Yes, We're Still Around!

Robyne has had a busy year since school started last September and so I (Shane) thought I might try to update the blog (this should be interesting). You can read her previous posts to get a flavor of what her life was like a couple of months ago...trust me, nothing has changed (in fact, she may be busier now).

We had a great holiday season and it was exciting to have all of us at home together again. Holiday traditions are something we've always cherished as a family. However, due to my mom passing away in August, the Christmas traditions changed. For all but two years (mission) of my short life (work with me here), Christmas eve and day have always involved my parents, and all my siblings, in one way or another. This year we all either developed new holiday traditions, or at a minimum modified the ones we always had. Thanks to my sister and her family for letting us share part of theirs

Below are a few of the pictures that show what our Christmas was like:
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Christmas eve PJ's from Santa..."Life is Good"



The "Three Wise Men" bringing Gifts...fun new tradition and a very handsome group if I do say so myself.

Fun new game...pretty fun time and don't they all look happy!!!


Christmas morning festivities...yep, this Santa doesn't shop for girl clothes. Primary reason, is to maintain Santa's sanity, everything is cheaper the week after Christmas, and finally, they enjoy shopping for themselves. Also, don't worry, there are actual presents to open!


Modifying two past Christmas traditions into one. My parents always a big stocking at their house the Santa would fill with a present to be opened on Christmas eve. Also, when the kids were little and Robyne's dad was living with us, we would take everyone to "All A Dollar" to buy Christmas presents. The kids loved doing this and some of the presents they gave were great. So this year we got our own big stocking and each of us bought "Dollar Tree" presents for each other which we opened on Christmas night. We had a blast with this tradition and will be keeping it going.

Bought a kit to make a Ginger Bread House but didn't get around to making it until Christmas night. Lots and lots of laughter and I thought the finished product of cute. Major earth quake in "Ginger Bread Land" destroyed it immediately after this picture was taken!



Yes we sure did miss our parents/grandparents this Christmas, but felt them right there with us most of the time. I'm also confident that they were excited to see our own traditions begin to develop. It was great Christmas and so far 2010 is going great...

PS This was my first December in six years that I didn't have to conduct Tithing Settlement. Many have wondered how we're holding up since my release and if I'm missing the hectic schedule. The following pictures should help "lay to rest" any concerns you may have:





The doctor says I'm doing great and thinks that smile on my face says it all!