees. Nearly everyone in the family came this year. We missed Mom, Royce and Angie. Thanks to the good turn out of people, everything went smooth and quick. Tyler had some good times playing with his cousins.

Baby Ellie excited for her first Christmas Tree cut experience, I just love the tounge

The running crew, Tyler and Tate

Anthony pulling his heavy load (Kayden, Tyler, Savannah, Anthony, Tate, Chloe, Alicia)

The tree pullers (Alicia and Karin) ~ Nice Work

Karin helping Kayden cut down a cute little tree

Tyler's hiking buddies Savannah and Ashes

The whole drive up to go tree cutting, Tyler kept saying he would or had seen deer and elk in the mountains. Well his dream came true because just before lunch, Clinton's brother Warren found some Elk remains. So Clinton hid behind a tree with the head/antlers and pretended to be a Elk. Tyler was so freaked out that he hid behind Mikey's leg, it was hilarious. Finally when we told Tyler it was daddy, he slowly came out smiling but still a little cautious.