And the Glasses go to.....

Austin didn't like having his eyes dialated

Colton

Lauren

Well, today, we had all three of the kids have their eyes checked... WIth my bad eyes, and Brad's one or more of these kids is bound to have glasses, right?  SO they all had their eyes dialated, even Lauren, which I thought was a little young.  And I'm glad it wasn't me getting my eyes checked, it's not my favorite thing.  

Austin had more drops in one eye, and he looked kinda crazy, so I had to take pictures.  He kept telling the Dr., that one eye was dialated more and that his eyes looked funny.  The Dr. told him he could fix that, by adding more drops to the eye that is feeling left out.  Austin quickly said No, thanks. 

So, which of our kids needs glasses????  Colton!!  He will only need to wear them at school.  But it was funny to see him pick out glasses, he found a great pair of Nike frames.  I can't believe the different choices for frames.  I remember my glasses just being brown, and in 5th grade I was excited for Holly Hobby glasses.  Colton, however didn't get the Nike frames, as they were very expensive, but we do like the ones he picked out.  He can't wait for them to be ready.  

So after the appointment, we had to run to the grocery store to pick up a few things.... I tell you what, my kids looked like the three blind mice, as they all had to wear their very fashoinable white paper sunglasses.  It was really funny.  If you can only imagine the scene.  

Family Pictures

Everyone say Cheese!

Grandpa & Grandma & all the Grandkids

Chris, Sonia, Mike & Devyn

Guido, Jaiden & Mary

Felicia & James

Guido, Sonia, Felicia, Noelia

Christmas Again

Cousins, Chris and Colton

The boys are checking out the World Record Book

Jaiden and his new gas pump, how much do you think gas will be when he can drive?

Well, we had a nice ham dinner with all of my family.  I think there was a total of 16 of us.  And I wish I had taken nice pictures, of our yummy feast, like some of my fellow bloggers, but I didn't.  Sorry, maybe next year.  This year we all exchanged small gifts.  And we had a nice evening.  But, as some you know, when we all get together there are lots of funny things that happen....

This year our funny phrase came from Lauren.  As she was opening her gift she pulled out a pair of Christmas socks...And her response to that was, "Oh, socks, just like last year."  We all thought it was pretty funny.  But she does love the cute socks, with milk and cookies, and has worn them a lot already.  

And the boys loved the Book of World Records, book, good choice Guido.  

Having trouble posting pictures, will try again later. 

Saturday

Well, we all are caught up on rest, and we all had errands to run today.  The kids, didn't spend very much of their vacation money, so we all went out as a family to track down our lists, and hoped everything would be on sale.  Brad, was such a trooper.... He thought that, he'd just come along to a few stores, and we'd be done.  Be we had a lot of things to shop for.  Lauren, really wanted to spend her Build a Bear Gift card, she got for her birthday, so we winded up over at Flatirons, and Brad stood in line with her to get her newest dog.  I think it's so funny how Brad shops with Lauren.  He lets the kids buy more stuff than I do.  Lauren had a $50 budget, and Brad thought there's no way you can spend $50 in BAB.  Well, when he got to the register, and heard the final total of $75.  He was a little surprised.  So what did Lauren get?  A Dog, the outfit, matching sunglasses, matching baby dog, leash, roller skates, bed, and purse.  We also, can't believe, that all the reports, of such a bad economy are true, because every time we are out, there are tons of people, and they are buying.....

After that we had to clean up and get ready for Christmas with the Martinez Family tomorrow.  

Christmas Cards

Well, since we were gone, we got a large number of Christmas cards today in the mail.  It was a lot of fun to see everyone, we really enjoy getting pictures.   It's hard to believe how everyone is growing up. 

 I did come across, one special card.  I got a card from one of my kids, and by kids, I don't mean Austin, Colton, or Lauren.... It was from one of my preschoolers from last year.  I was really excited, and told Brad, that I do miss working with the kids.  

Maybe from my volunteer work at the kids, schools, I will be able to work at a school again....

Merry Christmas

Well our trip has come to an end... We flew back home today.  We had a great time, and are glad that we were able to spend time with the Grandpa John, Grandma Becky, Uncle Jake, and Aunt Emily.  We missed Uncle Dave and Aunt Emily.  

We hope everyone, had a great Christmas and we wish everyone the best in 2009.

Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Chris the Lord.  

The end of Vacation

Austin, and Grandpa John and Grandma Becky

The lighthouse

Well for the last few days, the weather wasn't as nice as we would of liked... The wind was awful during the night.   And during the day, it was so windy it was almost cold.  We couldn't go to the beach, due to the huge waves, and the jellyfish that were washing up on shore.  We all did walk down on the beach, and saw the jellyfish.  The kids just stayed at the pool, and Brad took a car load to the nearby lighthouse.   After we were done swimming, we watched tv.  I watched a few episodes of 18 kids and counting, and Wife Swap, what a combo.   We also watched some of Rick Warren's Christmas program, and Dateline had a lot on the Caylee Anthony girl, and this Bernard Madoff.  And the kids, watched Camp Rock, Hannah Montana, and Drake and Josh.  

