Christmas letter

So this year has come and gone faster than the ones before. We have really enjoyed blogging and reading everyone's blogs that have one. It is such a great way to keep in touch and feel that our family and loved ones are not so far away. It is so easy to do and if you have access to a camera, a computer and have a few extra minutes a month to spare you can do it too.

Travis is working hard and when he is not working he is hunting, fishing or taking the kids out with the four wheelers. He is continuing his education at the College of Southern Nevada. He takes one or two classes a semester so that keeps him extra busy. He is going for his Associates in Business.

I am still working at the hospital, I'm not going for my RN anymore. I decided it was too much stress on the family and me. I'm going for my bachelors in healthcare administration now and we'll see where that leads me. I took one class at University of Phoenix so far and hope to continue there. All the classes are online which works out great for the family.

Clay is in the third grade and doing great. He has really enjoyed his teacher this year and working hard to do his best. He was baptized in November and became a boyscout in August. He has really liked going to the activities they have for them. He is back into gymnastics where he works on upper body strengthening and coordination. In the spring he will start baseball again.

Taylin is in dance and gymnastics. She was going to gymnastics after Clay's school so we decided he might as well participate while she is there. They both love it and it is a good work out. She loves to play outside and work with her dad. She would spend all day out there if she could. She loves to play with Mokey and Keo. I'm surprised Keo hasn't bitten her yet, the way she torments him.

We just got a turtle about two months ago. I haven't written about her. Her name is Tory the tortoise. She fits in the palm of your hand but will grow eventually. She was given to us by a friend and she was really active the first couple of weeks and now all she does is sleep. We have to keep tapping the aquarium to make sure she is not in a deep sleep (if you know what I mean). We will put her outside in the Spring when it warms up. I know I wrote more about the turtle but everything that has happened to our family has been blogged about. So just read on and click on old posts to continue and leave comments where you want.

We are so thankful for our family and friends. We are thankful for our Saviour's birth and this special time of year that we can celebrate together. I don't know where we would be without the love and support of each and every one of you. I hear from these people that don't have any family or grandparents and I wonder how they make it without them. I don't know what we would do without our family here in Las Vegas. They help us out and support us so much. We love each and every one of you and think of you often. Please know that you are in our prayers and our thoughts. Merry Christmas and we hope you have a very happy and prosperous New Year.

The Ivies

Taylin's First Dance Recital

Taylin had her first dance recital on Friday. It was fun and very entertaining. (see below) This is her friend Brooke. They love to dance.

Amateur video, sorry. I was busy watching Taylin. I tried to hold it still and you can pretty much see her. She is third from the left. The only toe head there. This is after two months of practice time, so I think they did pretty good.

This is the Jingle, Jingle Jingle girl after the recital. This is once a year thank goodness.

Family sledding

This is always a great sledding hill.

Sledding fun

This is Grandpa Joe and Taylin sledding at the sand ledges. We went as high as we dared. Hopefully this works.

Richfield Snow time

This is how the night started all cozy and warm. Right after this they all got up and started cheering and dancing to the passing floats. I have to say this year was a great lights parade. It was filled with amazing floats and the snow topped it off.

The infamous rig with a million lights.
The tank was very festive also.

Look at those big snow flakes. It was fun and we all stayed warm.
The Christensen family. The reason we went up to Richfield was to see Brett baptized. Go Brett!! All the other stuff were perks of the trip.
Natalie and Wyatt had good times also.

WE played in the snow. Watch out for the sand ledges hill. I kept saying I don't remember it being this tall. Needless to say the middle of the hill was high enough.
Taylin was eating all the snow. We had to teach her which snow was goos and which was bad. I have tons of funny videos from this sledding trip. I will learn how to download them soon.

She can see!!!

Taylin got new glasses! She has been holding her eye to look at books and TV so I asked her why she was doing that and she said "so I can see better." We made an appointment and the Dr said she is far sighted really bad. Not in those words but she is over .400 which regular reading glasses are like .125 so needless to say this will help her a lot. She is soo excited which makes me feel better. I told her ahe does good with these Costco glasses (Thanks Natalie) she can get some princess glasses later. So we'll see.

Christmas tree pass

Travis took the kids for a campout at Christmas tree pass down by Laughlin. Travis use to go hunting quail down there a lot but not so much anymore.

This is the campground they made. Travis said it was cold but obviously it did not phase Taylin.

More pictures of the fire side.

They went hiking the next day. You might have to click on the picture to see all the Indian writing on the hills.
Another rock.

After the hard day hiking and four wheeling Taylin made a bed.
Clay is ready for more. He loves his four wheeler so much he crashed it into a tree. Everyone is ok just not the four wheeler. It was a good investment and has held it's own.