Christmas

Christmas Eve. . . .

We attended Christmas Eve Service at church and then returned home to open presents from our Hoffmeyer/Granrud family.  Brooklyn had a great time tearing wrapping paper off presents and the boys had a great time opening their gifts. 

After opening gifts, we headed to Aunt Darlene's for pizza and time with family.

Christmas Morning. . . .

Everyone came to our house Christmas morning to open presents.  We had breakfast and spent time playing with our new toys :)

 New Boise State Sweatshirts. . .

 

 Mom and Dad got us an XBOX w/ Kinnect

 

Christmas Dinner. . . .

Then we got ready and headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Lowry's for Christmas Dinner with the rest of the family.

 Heather was home from Berlin. . .Yay!!!

 

 Uncle Nate and Eli

 

Uncle Josh and Uncle Mike trying out Ryan and Brandon's new Ripstiks



Christmas at the Cabin

Christmas this year was SO much FUN!!  Not only are the kids at really fun ages, but Mike, Carlene, and Eli were able to fly to Boise to be with us this year.

We spent a few days up at the cabin before the holiday to enjoy the snow and go skiing.  The kids seemed to have fun, although poor Eli ended up getting sick.  We made snow forts and took the kids for sled rides. 

Festival of Trees 2012

The kids were so excited to go to The Festival of Trees this year.  They asked Grandma Connie to come with so she met us there and we also joined up with Josh, Jo, and Luke. 

The boys were able to write their letters to Santa and the kids were able to get their picture taken with Santa.  Afterwards, Ryan and Brandon participated in the Scavenger Hunt. 

 Writing letters to Santa. . . .

 

 Checking out the decorations. . .

 

 See. . Dad can have fun at The Festival of Trees, too

 

 Brooklyn wasn't impressed with Santa this year.

 

 Brooklyn's showing Grandma around.

 

How cute is Lukey?



Stanfill's Visit

We were lucky enough to be able to spend time with Tim, Melissa, Jack, and Emma when they back to Boise for Thanksgiving.  I was not very handy with my camera during their trip so I'm so bummed I didn't capture a picture of Emma with all the other kids.  I managed to get a few shots of the babies playing together.  (Well, I guess they aren't REALLY babies anymore.)

Halloween 2012

Ryan and Brandon decided that they wanted to be Star Wars Clone Troopers this year.  I found the costumes online which, compared to the store costs for the same costumes, saved us a bunch.  This is actually the last year that we are buying costumes for the boys.  Starting next year, they will have to make or create their costumes. 

I found a super cute elephant costume for Brooklyn.  She was less than excited to wear the thing, but it looked adorable on her.

We had Nate's family over to our house for our Annual Halloween Chili Dinner.  Josh and Jo were able to bring Luke over for a little bit so we could see his costume and the grandparents and great-grandparents were able to get pictures of the grandkids before we started trick-or-treating. 

We took Brooklyn with to a few houses, but she didn't last long.  She is OBSESSED with dogs lately, so she threw a complete fit at every house we stopped at that had a dog because she didn't want to leave.  Brookie and I headed back to the house where she helped me hand out candy to all the trick-or-treaters.

 The boys were in charge of carving their pumpkins by themselves this year. . .

 

 they turned out pretty good, huh?!

 

 I love my cute trick-or-treaters!!

 

How cute is this little Republican?

 

Brandon and Cousin Luke

 

Football Season Comes to an End

Ryan and Brandon really enjoyed their 2012 Flag Football Season.  They ended the season winning 6 games and losing 3.  It's so much fun to see the improvement and development in the boys from year to year.

 Brandon playing defense

 



 Ryan getting his pass off. . .

 

End of the Season Photo



Football

Ryan and Brandon have had football practice on Tuesday and Thursday evenings since the middle of August.  Their team name: The Steelers!  The other kids on their team attend area schools, but there is only one other boy, Chase, that goes to Discovery with them. 

Ryan is working very hard playing quarterback.  His throwing gets better and better each game. He's been spending a lot of time in the backyard working with Dad on plays and passing. 

Brandon plays a variety of positions on both offense and defense.  Brandon has gotten a lot quicker and his focus has been really great this year.

So far we've had four games and The Steelers have won them all.  Keep up the good work boys!

 Ryan passing off to the running back

 

 Brandon on the move

 

 Auntie Jo with the two cutest babies EVER!!

 

 Brandon's got his flag. . .Wahoo!!!

 Brandon

 

 Luke's all set for the game

 

 Grandma and Brooklyn having a great time

 

 Offense in the huddle

 

  Ryan's looking for someone to throw to. . .

 

Labor Day at the Cabin

We headed to Donnelly for our last summer "Hurrah!"  The boys were able to go on one last trail ride, fish from Steve and Adalaide's dock, Brandon showed everyone how he learned to ski this summer, and we were able to spend time with family.  Now that school and football are beginning we'll have to put going to the cabin on the backburner for a couple of months.  BUT, it's exciting to know there is somewhere to go once ski season begins :)

A few last pictures of our great summer. . .

 

 

 Ryan skiing

 

Brandon skiing

 Getting a running start off the dock. . .

 

 Ry and Bran tubing with cousin Eric

 

Brandon holding cousin Luke