January-- New Year-- Update!

Auston is in sixth grade. His teacher is Mr. Onley, he is really loving his friends in his class this year.  He is playing his first indoor lacrosse league and is enjoying the fast paste game.  He has been practicing for his sixth grade Valentine dance and really likes doing the line dances.  We got him some new dress clothes for the dance (which he has on under the hoodie).  He loves to watch football with his Dad and is such a awesome kid to babysit while Bryon and I steal a few date nights here and there.  I am so proud of this kid!

Broc is in first grade with Mrs. Budge.  He is learning so much and trying so hard to be better each day.  He is also a HUGE Bronco's fan and loves the excitement of Sunday dress up day for Bronco's day.  He had lots of friends and is such a good brother.  Drake looks up to him and thinks he is the BEST!  He and Ady are really good friends and play together and watch out for each other.  He makes us all laugh with his funny little personality.

Adyson is in fourth grade with Mrs. Riter & Mrs. Krebs.  She is excelling in school and her teachers never have anything negative to say about her.  She is a good friend to all and tries to make peace.  She is doing fantastic with piano lessons and enjoys going to dance with her neighborhood friends.  She is so great to do what I ask her to do, she wakes up earlier than her brothers and makes her bed every morning.  She is a great sister and I love how she loves to go shopping with me.

 

Drake is three and in preschool with MOM!  He has needed some extra convincing the preschool is the place for him.  He enjoys his own schedule and to do his own thing.  He is making new friends and has just started going to friends house to play.  He loves it when the big kids get home from school so he has someone to play with.  Grandma Rienie just retired and has volunteered to be his babysitter in the afternoons.  He is having a blast building forts and playing whatever he wants with her for a few hours.  He also has quite the imagination and can play super hero's for hours having complete conversations with himself.  He is learning his letters and sounds and can spell his name.  He also keeps us on our toes and makes us laugh.

New Year's Eve

We hosted the New Year's Eve party again this year, it was so fun! We had a photo booth!

Balloons filled with things to do each hour of the night! 

A Pinata! 

Noise makers!

And the night would not be complete without fireworks!

I can't think of one particular event of thing that happened in 2013 that comes to my mind. But what comes to my mind is family time.  I really wanted to focus on spending time with my kids and not over scheduling our lives and it has been one of the BEST decisions ever.  I have strenghtened my relationships with each of my children and with Bryon.  We have gone on adventures we have spent time with our families and also at home eating dinner together. I am so blessed to have a family here on Earth! For 2014 I want to continue to focus on family time but want to add in making our home more Christ centered.  Sharing our testimonies with each other and really finding Happiness in ME! I find happiness in my family but I want to feel it within me. I know that sounds selfish but I feel like it will help me be a better mom, wife, sister, aunt, teacher, daughter, and friend! Here is to Happiness 2014!!!

Christmas

First snowman!

Ady made Olaf from Frozen

Christmas Eve at the Houghton's UPS was so busy this year that Bryon didn't make it at all to our party, we missed him.

 Our annual nativity.

Adyson left a super treat for Santa and the reindeer. Peppermint popcorn and lettuce and carrots. 

Christmas morning.... first to their stockings...

 Then to see what Santa left....

I loved how this year Auston was so excited to help the others by opening their packages, putting together leogs, playing games and just being the amazing BIG brother that he is. 

We had lots of visitors which we love and then we were off to the Vigil's for more Christmas fun! I am so thankful for my Savior for his birth and life. Merry Christmas 2013

December

I LOVE traditions.... Our annual gingerbread making night!

First snowfall fun!

Broc was such a sport and pulled Drake all over on his sled.

Drake loves stickers!

Friend/cousin night late night... pizza rolls and reindeer treats!

 We have been letting Wheat in at night because he is lonely and cold, Broc and Drake will just lay by him I love it!

Adyson had her Christmas recital at dance. This year she is dancing with two of her friends from our ward.  Emire and Quincy.  

She LOVES dance and dressing up!  This year Grandma Rienie is taking a tap dance class at the same studio as Ady. It was so FUN to watch her perform with Adyson. Ady danced to Hot Chocolate from Polar Express. Rienie is such a great Grandma I love the influence that they have in my kids lives.

Her brothers are always there is support her.

Grandma and Grandpa Houghton always come to support us too!

Aunts and cousins! Wow Adyson you are loved!

More traditions... Here is the Houghton Christmas party with Aunt Tammy!

We all look forward every year to sit on Grandpa's lap at get a gift from Aunt Tammy.  She is so sweet and shows so much love and support to us always.  We are so blessed to have her such a part of our lives. The kids all love her so much!

Love my Mom and Dad!

My family and Grandma Verna

Happy Birthday to this handsome man of mine! It was a late night because UPS is super busy in December but we celebrated with him, his favorite oatmeal cream cookies!

Adyson made him a Bronco colored bracelet. 

We got him so super warm camo for all his hunting adventures!

Grinch/Snowman pizza night with the Cook's