Another Family Tradition (Reafsnyder style) Dec 6th

The Reafsnyder Family (Kami's, Mom's side) have a tridition of having Chili and Soup with lots of goodies. They have had it for as long as I can remember. It started out on Christmas Eve but as the years went by and the Families grew (Grandpa is 1 of 10 kids), we started to have it on a Saturday in December. This year they had a jump house for the kids. They had a blast. It was great to see everyone there.

Allyson's first injury

Well I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later. Mom wishes later rather then sooner. However, it was not all here fault. Now let me start by saying that it was a complete accident. She was at the store with the day care on Dec 3rd, and from the way I remember it she was standing next to the sliding door of the big van she now calls the big gray shark, as the door was closing she bent her elbow backwards and right in the way of the closing door. Not as bad as first thought. She is all better, but she says it still hurts a little. It took a few tries to get a good picture of it.

Getting ready for Christmas

Growing up it was always a tradition that on the long Thanksgiving weekend we would go get our Christmas Tree and decorate the house. Mark and I have continued this tradition every year since we were married 10 years ago. We have always had a fake tree except for the first year. This year we needed to buy a new one. We had to retire Grandma Barlow's after last Christmas. So we went and bought a brand new pri-light tree. Mark picked out the type and we let the kids pick out the type of lights (color or white), they picked the color. We also bought more outside decorations this year.

It took us 2 days (Friday Nov 28 & Sat Nov 29), but it is all done. Friday we put up all the outside lights and on Saturday we did the inside and the Tree. The kids had a great time and wanted more, but we don't really have many tree ornaments. The dog even got into the action. When the Twins were born I started to buy them 1 new ornament every year and got ride of many that were broke or old or did not have any sentimental value. I figure that by the time all three kids move out they will each have at least 19 ornaments.

We wish you all a very Happy Holiday season.

Turkey Day

As I was reviewing Thanksgiving day it dawned on me that we did not take one picture this year. It started early of course at 6am with the kids wanting to get up and watch cartoons since we did not have to leave right away. We went to the Tanner's house for the traditional English Pancakes. There were also Sourdough Waffles (yum). Most of the Barlow family (way too many to name) were there, except for those who decided to play turkey ball (football), or go paint balling. None of the old guys could play. They might break a hip or something. The kids were really excited since there way more little kids there.

Dinner was at our house with the Collins side of the Family. Grandpa and Grandma and Great Grandma Collins came for Dinner. Great Grandma could not do much (she is in a wheelchair), but seemed to enjoy watching the kids run around and someone else do the cooking. Uncle Roy Barlow also joined us this year. Aunt Laura with Noah came for a short visit. When we got home from breakfast, mom started on the dough for homemade dinner rolls. This was the first time she made them. Dad asked her why she would try them for the first time on Thanksgiving, her reply was why not?? They were a hit. Dad and Uncle Roy both said that they were great. This was their moms recipe. Dinner was awesome!!! Everything turned out perfect!! At the end mom made Cinnamon rolls with the left over dough. They were so great that Grandma Collins took the recipe.

The day ended with Uncle Chad and Aunt Jenny with Ethan and Cody come over, and we played so hard that we did not fight at bed time. We were so tired. We even slept in the next day.

We hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and a great start to the Holiday Season!!

Eating like a Dog or Racing, you decide?

On Family night with the Tanners, Gavin and Garrett deciced to see who could eat faster. Tristan and Allyson joined in the jun. It was so fun to watch.

Take a picture of me dad!

Allyson loves to have her picture taken. She will ask, "Do I look cute? Then take my picture."

No! this was not staged.

The boys have a habit of reading the paper in the bathroom just like dad!. Top it off with Gavin who likes to take his clothes off when he goes to the potty and here is what you get!