{Kindred Spirits}

When we first moved to Colorado, one of the first families to invite us over were the Hillans.  They are a super fun and sweet family with two daughters.  I was worried my boys would be bored at their house with only "girly" things to do, but oh was I wrong!

Ian hit it off immediately with Hanna, who is his same age.  They were outside playing together during most of the evening and he taught her how to play mine craft.  After Christmas Ian discovered Hanna received a bow and arrow and was eager to try it out.  We invited her over for a play date, which made me nervous, but also incredibly excited!  I couldn't wait to see how Ian would act around a girl.  

 Hanna is an angel!  She is a spunky little sweetheart!

 She taught Ian all she knows about shooting her bow and arrow.

 He showed off his new BB gun that he got for Christmas and together the two of them had a blast target practicing.

Everyone wanted to try out Hanna's new toy!

 Ian took Hanna on a hike through our "forest" and would patiently hold back tree branches for her to go under or offer her his hand as she crossed the water.  Kenny and I were with them and just looked at each other in awe!  We had never seen this tender side of Ian before, and I must admit that I was pretty proud of him!!!!

Ian and Hanna are so much alike and had so much fun together that I hope their friendship will continue to blossom.

{Birthday Boy}

Ian celebrated his 9th birthday with friends at the ice skating rink.  It was a first for him and many of his friends and was quite comical to watch!  They were either death griping the side of the wall or sprawled out on the ice for the majority of the party.  I guess they need more practice!

Drew, Ian, Jacob Morse, Luke Bennet, Karter Harmon, & Gavin Hart

 Ian has made such a great group of friends in Colorado.  His bubbly and outgoing personality draws people to him.  He is such a wonderful kid!!!

 I found them congregating in the middle of the ice rink just laughing and talking.   

I snuck in cupcakes for the kids and we discreetly went behind some lockers and sang to him.  It was a fun party, however after so many falls and bruises, I'm not sure if Ian will pick to go there ever again.

For the morning of his birthday he requested homemade cinnamon rolls.  I stayed up late the night before making them and I must say they were pretty tasty!!! 

 Ian interestingly enough requested a peg loom for Christmas.  Ge gave it to him for his birthday and he could not have been more excited!

 Ian's favorite app right now is Plants Vs. Zombies.  Goofy game = Goofy kid

 Remote control helicopter

 Ian's love for football his tripled since we moved to Colorado.  He starts playing in the spring and is preparing now!

Its been fun having grandma and grandpa to celebrate birthdays with.  We love living close to family.  

My little boy isn't so little anymore.  Ian is almost as tall as me and he loves to stand up right next to me and measure himself everyday.  He is vivacious in every way imaginable, but the most cuddly and loving at night.  I am so proud of him for the good choices he makes and for being a sweet big brother.   I love him dearly and am so grateful to have him as my son.  

{Winter Break Fun}

We headed back to cold Colorado from Kansas and were greeted by the snow!  The kids continue to find the snow majestic!  We spent the rest of Christmas break just playing!  It was fantastic :)

Weapon or icicle???  Drew couldn't keep his tongue off of it!

Having the aunties around always means more fun!  We attempted taking the kids ice skating for the first time.  I loved every minute of it!!!  However, not sure if I will be able to convince the aunties to ever go again!  We needed some adult size cones :)

Ian didn't attend this adventure with us :(

 Drew caught on quickly....and Mya was brave to keep trying, but

 she much preferred me pulling her around in circles!

We took our "moves" from the ice to the ball room!

 Kim and Carol taught the boys how to dance!

Starting early practicing because I am afraid Drew is going to take after Kenny and be standing up against the wall when it comes time to dance!

Cold weather meant lots of ice time.  We decided to try our hand at hockey...minus the skates!  It was the Summers vs. the Whites!  We played our hearts out!!!

 Christmas toys were played with and cool creations were made!

 Grandma taught Ian how to sew a towel!

Owen putting some muscle into cleaning! He loves his Christmas mop!  I would have loved one of these when I was his age!

Mya and Penny splish-splashing in the tub!

Mya trying out her new straw glasses!!

 If the kids do not go to BYU or K-State, our third pick is UTEP!!!  I'm sure Aunt Connie will let them live with her :)

Mya wanted to make sure I got her shoes in the picture!  Can't get enough of her posing!

Talk about some posing...  

Owen and Mya went through the Summers' old dress up clothes!  

We had some good laughs!

 Owen tried on Kenny's Donkey costume!!!

 Clown Mya...another adorable pose!

 These two crack me up!

 These monkeys love the camera!!!  I would pay money to see Kenny dressed up as a monkey now!  I can't believe he wore this!

We ate at Pablo's Pizza downtown.  One of the best pizza places I have ever eaten!

 We also played at Kids Plex, which I think should be called Moms Plex because my kids let me sit in a chair uninterrupted for hours!

 After playing for 4 hours, I dragged them out of there with them whining that they didn't get to stay long enough!  I could take me kids here everyday!

A lot of time was spent playing games.  Q-Bitz has quickly become a family favorite around here!

Having a break from school and getting to spend time with my kiddos is always a treasure!  I am grateful for their sweet spirits and the joy they bring into my life.  I wish they would slow down from growing up so quickly.  I want to always remember these care free days!!!