Bringing in the New Year!

Yesterday, the kids finally got their snow day . John only worked in the morning on New Year's eve, and by 10:30 I had all of our kids except for Dennis who stayed home with me, ready to go. John took our 10 kids, plus a friend up to the snow. Grandma and Grandpa and John's brother, wife, and two kids joined them too. They had an awesome time!



John rode down with each of the kids! They all loved it!

Even when they wiped out!

You can't go to the snow without having a snowball fight!

While they were gone, I washed clothes, worked on adoption related emails, and spent lots of quality cuddle time with Dennis. This past surgery has definitely changed Dennis--- for the better. He enjoys cuddling so much more.... probably because he needed it right after the surgery, and has finally grown to enjoy it. Little does he know that it is all of us who are thoroughly enjoying though!

That evening everyone came over for homemade fajitas, rice, and beans. We also played games while munching on Cinnamon Popcorn.

After family left and it was just our bunch, John went out and rented Fred Claus. While, he was gone Julia asked if I dared her to take a bite of a jalapeno and I surprised her by saying yes. I also put twenty bucks up for the taking if she took a big bite, chewed it up, and swallowed. Not only did she take me up on the bet, but so did Adam. If the event wasn't so chaotic, I would have grabbed the camera. Rachel felt left out, but knowing that she could eat three jalapenos without a problem, I had to think of something else.

"Rachel, you need to eat this whole onion, peel and all for twenty bucks." A second later, I knew that she might actually take me up on it so I had to back peddle and tell her no, but she was determined to do it anyway. She kept eating and wouldn't stop until I made very clear that I would not give her twenty bucks for eating that huge onion because she would surely be in the emergency room with the most awful stomach ache.

She was quite disappointed...... I gave her some money for her initial effort, and reminded her how on other days, it had just been her and Sveta who played and earned money. She got over it quickly and watched Julia and Adam down four glasses of milk each, something she hates to drink.

I guarantee no one will forget 2008's New Year's eve.

My big boy Dennis helped throw the empty milk carton away. Here he is trying to push the trash down.

Hope all of you have a wonderful New Year!