It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Matt and I made last minute plans to go into downtown Portland and take the kids to a few special Christmas things. We did not tell the children what we were doing or how we were getting there. Matt had heard about a Tuba concert in Pioneer Courthouse Square and then he heard about Santa being at Macy's downtown. We loaded up the car and headed to the transit system for Portland. The kids love to ride these trains. We parked the car and jumped on one heading into downtown. When we arrived there were many people walking around getting ready for the concert outside. The kids were a little surprised. They had a hard time seeing the performers. After about 4 songs, we were all very cold, so we went into Macy's and visited Santa. Overall, it was a good day. Only a few hiccups.

Hayden standing on the train.

The beautiful Christmas tree at Pioneer Square Courthouse.

Paige listening to the songs.

Gannon all bundled up.

Carter wouldn't wear his Russian hat(that is what we call it), so I did. It was cold.

Hayden all excited.

We saw a Christmas tree and gingerbread man walking around the square.

Waiting in line to see Santa.

Patient children.

Madalyn read a book she was dying to read as we waited.

Santa's reindeer.

The purchased picture.

Getting ready to jump back onto the Max and go home.

Good afternoon.

Ward Christmas party late on that night.

Bailey telling Santa that she wants a Blankidbuddy.

Gannon not sure of Santa.

The young women in our ward visiting Santa.

Madalyn wins award!!

A few months ago Madalyn wrote a paper on why she was proud of her country. Madalyn called my dad who had served in Vietnam and asked him questions about his service and how he felt about his country. She did an excellent job on her paper. There were 350 students who wrote an essay and Madalyn took 3rd place. They gave her a check for $100. She was so excited to get the award. She did not know that the award had prize $ also. As I watched her in the assembly, I got all teary eyed feeling so proud of her and our beautiful country. Way to go Madalyn!

After winning the award.

The winners.

My beautiful daughter and her prize.

Paige and Gannon joined me at the assembly.

It can't be TRUE

Madalyn turned 14 this last weekend and I still can't wrap my brain around it. I can't believe how fast time flies by. I really mean that. Each day happens so quickly and I realize more and more how fast children grow up. When Madalyn was little, I felt like each day went by so slowly. I wondered if I would ever make it through the next 18 years. Not because Madalyn wasn't a wonderful child, I was not secure with my mothering skills, so I spent most of my time worrying about everything. Now, I realize how precious each day is. I only have my kids for a very short time and I want to do the best job I can and make every day count. Madalyn is such a wonderful person. We love her so much and are grateful for what a great daughter she is. Happy 14th Madalyn!!

For breakfast Madalyn wanted her dad's breakfast burrito. When I grabbed the camera she said," Oh mom, I look so bad. Do you need to take pictures?" Why yes I do!!

A kiss from Dad.

Ok, now I can take a picture!

For her birthday, Madalyn wanted to have her friends over for the night. She then wanted to go shopping at the mall the next day with her birthday money. This is a picture of Madalyn and her friend Grace.

Jill putting up decorations.

Jill, Madalyn and Grace.

Hanging out in Madalyn's bedroom.

Birthday money from grandma and grandpa Newell.

Acting like she didn't know that she was getting Michael Buble CD from Matt and I.

Madalyn's friends.

Singing Happy Birthday!!

Blowing out her candles!

Her cousins Taylor and Hannah met us at the mall on Saturday and came to the house and stayed the night. Madalyn loved her birthday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

For Thanksgiving, we headed down to Reedsport to be with my parents and oldest brother. The kids had 6 dogs to play with. Gannon loves dogs! He won't be getting one but at least we know that this is one of his loves! Bailey and Paige loved taking the dogs out with Grandpa and Uncle Dan. The weather was very beautiful. Thanksgiving morning, Matt, Sandy, Dan and I took a walk with all six dogs. It was a very pretty morning and it felt so refreshing. I love being outside when the sun is shining and the air is crisp. We spent the weekend playing cards and Ticket to Ride. Great food and family time.

Thanksgiving day! Matt has a beard. He does this every year. It is NO Shave November according to him!!

Dan and Sandy. We had a great time together.

Thanksgiving meal.

Grandpa making his famous pancakes for the kids.

I love my dad so much!

Gannon following the dogs around the house.

When we got home for Reedsport, we went hunting for a Christmas tree. We got it for $15. The distance to drive was only a half of a mile.

The hunt was on.

Holding Gannon so that he wouldn't get all muddy.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree.

Carter and Matt cutting off the bottom of the tree and getting ready to bring it into the house.

As I finished dinner, the kids helped Matt put up the lights outside.

After dinner, we watched Charlie Brown's Christmas and I put up the lights.

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Multnomah Falls

With a long weekend ahead of us, we decided to head out together as a family and spend the day enjoying each other. We had planned to celebrate an early Thanksgiving with family, but plans had to be canceled because of more important things. Matt and I have been wanting to take the kids to Multnomah Falls for a long time. We stopped at different landmarks as we traveled to the falls. It was truly a wonderful day.

The next day, we watched Madalyn play basketball, Hayden play soccer, and Carter play in his championship football game. It was a whirlwind weekend.

Vista Point.

Overlooking the Colombia Gorge.

The kids.

Beautiful view looking down.

Matt and the kids looked at a waterfall along the scenic highway.

Beautiful waterfall.

Madalyn, Gannon and I stayed in the car while Gannon slept at one of the falls.

Multnomah Falls.

Gannon woke up when we arrived at Multnomah and hung out on Matt's back.

It was just a beautiful day. The leaves were gorgeous and the weather was perfect.

Matt and the kids.

Taking a little walk up the falls.

The boys.

Saturday!

Hayden played in a game with other boys of his age group. His coach had picked 3 boys that he felt were exceptional during the season. Hayden was one of them. He did an awesome job.

He had never played indoor soccer. He did so good.

Carter's team won 2nd place. We are so proud of him. He has been playing football since August. What a trooper. First time ever. Way to go son.

At the end of the game Carter's linemen coach came up and gave him the game ball. Carter felt like a champion. He is a great kid and his coach saw that. He hardly played but he had a positive attitude and hard work ethic.