Zoo Lights

Last night Jake and I went with our friends from church to the Denver Zoo to see the Christmas lights. They put lights up in the trees and some that resemble animals in the zoo. It was a fun time even though most of the animals were in their homes for the evening. We did get to see the elephants, rhinoceros, giraffes, seals, and sea lions.

A quiet Christmas morning in the Colorado Snow

Well not quite, it was quiet but there was no snow this year. Christmas morning started late, we had breakfast more like lunch of french toast and then we opened our gifts. Annmarie and Steve were over for the day. After gifts, the boys went to see Valkyrie while the girls stayed home at watched Mamma Mia. We had Christmas dinner which consisted of ham, funeral potatoes, mom's famous stuffing, rolls, and corn. With many treats and chocolate to hold us over. Once again a round of Mexican Train dominos was started and emotions were very subdued mostly because we did not keep score this time.
It was a great day to remember our Savior and be with some of the family, the rest were very much missed. Especially the kids who always seem to give more excitement to the holiday than us adults. I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas day with family and friends.

Christmas Eve

For Christmas Eve this year we went over to Annmarie and Steve's for an easy dinner and games. We had a very good time even if tempers were heated during the games Sequence, Mexican Train dominos, and even Uno. Who would guess that would cause so much distress. Luckily no game board or dominos were thrown. Thanks Annmarie and Steve for a very enjoyable and quiet evening.

Jake and Steve were so excited for Santa that they fell asleep like this.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today we celebrate our mom! She is such a wonderful woman and did an amazing job raising six children. She would probably kill me if I mentioned her age so I will just list 10 things I love about my mom.

1. She takes care of us all even those far away and is concerned for us.


2. She stays up to wait until I or Jake get home from a late night, even though she said she just woke up.


3. She loves her 8 grandchildren and loves when they call her on the phone it truly lights her up.


4. She has a testimony of the gospel and Jesus Christ, its a quiet one but I know its there.


5. She loves my dad, its a special thing to see when they express their love for each other.


6. I love that she and I have a great relationship and that she will shop, do lunch, and scrapbook with me.


7. I love that she will scrape and warm my car on cold, snowy days when I have to go to work.


8. I love that she is always there to listen to our problems and gives advice that is practical.


9. I love that she loves her parents, this was a difficult year with losing her mom but I still see the love and concern she has for her dad.


10. I love that she loves her siblings and still continues to have a great relationships with them.

Mom you are a great example to me and I appreciate all the many wonderful things you do for our family. So tonight to celebrate Annmarie and I are taking her to see Neil Diamond, it just happened that he was in town on her birthday.

Madison's Baptism

This past weekend we were able to be in Utah for Madison's baptism. She has become such a beautiful girl who has a lot of spunk and an attitude to match. I am so proud of her decision and look forward to seeing her continue to grow her testimony in the gospel. Uncle Steve was asked to give a talk about baptism and did awesome. Gordon baptized her and Grandpa Atkinson did the confirmation. Afterwards, Trisha put together an awesome selection of dessert.
It was also fun to be with the family again. Many family dinners, laughs, children running around, seeing cousins and other extended family, and one night the girls went and saw Twilight. I just love being with the family and I know I say this all the time but it truly is the highlight of my life.

Grandma and Grandpa Atkinson with Madison

Madison and me

Micah and me

Jake and Josh with their serious pose

Morgan who only liked the chocolate

Jen and Braylen

Madison and Aaron

Braylen and Steve

Aaron

I told you this would be on the blog

Grandpa Rodeback with mom and dad

Alex holding Rufus

Braylen at the Purple Turtle

Kennedy with her ice cream mustache

Guess who's 4

Even though most times Morgan and I have a love slash hate relationship, I love this little girl! We can be onery with each other one minute and the next she is loving on me. She is such a sweet loving girl. I am amazed and how much she has learned in her short life. She has a sweet spirit and I thank Heavenly Father everyday that she is a part of our family. I truly miss not being around all the kids and treasure the times I spend with them. Morgan I am so happy to be your aunt and hope you know how much I love you.

Here are 4 reasons I love her but the list could go on.

1. I love all of her hugs and kisses.
2. I love that she will stand up for herself even though sometimes it gets her in trouble.
3. I love her imagination.
4. I love that she is an example to Braylen and takes care of him.

Happy Birthday Morgan and I hope you have a great year!