Gingerbread House

It was a little later than usual, but we had a fun time decorating our Gingerbread House.

YUMM!! Too bad I don't have teeth!

I asked our Sister Missionaries if they wanted a picture with the house. They happily answered "Yes!!"

Easter Egg Hunt

We had a lovely time at our Ward's {Church Group} Easter Egg Hunt.

Cutie Pie wasn't sure about the "hunting" for eggs, but she loved playing with them when Reed put the eggs within her grasp.

A little swinging time after the hunt

Cutie Pie loves to swing!!

Christmas Goodies

Sara and her children came over to make chocolates, cookies and other goodies for some of our friends. It was wonderful to continue that Kearsley tradition with the next generation. Of course, we recently added a Ping pong table to our family, {early Christmas present} so Reed was entertaining and teaching the kids how to play while the moms and grandma made most of the treats. They helped with the chocolates and sugar cookies. :)

Chocolates

Raspberry Almond bars {I had to sneak a taste - YUMMY!}.

Sara's chocolate fudge

Reed's favorite - Rice Krispie treat

Some of the chocolates

The table was full of plates and goodies

One of the plates

Tent

One of my favorite childhood memories was the {{GIANT}} tents we would build that filled the livingroom or family room. Our new house has a gameroom/open area that has been begging for reliving and passing down the tradition of tents. Sweet Pea loved the tent with the "rooms". We ended up keeping it up for a couple of weeks {so we could show the cousins} and play in it.

Silly Face

A little skylight {during the disassembling stage}

Having fun!!!

Annual Gingerbread House Night

Ms A has been waiting, somewhat patiently, to make our annual Gingerbread House. She picked out what she wanted on Thursday, then because of schedules, we put it together last night. Her and Reed's eyes lit up when I laid out the *CANDY*. They willingly went right to work. We had one small problem. Reed and Ms A enjoy putting on EVERY piece of candy available while I like to have it look pretty. We were doing fine, Reed and Ms A had one side of the roof and I had the other, but when they ran out of space, they covered my side. There was so much candy on that side that when we woke up the next morning it had slid down about a half of an inch! It was fun, so I won't complain too much! I loved watching them decorate!

After the pictures were taken, Ms A and Reed started to eat the candy. It looks a bit more bare this evening: more to my liking (but not very pretty).

Square Ice Cream Cones

We had a tradition growing up that every time we visited the family farm in Victor, we'd stop for Square Ice Cream Cones. The store has homemade ice cream which they scoop up with a square shaped scoop.

When Reed and I were planning a trip to Yellowstone, almost four years ago, I had built the experience up quite a bit. I was so DISAPPOINTED when we arrived after the store had closed for the day. Fast forward two more years with my sisters and their families. We wanted to introduce the in-laws and grandchildren, but arrived again after the store had closed again for the day. :( After the second failed attempt, I figured that the tradition was one that wouldn't be repeated.

After my grandfather's burial, it was decided to try again. Surprise of surprises, the store was open and under new management, but the homemade ice cream and square shaped scoops were still an integral part of the store/gas station. It was DELICIOUS and loved by the three generations that were there! :)


Thanks Sara for the picture and proof - maybe now Reed will believe me. :)
I love the expressions on each of their faces. That was some good ice cream. :)

Chocolates and Snow

As a child we used to make chocolates at Christmas time. When I found out about my mom and Sara coming for Christmas, I decided to introduce Ms. A to the tradition. :) Sara and her kids came up the day after my mom arrived and we started to make candies. We had a great time, the kids had a hard time with the concept of sharing. They finally picked a friend and made a plate for them.

The next day we received eight inches of snow with a half inch of ice on top. We had a great time playing in the snow and taking pictures. We are hoping to play some more tomorrow with friends. :)

The beaded ice picture was taken by Sara.

Gingerbread House

We had a fun evening decorating our Gingerbread House. Ms. A was so excited when she saw all that CANDY!! After the pictures were taken, she ate the snowman. We'll see how long the house stays intact, especially with my two sugar addicts. :)

Gingerbread House

Last night, we decided to decorate our Gingerbread House for Family Home Evening. Ms A was so excited to build a house with mom and dad. Reed and Ms A started putting the walls together and then we all put the candies on. She was so excited until she noticed the frosting sticking to her fingers. Every couple of minutes I would have to clean her hands so she could continue decorating.
She noticed Reed had eaten a couple of candies, so she want to to try them as well. We gave her a gumdrop which she quickly gobbled up and asked for more 'gum'. The next piece got stuck between her teeth which startled her. Once Reed and I calmed her down, she decided that she had enough candy. :)
I love this picture of Ms A . She loves to say cheese and hold that pose until the flash goes off. :)