Santa's workshop

 Olivia wanted to go on a couple of ride by her self so I could get some pictures. 

 

What a great day riding some rides.  We both had a blast.

last couple of days

 We had a bag full of bread and chips that were stale so Friday morning there was a huge flock of geese at the park.  These Geese were not use to people and they always ran off but these 6 we were able to get 12 feet away.  Olivia tried her hardest to get the bread to them.

 Friday Olivia had a classmates birthday party at a bowling place here in town.  All the girls had a great time.

Then today we went to theNorth Pole.

We had a blast on all the ride, but I was nothing thinking and forgot to bring jackets. 

It was really cold.

 But we had a blast and lasted through the freezing weather for 4 hours.  I love that Olivia loves rides.

 Mum, when you turn 60, you can take her for free.

sugar cookies

Jon Make sugar cookies with Olivia, he tried a new recipe since ours is packed up.  He found an awesome recipe and wanted I wanted to share.  The cookies are so good, you don't need frosting.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Powdered sugar, for rolling out dough

Directions

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Place butter and sugar in large bowl of electric stand mixer and beat until light in color. Add egg and milk and beat to combine. Put mixer on low speed, gradually add flour, and beat until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl. Divide the dough in half, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Sprinkle surface where you will roll out dough with powdered sugar. Remove 1 wrapped pack of dough from refrigerator at a time, sprinkle rolling pin with powdered sugar, and roll out dough to 1/4-inch thick. Move the dough around and check underneath frequently to make sure it is not sticking. If dough has warmed during rolling, place cold cookie sheet on top for 10 minutes to chill. Cut into desired shape, place at least 1-inch apart on greased baking sheet, parchment, or silicone baking mat, and bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are just beginning to turn brown around the edges, rotating cookie sheet halfway through baking time. Let sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes after removal from oven and then move to complete cooling on wire rack. Serve as is or ice as desired. Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.

Hands

The 2012 Hand ordainments are done!  They turned out really good.

Elle

 Olivia got Elle from her mother for christmas.

She likes to think of her as a baby Elephant.

 Elle has been every where with us.

Christmas fun

 The hand are our 2012 Christmas ornaments that will be Santa Claus faces.  The snow man I made but he looks like he is melting.

 Then we made sugar cookies.  Jon found a new recipe and it turned out really Yummy.  The cookies did not need frosting either.  But they look better with frosting. 

15 more days til Christmas

House

I have been a little slow in the posting, sorry.
As of last Sunday it was finally.  We sold our house. 
The new people move in January 10th. 
House inspection is tomorrow. 
Things are crazy but busy.
And we have not found a house yet.
I will keep you posted if we find one.

2012 Tree

 Since our House is on the market we have to keep it clean and no clutter.  This year we were invited to Mary and Al's place to get a tree.  We thought this would be a great idea.  Smaller tree with smaller mess.  Olivia was thrilled when we told her to pick out the tree she that was prefect and cut it down. 

 She did just that!

 After a short visit, we came home and Olivia got to decorated the whole tree by her self.  Lights and all.  She was tickled pink she could do it her way. 

After our annual family picture by the tree, we sat back and enjoyed it.  A week ago Olivia asked for a tree for Christmas.  She wanted her own tree with Apples.  Well while enjoying our tree, Jon said look you got your Christmas wish.  You got your own tree!

Steamboat Springs

 A last minute get away for Thanksgiving.  We booked two nights with our time share to celebrate Thanksgiving.  On the first day we drove around and found a small heard of Reindeer.  Yes wild reindeer. 

 Thanksgiving morning we took a 3 mile hike to see some falls and to enjoy what was around us.

 Olivia and Jon got in the season and hugged a tree.

We attempted a family photo but the stick got in the way. (did not see it until we got home)

 It was so peaceful and beautiful with all the white snow.

After a chilly morning we soaking in Strawberry Hot Springs for several hours.  Olivia found a cold pool seat but with hot water falling onto her.  She loved it.

 On the way back we saw the heard again and this injured guy came right up to us.  Jon and Olivia petted it.  He was missing an eye and is antlers were all messed up. 

 Then we came back to your room, made a Thanksgiving dinner of Cornish game hen, mash potatoes, rolls, and veggies.  After dinner we watched a family movie.  During the movie we stopped it to eat the pie Olivia picked out.  She wanted Cherry Pie.  She said she really liked it.  After one bit, she told me that I could eat her piece.  She did not like it.  lol  Last time she gets to pick our pie for a while. 

Denver Zoo

 Every November we go to the Free Day at the Denver Zoo.  This year it was on a friday.  Totally better since Olivia has a half day of school.  We took her girlfriend Claire she has known for 3 years now.

 Can you see the turtles in this picture?

My favorite things about the Zoo's in Colorado are the hands on learning.  

The animals that pass away they keep and teach the public.  

Any one felt a tiger before, a black leopard, cheetah?

 The girls were so giggly, jumping and playing they forgot they were at a zoo sometimes.

We had a wonderful afternoon and evening as well.

I am so thankful that her friends are able to come with us on these outings.

Feathers

Every year our hunter friends save there Pheasant tale feathers for Olivia's old first grade teacher.  Mrs. Brown uses them each year for several hands on projects.  Each year Olivia gets more curious with them.  This year she wants to be the pheasant!

sleepover 3

Right before the girls left, they sat down, enjoyed a snack while writing to Santa.  Yes, 9 years old and strongly believes.  Not just Olivia but the twins too.  This is a special time watching them all sit there so quiet, busy writing cutting and hearing Olivia tell them to send them coupons to help guaranty the gift.

Sleepover part 2

the girls made up a magic trick.  Must watch.

Sleepover

Olivia wanted a sleep over with the twins before we moved. Her other request was that they get to sleep in the basement.

 3 plus hours on the trampoline

Of course TV time before bed

 Today's weather was a little iffy so we picked the Zoo.

 Jon playing with the bird.

 Aubrie's first time touching a snake

Of course we even played pranks on the girls!

Sad Day

The month of October got all screwed up with the custody over Olivia.   

It turned out that her mother 

got her the first two weeks of October and we got her the last 3 weeks of october. 

 It was really hard 

not having her here the first two weeks but we were able to knock 

out the basement and the house.  

The last three weeks have been a blast.  Full time parents for everything.  

She stopped sucking her 

thumb for the last week and a half.  Her grades came up.  

We all did fun and exciting things together, 

even on school nights.  I shared Jack Quinn's tuesday night runs 

with her (she road her bike).  She 

came to church with me for three sundays and everyone loved her.  

Jon even won a radio contest for 

Olivia last wednesday.  But this morning was bitter sweat.  I had to 

drop her off at her mothers house. 

 She was sad in the car and said I will miss you Amy.  I really enjoyed 

the last three weeks.  That was 

heart breaking as we pulled up.  i told her we will see her on Wednesday 

and we could not wait to hear

her adventures she had while she was gone.  O course like always when

the door opens she squeals 

like  a little girl of excitement to see her sister and brothers.  

That is the good news that always cheers 

me up.  She is happy at either house.  That is what matters!

Snake

 Story continues, this is the snake that snow ball (the mouse) was going to get feed to after the cats did not show interest in her.  Of course, we still have snow ball but Olivia wants to feed the snake. 

 Olivia went today to feed the snake but still no luck.  The snake was not hungry. 

 As you can see she got to hold the Boa constrictor.  Her first Boa she has handled.