Talk about fun with a new camera. I love how each picture looks. I can see I am going to enjoy this new camera. Thanks Honey!
We went sledding today, and had lots of fun with the new sleds we got the kids for Christmas. We went to the big hill at USU which is really big and well, it can be dangerous. Ray took the kids up the hill a bit, and then sent Jake down and I wasn't able to get to him quick enough and he hit a parked car going backwards. We quickly decided to go under the big pine trees where there was not as much snow, and the kids would be stopped by grass instead of parked cars. It took Jake a little bit of time to get over his fear and then he enjoyed going down the hill as much as Ellie who was a pro at it from the beginning, and was quick to learn how to steer with her rope. I think we are going to have lots of fun with these sleds while the snow is here. :)
We made them uncover them on the count of three, that way they wouldn't spoil it for each other. Jake had asked for Woody Cowboy boots, and once he opened them he really didn't care to open anything else. Ellie had asked for Pet Shops, and once she realized that is something she was getting, we could have stopped unwrapping gifts for her as well. 
Both kids were overjoyed when they uncovered the blankets to see that they had received motor scooters, and are excited for a clear day to come along so that they can learn to ride them. Ray received a cocomotion which we quickly used for some delicious hot chocolate, and Ray got me the ultimate gift.
He has been bugging me for some time about the fact that I said I wanted to start saving up for a bit nicer camera. Well Christmas morning he gave me a box to open which when I did I found two new pillows which I was overjoyed because we were in need. He them told me to open their plastic covering, and when I did I found a Cannon Rebel T1i EOS.
I was so excited I started to cry. The kids quickly turned their joys into major concern over why their daddy would make mommy cry on Christmas morning. Ray had to quickly explain to them that sometimes people cry tears of joy.
I love my new camera, and am excited to start excepting more photo jobs, oh what fun I am going to have learning all the things this camera has to offer.
Well, so much for surprising Ray Christmas morning. He came home from work early this morning, and the kitty was crying up a storm. Jake came running up stairs letting me know that dad's gift was meowing really loud. (lol) So, I told the kids to sit their dad down and entertain him, and then I quickly wrapped up the special gift, and then brought it up for Ray to unwrap. Of course by the time he was handed the gift, it was crying and smacking around in the box so he knew what it was. He was still excited to see what his gift looked like, and that I actually caved and got him a kitty when for the past several months I have been pretty adamant on the fact that we were NOT getting another dang pet. He named the kitty Pillow, and we all love him already. I think this kitty will get along well in our family. Ray assures me he had no clue, despite the noises that came from the kitty, and the slip ups from the kids. :)
We had lots of fun snapping photos out in the cold for our 2009 Christmas card. The kids were up for the idea of doing pictures on this day, and I was thrilled to get some decent shots of the two of them. It will be nice when spring comes however just so I can get some pictures to hang on my freshly painted walls.
Ellie and Jake went with the Boys and Girls Club and sang Christmas Carols for the Senior Citizens at the Care Center. The were so cute, and did such a good job. They have both decided that they want to start visiting the old folks home once in a while starting in the new year.
Ellie was given an award at school during the December Assembly for being a friend to all. She was so excited for this award, and we are so proud of her for her kindness to everyone she meets. We love you Ellie, keep up the good work sis. Corby the cougar makes sure to make an appearance at all the assemblies during the year, and the kids really love having him come.
