Christmas Eve with Uncle David

Just a few pics of our Christmas Eve with my brother.

Santa's Workshop/Fantasy Cruise

This year we were not home when Santa came by our house, and the kids were really disappointed. So, in an effort to keep them "believing", we bought tickets for the Couer d'alene Fantasy Cruise and took them to the North Pole to see Santa.
It was a little chilly, but fun no less. The kids were surprised and very excited. During the cruise we got hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. Once we got there, the 3 cruise boats all pulled up to "Santa's workshop" and Santa came out to talk to everyone. He then pulled out a list and read all the kids' names from the "nice" list. All the names EXCEPT for the ones on our boat!! As the boats began pulling turning aroud to head back to the resort, we had to turn around and go back to Santa, as Mrs. Clause had found another part of the nice list - and it had the rest of the kids' names on it. Whew! Shianne and Hunter were worried! =)
Overall, they had a great time, and the season for believing continued for another year.

Baking Day 2009

Our annual Baking Day was a huge hit this year! The kids got to decorate Christmas sugar cookies that Lyla baked beforehand, and the ladies got busy baking our holiday goodies. Even Kennedy got in on the action this year, her first Baking Day. And her cookies were a huge success!

The Lion King

Several years ago when The Lion King came to town, I went with my mother, and absolutely LOVED it! I swore then that if it ever came again I would take Shianne and Hunter (depending his age). So when it came to town this winter, I bought tickets for Shianne and me.

We were very excited - it was our own little "girls day"!

Just as before, it was absolutely amazing! Shianne loved it, and at several points during the show, it brought me to tears - it was so beautiful. Already looking forward to the next time it comes to town, and I'll take Hunter as well.

Our Christmas Tree

One of my favorite times of the year is Christmas and kicking it off by putting up the Christmas tree. We usually do this the day after Thanksgiving. The kids were both gone and Grandmas, and so Brian and I started it without them.
They then decided to come home, which was fine with me because it just didn't feel the same without them, even with the holiday music playing! They helped me finish up by putting on all their special ornaments they've collected and made throughout the years. It turned out beautifully!

Merry Christmas!

Soles Family Thanksgiving

We had Thanksgiving at our house this year, just a small gathering since my sister-in-law and her family went to South Dakota to celebrate with family there.







Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Brian's Deer

The much anticipated hunting season approached quickly this year, and opening day for archery was 2 days before Thanksgiving. Brian headed out to his friend's property where he had his tree stand set up, and got settled in. An hour after that, he shot the biggest buck of his life, with his bow! The deer was big, and old, so the meat was made into all summer sausage, and the head mount will most likely end up in our family room once it's done later in the summer. Of course, everyone was very excited, and so very proud of Brian!

Halloween

We went really low key for Halloween this year. We didn't have our annual Halloween party because Halloween first of all. Secondly, we mustered up our own costumes at home, and didn't spend any money at the store. We didn't even buy candy for trick-or-treaters because we weren't planning on being home. Instead we went to my sister-in-law's house and took the kids trick-or-treating down there.

Shianne and her school friend during their class party:

Hunter enjoying a Crispy Creme during his class party:

The cousins:

"Trick-or-treat!!"

Mmmmmmm......candy!!

Still here!

Better late than never, right? I've been Really behind in posting on this blog. Seems like ever since I started my new job, I don't have as much time to get on here and update everyone on our family events. So today, since it's a new year, I'm catching up and vowing to post at least 2 blogs per month. Let's see how I do...

Bittersweet

Today is a bittersweet day.

Exactly 6 years, 2 weeks ago today I began working fulltime from home. It was a blessing to be able to do things with my children throughout the years that many working moms are unable to do, and not have to put them into daycare. The making of breakfast, the afterschools snacks. The trips to the park on a spring afternoon. The doctors and dentist appointment in the not-so-busy morning hours. The summers at the lake. The drive to and from camp. Attending every single soccer practice and game, baseball practice and game, dance class, dance camps, shows, and school parties. The days snuggled up on the couch when they don't feel good. I have been blessed to do all this, and still work fulltime in the process.

Today is my LAST day of working from home. My children have grown, and we're all moving on to a new place in our lives. They are very independent and responsible children, and I am proud to say they are that way because of the last 6 years. They have learned that happiness comes not from going to work every day, but from spending time with those that we love, and they are old enough to understand that work is just an integral part of our lives, neccessary for us to enjoy all the fun things we love to do together - camping, boating, vacations, and movies.

And mom gets to go back to the workforce. While I'm excited about this new adventure, I will truly miss my friends/coworkers at KMC, and the flexibility I've had over the years. Now is time for me to become a full time working mom again - to be a part of the workforce that I haven't felt I've been a part of for quite some time.

Next week is vacation for me, followed by the start of a new job. It'll be an adjusting period for the first month or two, but we will all benefit in the long run.

Thanks to all my friends, family, and coworkers for your support!!
♥ you all....