New Year's Day

On this New Year's Day only Peter had plans.

He was waking up super early for his 2nd

annual Rose Bowl. The kids and I

slept in but then decided to visit Knott's Berry Farm,

on Justin's suggestion. Once he realized

that we were going and that his dad wasn't going,

he changed his mind. But, Branden and I were

already set on going and made Justin come along.

He was happy he did.

Branden, Justin and Amber as we arrived to Knott's

Justin checking out the new ride Pony Express.
Hmm... I'm not sure, there's no seatbelts!

Justin and Amber in line for Sidewinder.
Another ride Justin has never been on.

Justin proudly posing with Ghostrider after

conquering yet another ride.

Justin and Branden all wet after Big Foot Rapids.

At the end of the day Justin was proud of himself for

trying 3 new rides and I was too. After all the fussing

he left there a new man. Let's see what he tries

the next time.

New Year's Eve

At the stroke of midnight came the New Year

and just like that the kids ran outside with

pots, pans, spoons, and streamers.

It was so foggy that you could hardly see in

front of you. Here are some of the pictures

that came out with close range shooting.

Branden and Justin just messin around.

Me trying to get Branden with the streamers.

Branden and Justin trying to strangle me with streamers.

Braylin and Elli play with the pots and pans

Bryce and Braxton playing with the pots and pans.

Branden, Peter, Braxton, and Shannon waiting for the ball to drop. Branden and Peter look like twins in this picture.

Here we are in the boys room before going to the Bennett's house for our New Years Eve Fun.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas Overall

Overall this Christmas has been wonderful. I've been stressed out all month buying presents, wrapping presents, decorating, and baking, but I'm so happy once Christmas is finally here. I love spending time with all of my family, we are such a great family.

In one day all the stress is left behind and only happiness remains. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Renee, Peter, Sam, Cari, Laurel, Brandi, Matt, and all the boys for making this truely the most wonderful time of the year. Merry Christmas!

Christmas with Dad

Here we are, back at my house spending some Christmas time with my dad. We hung out here for a while before going to the movies to see "Bedtime Stories". We exchanged gifts, ate some more, played darts, and video games.

Christmas at Grandma's

While at my mom's we had a delicious breakfast. Eggs goldenrod, Cinnamon roll cassarole, and Peters specialty, Spam ,greenbeans, and rice. Yumm! After breakfast we all hung around the house for a while before opening presents. The kids played Lego's and a marble game that Sam brought over, which kept them all busy.

We all had a great morning, thanks mom. After that, Sam, Cari, Porter, Carter and us went back to my house for a bit .

Christmas at Home

It's Christmas morning and we're at home opening our presents and looking in our stockings. We really did get everything we asked for and more. Renee got tons of Big Dog stuff (her favorite). Justin got everything RockBand and even the X Box he was hoping for. Branden got all the paintball gear he wanted. Peter didn't ask for much, but he got the few things he asked for. I was happy as always with my stocking stuffers....makeup, lip gloss, lotions, soap, frangrances.... all my favorites. It was a great morning and we weren't done yet. We had to get ready and go to grandmas house.

Special Delivery

Baby Memphis Gene Downing arrived late Thanksgiving night.

I was so exited to be apart of his arrival. Brandi and Matt did a great job in the delivery room. It was a long process, but everything turned out great. These are just a few pictures of Memphis in the hospital, coming home and with his mommy and daddy.