Polar Express

Javan's mom took us all over to Durango to the Polar Express on December 14. It was the best. We boarded the train and they gave us hot chocolate and rice krispies, then they read the Polar Express story. The ticket guy came around and punched our tickets and then when we arrived at the North Pole, Santa got on and gave each boy and girl and bell from his sleigh. On the way back from the North Pole we sang Christmas carols to the accompaniment of many, many jingling bells. Wow! It was great. Ethan loved the train ride, and Ally kept asking where Santa went. We loved it. Thanks Grandma Heather and Grandpa Glade!!

More Polar Express

There were too many pictures that I just didn't want to leave out, so I am adding some more.

Elf Yourself

My sister, Amber sent this link to us. It's hilarious. Ethan and Ally wanted to watch it about 50 times. Ethan is even starting to get some of the moves down.


http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1135459962



Happy Holidays!

F. DeVere Halls

Franklin DeVere Halls was born on December 4, 1916 and died on December 4, 2007, his 91st birthday. He was survived by his four children, Kathy (Jim), Gary (Donna), Craig (Debra), and Max (Tami), 12 grandchilren, and 25 great grandchildren, brothers Bill and Keith, and sister Sally. He is preceeded in death by his parents, Frank and Lizzy Halls, brother Sam, and wife Margaret Bronson. Devere lived his life ranching, first with his father and then with his son Gary. He loved riding horses and being out on the range with his cattle. He loved his family and visits from the kids and grandkids. He was involved in the Lyon's club and enjoyed attending their functions. He love to read, and eat whatever Grandma wanted to feed him. We will miss you Grandpa!

Remembering Grandpa Halls

We couldn't have asked for a more laid back guy. Grandpa was quiet and patient and up for anything. We loved his easy going spirit, and kind demeanor. We love you Grandpa.

Let it Snow!

The first time it snowed this year Ally was really confused. I think this is the first time she can remember snow. She kept looking outside and telling me snow was on my car and all over and saying it was a mess. I had to assure her that it was okay. Since then she and Ethan have loved playing outside in the snow. Especially when Dad helps them make a snowman.

Santa

I told Ethan and Ally on Friday morning that we were going to see Santa that night. They were both excited all day. While we were waiting in line Ally fell asleep on my shoulder. I put her on Santa's lap anyway for a picture. But, since she doesn't remember being there, she keeps asking when we are going to "sit on Santa's lap". Ethan wasn't scared to see Santa this year, but he said next time he doesn't want Santa to give him a hot candy cane.

Ally

This was just a cute picture of Ally the morning after her birthday party, just playing with all of her new toys.

Happy Birthday Ally!

Ally's birthday was on Thanksgiving day this year so we celebrated it the day after. She was so excited for the Dora cake and presents. For the few days after we still had leftover cake and the decorations were still up and she kept asking when we were going to have a party and presents.

Trip to Ashley's

Ashley, Pilar, Bayley, Javan



















Javan has a half sister, Ashley, that he only saw once when she was a baby. On November 17, we got to go over to Montrose, Colorado to meet her. She was very excited to see everyone. Her 10th birthday was coming up so we had a little birthday party too. It was fun to finally meet her after all these years. P.S. You can tell Ally and Kamron were excited too!

Sometimes they're good

I caught some rare photos of Ethan and Ally being nice to each other. Thought it might be good to document it.

Very serious injuries

While Ally was helping my clean out the storage room down stairs she dropped a can of soup on her toe. Poor little toe. It was quite traumatic. This picture was taken a few days after so it has scabbed over. But her whole toe was red and sore, and she didn't forget it for a very long time. Now her toe has a little scar and she still thinks it's an owee and tells us about it about 10 times a day.

Then I was cleaning up an unfortunate accident in the bathroom with Ally and Ashlynn, I'll spare you the details, when Ethan decided to whittle a stick with a sharp knife. He just about cut off his finger tip. It was a bleeder. I took Ally to the doctor a week later for something else and showed Dr. Fisher becuase it wasn't healing very fast. He said he would have put some stitches in it if I would have brought him in, just to keep the finger tip alive. Great! Well, it's healed up quite nicely and Ethan is proud to have a scar like daddy's.

Happy Halloween

I don't know how happy it was. Ally would only let me put on part of her costume and then she wouldn't stand up by herself to let me take any pictures. She was a pretty sassy cowgirl, but cute none the less. Next year it is my goal to get a good Halloween picture.

Home Evening

While Landry and Susan were home we went out to the 4th Reservoir for Family Home Evening. Although the picture is small Haven and I took the kids for a ride in Mike and Shan's canoe. I think everyone had a great time. Toby got to play in the water, Ella got to crawl around in the dirt, and the rest of us enjoyed some good food. Thanks Redd Leader! (and Shan)