New Years Eve Fiesta Style!!

We celebrated New Years Eve with Spain this year and it was so much fun!!

We had yummy food (only Scott's Spanish Tortilla and my Mom's Spanish peanuts were authentic but everything was delicious!), great friends and fun activities!  I neglected to get a picture of food or the "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" that Ashley requested but you can see in several pictures people playing games and mariachi music was playing in the background (which made me giggle).

It was delightful to celebrate as a family and to celebrate early and enjoy the rest of the evening at home with the kids.  Hopefully this is a great start to a new tradition!

 Cassie and Scott Chappell, Conner, Jon and Deborah Fairbanks, and Annie Eddy

 Jonny Hulse, Brandon Eddy, and Trevor and Nathan Fairbanks

 Eleanor, Bethany and Maggie Hulse

 Scottie, Grandma and Grandpa

 Izzy's décor from the bottom looking up

Chappell boys

Ryan's Advances to 2nd class in Scouting

I'm proud of how hard Ryan works in scouts.  He enjoys being with his friends and he has had great leaders over the years.  I love to see the kind of young man that he is growing into and how Scouting makes him better.

Time with Dad

On occasion Scott works out at home in the kitchen.  Today he was lucky enough to have two new recruits.

 

The kids love it when dad is silly and makes them laugh.

 

Sleepy Sickies

When the colds hit our house it didn't skip the boys.  For some reason Ryan chose to sleep on the couch so when Tommy woke up (unhappily) and found him there, he climbed up and fell back asleep.  Cute boys.  Love them.

My Handsome 12 year old

This has been a summer of big events for Ryan.  He turned 12 in the summer (while on the Boy Scout National Jamboree) and then was able to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. The week after he got home.  His first time passing the sacrament was the next Sunday.  I think he was excited but a little bit intimidated.  It was nice for him to be surrounded by boys that he knows well and respects and who were able to lead him in this new responsibility and adventure.

 Doesn't he look sharp as he heads off for his first Sunday passing the sacrament?  He was very excited and even got to pass to Scott for his first time. 

Makeup Photo Shoot

Izzy and Hannah decided to do silly makeup and wanted pictures taken afterwards.  Since the boys were gone that evening, I decided I'd do makeup and nails for them so we could do a better photo shoot.  I really should have done their hair, but seriously, considering the fact that Thomas was at my feet, I think things turned out quite well.

 Tommy wanted in on the photo action - I'm aware he's missing clothes, but he has a diaper on so I think we get bonus points.

First Day of School

Ryan is in seventh grade this year and has all the adventures related to 8 classes, 8 teachers, cute girls, new friends, etc.

 Isabelle is my beautiful 4th grader.  Her teacher is Miss Pitardi.  Her besties are all in different classes, so she's a little anxious about making new friends.  Friends can make such a difference and she is such a sweetie, I hope it doesn't take too long.

I sure love these cuties even if they are growing up. 

Happy Birthday to my Boys!!!

Ryan turned the big 12 in July and Thomas wasn't far behind to celebrate turning 2.  Because Ryan was gone over his birthday we celebrated them together.  Grandma, Grandpa, Carolyn, Joann's family and Scott's nephew Kent joined us for the celebration.  It was a grand time.  How thankful I am to have such wonderful sons.

 Ryan requested Carne Asada for dinner (never made before but it turned out delish) and Grandma's fudge and ice cream for dessert.

 Yes, I'm aware Tommy is nearly naked, it's a challenge to keep him clothed.

 The video is short and funky but Tommy's already seen it and he insists that it stays.  (Do you wonder who rules the roost at our house?  Actually, several people fight for that distinction.)

 He loved his new train set. (Thanks Kellie for the treasure and thanks to Grandma for adding to it!)

Sour Face

The kids discovered a sour War Head candy leftover from Halloween (yes, I said Halloween).  I think they realized why is was leftover.

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24th of July

Because we spent the evening picking Ryan up from the airport and then opening presents, we missed any big firework shows so we created our own.  Ryan loved helping light them (much to my uptight chagrin).  Thomas enjoyed watching and mostly stayed put.  Ashley was scared and watched from the front window until they were all done and she could just do poppers.

 Izzy and Katelyn Whiting

 Some of the crew

Ashley with her poppers and a smile!