Air Boat Ride

Look at this Gator

Riding on the Airboat was tons of fun

Look at all of this swam land

Well on our way back to Palm Beach we decided, we should go on an Airboat ride in the Everglades.   It was definitely an awesome experience.  I think this was one of our favorite things of this vacation.  The airboats are loud, and fast.  Our tour guide gave us a lot of information.  And we got a few good pictures.  

We took our time driving back, and drove through all the cool sites of Miami.  We drove along South Beach, and saw lots of big and expensive houses......

Key West Pictures

The beach is so pretty and soft

Here's a big turtle

Here is a pretty little spider

There were 3 sharks in the water

The kids are overlooking a bridge, and looking for marine life

The sun is beautiful, from Key West

Key West

Colton in the sand 

Austin is hard at work, building a trench

Lauren is loving life on the beach

So, Brad thought that while we were down in the southern most part of Florida, that it would be fun to take a drive down to Key West.  We had our own ideas, of what the drive would be like.... That it would be beautiful to be driving down a bridge, and seeing nothing but water on both sides of us.... That's not what the drive actually turned out to be.  The land (swampland, that is), is completely built up.  There aren't any buildings taller than two stories, and there are lots of trees, and stores and houses.  We were a little disappointed.  But we made our way to a state park to do some snorkeling.  The sand here was much softer, and very pretty, this was on the Atlantic Ocean coast.  We moved over to the Gulf of Mexico, and the kids played in the sand, and I went on a little walk.  I saw lots of cool things, including sharks!!!!   Good thing the kids weren't aware, of that, as they were in the same water.  They were having fun snorkeling.  Lauren was a little hesitant at first, but once she figured out the masks, and breathing tube, she loved it.  We, then got in the car, and finished out drive down to Key West. We were racing against the clock, as we wanted to capture the sunset.  We made it with about 5 minutes to spare.  And I love these pictures.   After that we had dinner at Jimmy Buffets.  And then made our way to our hotel.  The stars in the sky over the water were absolutely beautiful. We all fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillows.  

A lazy vacation

Colton just came in

Lauren loves the Ocean 

Austin is ready to go in

Well, we just wanted to hang out at the beach and the pool today.  And the weather was great.    We don't like the sand very much, as it's not the super soft, small kind of sand.  But we did love listening to all kinds of seashells being washed up on the shore.  The sound was very relaxing.  Austin got a bogey board, and had a good time riding the waves.  I even got into the water, a few times.  It's definitely hard work treading water, and I made sure to stay close to shore.  

Lauren's Birthday

Well today is actually Lauren's birthday.  It's hard to believe she is already 6!!  She's such a big girl.  She has gone from being this sweet little girl, and she's growing into her own personality, one that she has to keep up with the boys.  

She spent her birthday, on the beach all day.  She liked the sand, and just collecting sea shells.  We did make her a cool sand cake.  We had dinner at La Fogata.  And I made sure Lauren was made aware, that after today, all of her birthday privileges and celebrations are over, until next December.  

Christmas in Florida

Well we had to leave early this morning, and it was freezing when we left.  The plane ride was nice and smoothe.  After getting all settled in, we had pizza for dinner, and the kids of course had to check out the pool.  The weather in Florida is so nice.  

We're ready for Florida

We we had lots of last minute details to catch up on before going to Florida.  And once again, Lauren was still celebrating her birthday.  Today she opened her presents from her dad.  He always, finds cool toys for her.  A disadvantage to having your birthday so close to Christmas, is you can have a hard time finding toys.  Brad had to look everywhere for the Swim to me Puppy, and he got Lauren her own MP3 player.  

Austin's Winter Band Concert

Well, today, is Brad's favorite evening of the year.....  Austin had his Band Concert at school.  With the boys being at a charter school, some events are combined with the High School, such as Band Concerts.  (That means, that Jazz Band, Intermediate, Percussion, Choir, and Orchestra all play on one night.)   The last concert I went to went by pretty fast, it only lasted about an hour and 20 minutes.  This, however was a little longer...  which we don't understand, because the kids have finals the next morning.  I do have a few pictures of Austin....

He has moved up to first chair, and he was nominated for the Tri M Club.  I'm not sure of what that means, but I'm sure I'll figure it out at the first meeting.  Austin did a great job, and we even got him in a tie, since he's now used to wearing them for basketball.  

Grandma Gail and Grandpa Rick made the trip up to watch the concert.  Thanks, for coming up. 

Crazy Colorado Weather

Well we have had a fairly mild fall.  We have had extreme days in the 80's and then in the 40's.  It's finally starting to feel like winter.  When we woke up on Sunday morning, it had snowed, just as the weatherman had predicted.   But it was also very cold.  The temperatures this week aren't to get above 20.  I am kinda glad that our vacation is just around the corner.  We definitely love warm weather in the middle of winter.  

