Get Your Gun

James turned 12 on Friday and for his birthday he wanted to play airsoft guns with his friends. We know of a pretty awesome place where they could go (Granny and Grandpa's back 40). Here's all you need for an airsoft party:

 

Throw in a dozen or so boys with all their gear on. (Yes, that is a friend with a riot shield there on the left corner)

 

Fierce!

 

 

They were definietly anxious to get started. Mark surveyed the area many times to make sure there were no unforseen dangers (snakes, etc.) lurking out there.

 

Then we set them free and let the fun begin. We stopped them about an hour into it to reload-their guns and their bellies- and then they were back out. One boy's Mom suggested we tell people that we are training up soldiers to defend our country. I like to think Granny and Grandpa would be happy to know they were a part of it, if that's the case!

 

It was a great time and a beautiful day too!

 

Welcome to the Pack!

I got some inspiration from a couple of sites(Sugar Doodle and Craft Gossip) for this "Welcome to the Pack Backpack". We will be giving these out at the Blue and Gold Dinner to all the new Cub scouts entering this year. I hope they enjoy!

 

 

Santa's Visit

I'm finally getting around to posting these pictures from the ward Christmas party. I think the kids had pretty successful visits with Santa because they got what they wanted!!

 

 

 

 

Christmas Home Tour

I grew up in a home that was always decked out for the holidays. Mom loved to pull out all her decorations and transform the house into a Christmas wonderland. From some unknown reason, I did not inherit her decorating gene! I always feel as though I am Decor-Challenged, especially when it comes to the holiday decorations. I've come to accept my flaws and move on, trying a little bit more each year to work on improving. I thought it would be fun to take some pictures of my house decorated for Christmas. The main purpose of this exercise is to help me out next year, when I can't remember where I have arranged things in the past. I do remember my Mom used to keep a little album with snapshots of her holiday decor. So, maybe in that sense, the apple hasn't fallen too far from the tree!

 

Next year, I should fill the big jar in back with some peppermint candies.

 

I changed out the plates on my kitchen wall.

 

My mantle is really hard to photograph. One funny side note, I love the lit garland on the mantle, but it interferes with the Wii remote functionality. Sorry kids! We figured out that they can't play with it lit up. Next year, I would like to add more to the mantle area. I currently have Santa and Mrs. Claus up there, but I would like some tall Christmas tree cone things. Maybe I can find some at the after Christmas sales. Oh, and I'd like another layer of garland, something in paper or fabric.

 

I actually do like this little accent table I've got going on here. The latern was a gift this year from our friends who we dogsit for. I love it.

 

Ahhh, the tree. A collection of ornaments from through the years. Lots of handmade school ones from the kids and also yearly ornaments from my sisters, a tradition we started a couple of years ago. My very favorite are the Peanuts ornaments, which take me right back to my childhood. (See more at the end...)

 

The princess tree! I LOVE this tree. As soon as I saw it last year, I had to get it for Abby's room. This year we added beaded garland and a sparkly Gingerbread man since she loves the story of the Gingerbread Man so much.

 

I got the centerpiece from my sister Chris last year. She is very talented at putting those together! I bought the table runner new this year at Target.

Last of all, I wanted to capture shots of my Peanuts ornaments. I love these guys! My Mom would give us a new one every year.The Spike ornaments are my favorite. They date back to 1980. I wish I had more! I can't find the ceramic ones anymore. Just wondering about Snoopy dressed up as a girl...was there a girl Snoopy? I'll have to research that.

 

Well, that's it for my home tour! I sure hope it makes things easier for me when I setup next year.
Merry Christmas to all!

Me and My Girl at Smashburger