To wrap up 2009

Although I have no pictures to post (correction: I "have" the pictures, just not the brains or ability to get them from my laptop to the blog- I usually use the desk top which is still in a box somewhere) I thought I'd do a little post so that I can further prolong having to get back to cleaning/unpacking.

We made it from Massachusetts to Utah all in one piece. Well, in about a million little pieces, all packed up individually, wrapped in paper, and taped shut in boxes and luggage. To our relief, I found the toaster today. That was the one item I had convinced myself that the packers had toted off to keep as their Christmas bonus. Turns out they didn't want my Black & Decker-two-slot beauty from 1998. Their loss.

We went to spend Christmas in a beautiful cabin up Heber canyon. Richard's entire family was there and we had a blast. We went sledding, ate, and visited lots. We also all thought it would be fun to share a common bond in the form of a stomach flu. Well, of the 22 of us there, I believe at least 13 shared that bond. I was the only one of our little family to stay healthy. I'm saving my sick days for January.

Is there anything else to add? Think, think! Those boxes are staring me down and I think I've avoided them for too long. I guess I will move on and hopefully post again sometime in the new year. I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and will have the best new year ever!

UPDATE (almost one year later)- I finally figured out how to post some pictures from my laptop so I just wanted to add a few. Mostly so that I can print out this blog and there are nice pictures to wrap it all up.

The kids on Christmas Eve getting ready to open a present. As you can see Grayson was somewhat less than excited because he knew it was going to be pajamas.

Riley and Richard headed downhill on the tube.

Cute Grayson all bundled up.

Korbin, Shaylee, Kenyon, Savannah, Treyton, and Riley all ready to go.

The gang.

So Santa, what are you going to bring these two for Christmas?

Lots of fun making gingerbread houses.

Be afraid...

Because I'm finally going to post our Halloween pictures. And here a couple of more reasons you should be afraid:

We had Bumblebee (the Transformer, NOT the insect), Darkrai (if you're into Pokemon you should be impressed, if not move on), and a Poisoned Princess.

Scary pumpkins, and even scarier faces (or so they think).

But most of all, be afraid because of the number of children I had in my backyard for our neighborhood Halloween party. I know I was.

Doing the candy corn toss. It was a big hit.

The neighborhood party was actually lots of fun and instigated by my fun loving neighbor, Caroline, who really did do most of the work.

That's it for the Halloween pictures but if you want a couple of more reasons to be afraid here they are:

Grayson's class went to the zoo on a field trip and this ostrich came right up to them, which is pretty rare for an ostrich to do. At least that's what they told us. And last but not least, this one is two-fold. First I'm afraid to say that my Riley is growing up and is working hard in scouts. Also, I'm also afraid to say that my photography leaves much to be desired. But congrats to Riley for being such a great kid!

More apple picking

Who's sick of seeing pictures of the Davis family? Anyone? Anyone? Really? Nobody? Okay, I guess I'll post more. It has been a year, I guess. It really is one of our favorite family outings.

This one's for you, Mom

Since my mom has requested more blog posts, I guess I'll do one. Maybe even two. Seeing as how it is her birthday this week and all.

In October our Tholl cousins came to visit. We had so much fun with them but got too few photos.

Enjoying a nutritional lunch of Mac n' Cheese. Who wouldn't want to come visit us all the way across the country after seeing culinary adventures that are awaiting? Now that's hospitality.

Our two sweet 5 year olds at the Old North Bridge. Of course there's no bridge in the picture. The had more fun throwing sand and rocks in the river anyway.

Gray and Clarke wrestling. All of the kids had so much fun together. I guess my older two were just never around when the camera was out. Bad mom. But we had so much fun with them here. We miss them lots and lots!

A new post already

Wow, look at me. Posting again and it hasn't even been a week. I'm on fire!

This weekend we went up to New Hampshire and stayed in the White Mountain area. It's just about peak foliage time so it was a great time to go. We went to Santa's Village and even got to see the big man himself. Getting started on those lists a little early this year.

Feeding the reindeer.Taking a little ride on Santa's sleigh.

The kids also got to swim at the condo, which they were ecstatic about since it had been awhile. Not much swimming this summer with Riley in a cast. I have some photos but you know what a pool looks like, and they're not all that great of photos anyway.

On the way home we drove on the Kancamagus Highway, which is famous for it's beautiful views. We made a few stops along the way and just took our time and enjoyed being together.

It was a great weekend!

Camp Bourndale

A couple of weeks ago the fifth graders at Savannah's school got to go to the greatest over night camp in Plymouth. I was a chaperon and we had such a great time! Savannah and some of her friends waiting to go have dinner.

This was our cabin, right on the lake. Or maybe it was a pond, not really sure. But it was beautiful. We got the "Taj Mahal" since we had 16 girls.

Savannah with some friends on their bunks in the Taj Mahal. Can you use "bunks" and "Taj Mahal" together? Probably not.

I'm not sure why I look like I just had plastic surgery. It may have something to do with the 3 hours of sleep I got the night before. I was just lucky my eyes were open at all.

Savannah actually held a lobster. I was so proud of her. I know she was freaked out but she did it anyway.

They got to go out on a lobster boat, do a fun team ropes course, do some searching along the beach for treasures, go to a magic show, and of course stay up all night. Thanks for letting me go, sweetie!

First Day of School (now over a month ago)

Savannah and Riley's first day:

Gray started a week later. Here they are again:

I love them!