We spent our weekend visiting others.  We went to a memorial, for a family friend of the Clingman's.  It was down south, and I was able to meet people who retold of memories of Brad, when he was the same size as our kids.  

On Sunday, after church we went to the Krolls.  Trisha made lots of yummy soup.  Great for a cold day.  It was nice to just hang out, and chat.  

After that, we went to watch the Bronco's game with BJ & Kelly.  And we ate lots of yummy food there as well.  Lauren got a birthday present from Annabelle and Gwyneth.  They got her a Hannah Montana Guitar, and Doll.  Yes, it makes, noise, and that's only because, we got Annabelle a musical toy for her birthday.   We can't wait to get an extra special toy for Gwyneth's first birthday....

Lauren's Birthday Month

Lauren and her cupcakes

Well we will be leaving for Florida on Thursday, December 18th, so we are celebrating her birthday all month.  First on December 7th, we had a small family gathering.  We had some yummy Mexican food.  

Next,  we have gotten to a point where we only have big friends parties every other year.  So since Lauren had a huge Snow Princess Party last year.... this year we said she could invite a few friends to dinner.  We did that on Friday, the 12th.  We went to Chuck E Cheese, and had fun.  But I've seemed to of forgotten about my camera.  So no pictures.  Sorry.  

And the closer we get to her birthday, the harder it is for me to believe she is 6 years old.  She definately doesn't look like a toddler any more.  And she's got quite an attitude, that  I don't know  where it came from.  

Basketball

Well, Austin had his first taste of playing Basketball.....  He hasn't played any sports since 4th grade.  So when he asked to play, we thought it would be good.  He played for the school.   The only downfall of this was that the Jr High and High School share the gym.  SO practice was at 6:00 am.  That was a little hard.  Of course the school is expanding, and the new gym should be done for the returning of students from Christmas Break.   And of course, the boys BB season will be over by then. 

 

Well how did the boys do?  Well they played really hard, but between the 7th and 8th grade teams, the 7th grade boys only won three games.  Austin had a total of a 7 points for the entire season.  But he had a lot of fun.  Good Job Austin

Austin did have to dress up for games.  So he had to wear shirt and ties.  We had lots for fun picking out ties, and having Brad help tie his ties.  He is at a stage of life where he doesn't really want a lot of pictures.  So the picture of his back is his first game day, and he wouldn't let me take his picture.  

Austin was glad to have his Grandma Becky come up to a game, and Grandpa Rick came up to a few games.  

$2.99 Party

Well, with the price of gas being out of control... We all were excited to see the price of gas start to fall..... The first time gas dropped below $3.99, I decided we would start having Gas Parties.  So after I picked up the kids from school, we stopped by the nearest Sonic.  It was Happy Hour and we all got yummy drinks.  I then told the kids we would have another Party, when gas dropped to $2.99.   When gas dropped, I  let our friend Rachel pick anywhere she wanted to go.  Rachel choose Cold Stone Creamery.  Good thing the weather was a nice warm day.  I then told the kids we'd have a $1.50 party, and we let Katrina pick where she wanted her afternoon treat.  She first suggested Starbucks, but then changed her mind to Chick-Fil-A.  The kids all had milkshakes.   We are looking forward to gas to continue to decline.  I told Colton, he will get to choose where we go, once gas hits $1.25.  And Lauren will get to decide if gas falls to 99 cents.  She is looking forward to that, and so am I.  

Lunch

Well, today, Lauren and I decided to see what our friends, Michelle and Shelby were up to.  They were able to meet us for lunch at Chick-Fil-A, imagine that.  Well during our discussion, Michelle told me she was getting a new computer, and to my surprise, she ordered a new Mac on Friday.  I was so excited to know someone, who will be going through the learning process of a new computer (especially a Mac).  So, after lunch I told Brad, that I will have someone to learn the new computer with.  That made him glad, since he knows nothing about the Mac's, he's off the hook, when I need help.  I hope Michelle and I will be able to go to some classes together.  And we are both waiting for our computers to arrive.  

It's Tax Time

Well, I had a really hard time earlier in the year trying to decide what I would do with my semi-emptynest era, (the time in which all the kids are away at school.)   I  just recently accepted the fact that when I sneeze, during the day when no one is home, no one is there to say Bless You.   It's kinda weird.  I really wanted to work at the Preschool again, but only under the condition of teaching my own class, and that didn't happen.  So I decided, I should try working again for H & R Block.  I started taking classes in early September.  I finished in November, and was hired to start December 2nd.  I have had lots of help from friends, that I am extremely grateful for.  And a few things at Block have changed, but I am looking forward to working at the same office I did 4 years ago.  I can't believe it's been so long since I've worked there.  So, if you hear of any talk about my new J-O-B, you will know what it is.  And if I do take a few breaks from blogging between now and April 15th you'll know why.