Cold temps keeping us indoors at all times, Christmas fast approaching, and the to do list endlessly long had me a bit concerned for the long Christmas break from school.  What would we ever do with 6 kids for two weeks?  Not to worry, we played hard and enjoyed fun times together!

We stuck with tradition for many Christmas events.  This year Kimball made our traditional bread bears to deliver to friends.  We reenacted the Nativity on Christmas eve.  The kids wore new pj’s and got tucked into bed . . .  and Christmas morning came really quick.  What fun!  Eigen helped open most of the presents and needed to try everything.  The funnest present opening was Kimball’s box of balloons.  He asked for a million dollars and Santa brought him cash in balloons.  At first all the kids were confused until Calvin discovered the balloons had stuff inside, then the popping fun began!  Logan is loving his ripstick and Calvin is cruising on roller blades.

We enjoyed some nice sunshine, still cold, but pleasant-to-play-outside days.  We have had lots of fun sledding, Eigen is fearless and could sled over the jumps all day.  We checked out the harbor, walked out on the frozen lake, and rode the new mini bike.

The party never stops!  Two birthdays, New Years, and Bridget’s baptism brought us into January.  It is great to be 8!  It was exciting to have so much family join us for Bridget’s baptism day.  It was a special day that she will treasure.

I loved having the kids home for two weeks.  In retro-spec it was awesome to have a whole week after Christmas to relax and play together.  The stress of preparing was past.  It was precious wonderful family time.

Moving forward and back to school was a challenge.  Life is always exciting.  Logan had his first gymnastics meet.  He placed 6th in his division!  Calvin and Bridget have joined Kimball in the ranks of piano lessons.  Sterling is all about friends, always having friends over or on the go to their homes.  Eigen turned 3 January 22, happy birthday little man!  He thinks he is very clever, taking off and going around the block all by himself on his trike or “cooter.”

School pictures

Calvin's birthday and awards at pack meeting

Fall break, carving pumpkins, Halloween party and first snow.

The annual Rowbury "Halloweenie Roast"

Halloween parade at school and the Trunk or Treat! Yummy day.

The exciting four layer cake.  The rainbow of colors was very impressive to all the little girls!Blowing out the candles.

The Lego Rockband party

Eigen is walking a lot now.  Just this week he has been letting go and cruising frankenstein style.  So fun.  Happy birthday to our little fruit snack loving boy.

Check out the cake:  2 military bases, let the battle begin!  It was all he ever dreamed of

Eigen Charles Diether born Saturday 22 January 2011

7 lbs 14 oz,  19 1/2 inches,  11:38 am

We were at the hospital just over 4 hours when he was born.

We had a family party and mooncrater cake on monday his real birthday…very important to celebrate on the actual day

Dart tag!  and watching a movie as a family…got pretty exciting and wild with darts flying during the movie.

Sterling’s 2nd birthday was July 20th!  We had a choo choo cake and present time…what could be more fun than a lawnmower so he can be just like Dad?

Happy birthday boys.  We love you!