It was a little hectic getting off on our trip since we kept the boys while their parents enjoyed the sugar bowl, but with advanced planning we pulled it off.  We were so stuffed into our two suitcases (only 1 each!) that we forgot some things.  Neither of us brought a cord to download the photos off our camera, so during the trip, the only pictures I could upload were from my phone.  The following picture was taken on my phone.  Phillip and I were up on the Rims....

Sunset over Billings, MT

We arrived about 12:45 on Thursday the 6th of January and spent that first day in Billings.  We had to do a little hiking on the rims....we love the view!

Merry Christmas 2010

The family in our Christmas pjs - ready for Santa...

Melissa and Kerry had the Foster's Christmas party on Thurday night and Jayden wanted to go duck hunting with Pop on Friday morning, so Auntie M to the rescue....She picked up the boys after work on Thursday and headed to Arkadelphia.  We got a little extra time with Miranda and the boys, and Miranda got a little snuggle time with Evan ( he won't do this if his Mom is around ), Jayden, and Kyler:

 

Mim and Mike stopped by the hospital to see my Uncle Charlie in Texarkana, so they arrived around 2 on Christmas Eve (which was the same time Melissa and Kerry arrived).

 The boys and I have had a little project going for the last couple of weeks.  I took some pictures of the little cuties, they took some pictures of each other, and colored some pictures for their Mom and Dad.  They also made a list of their 10 favorite things about each of their Parents.  I put it together in one of those books you can order from Walmart (8x10) and it came out SO CUTE!  We talked them into opening that gift on Christmas Eve so that they could take time to look through it with the boys. I think it was a hit~

 Setting out cookies and Coke for Santa and cheese for Santa Mouse:

I woke up around 3:30 am....I can never sleep on Christmas eve!  When the girls were little, I was always the first one up and had to wake up the girls when I couldn't stand it anymore :)  Jayden woke up around 6, but he had to stay  in his room.  We're hanging out until everyone else gets up:

 Checking out the goodies from Santa:

See Kyler's grin?  He pretty much had that look on his face all day.  He kept saying "I love Christmas!"  Of course the other boys were pretty happy too :)

Miranda getting a BIG "thank you" hug from the boys for the game table:

 And last, but not least, THE SISTERS~ ~



Thanksgiving 2010

Place saver

Bikes, Blues and Barbeque 2010

Place saver

The Big Dam Bridge Bike Ride 2010

Saturday was the BDB Bike Ride.  Since the ride starts at 7:30, Phillip and I went up the day before and stayed at the Double Tree...making a little mini-vaca out of the event.  We did a little shopping, picked up my packet and checked into the hotel.  It was such a great evening - after all of this heat we finally had some cool temperatures.  We walked down to Flying Fish for dinner.

I was so glad that Kara was able to join me - and her friend Stephanie!  I have done 50 mile rides by myself before, but it is so much more fun when you have a buddy to chat with!  It was a great ride - perfect weather.  At the halfway point, Kara decided to keep going with Stephanie.  The goal...the Metric Century....68 miles.  Now when you are just saying the numbers, 68 doesn't sound like a lot more than 50, but when you are on your bike that is a lot of miles!  Yea Kara and Stephanie!

I completed my 50 - and was glad to see the finish line... and my husband!  Phillip is not usually there when I do a ride, but it sure was nice.  He loaded up my bike and took me to Panera's (my choice) for lunch.  Creamy Tomato soup is back :)  A few pictures:

The last of the lazy days of summer....

Will post pictures here eventually :)

BASEBALL 2010!

The boys had a great baseball season and I was there with my camera!  I will post pictures shortly.