Wesley's birthday photos

He opted for school picture this year so these were taken during our family photos. What I love about Wesley, he is very independent, stubborn in a good way, and he does everything that he can do by himself for himself. We do not ask him if he needs help if we see him struggling to do something, he will ask you when he gives up. He is a good boy and follow all rules to the best of his understanding.  He love to hike and takes us on adventures where ever we are and there is open space. I love that he is self entertaining, Legos, playing games and watching Netflix are some of the ways he entertains himself. I love that he likes being an uncle, he takes care of Max. He loves his brothers and sisters. I am thankful for Wesley, I have gained a lot of patience being his mother and helping him learn and grow.

Better late then never, Clarissa's birthday photos

What I love most about Clarissa is her desire to learn new things like sewing, milking a goat, shooting a bow & arrow and a .22 rifle. She is kind, happy, helpful and easy going. She loves all her brothers and sisters, she is ALWAYS excited to see them. Every birthday needs a party, even if it is small one. Every special occassion is an excuse to wear a dress with her boots! There is an appropiate dress for just about all occassions. She makes me take her to visit her people every Memorial Day. She is a hard worker, a good friend. She enjoys ballet every week so I can enjoy watching her progress once a year (note her pointed toes inside those boots). She is my miracle.

Chickens, Esperanza and Chet the dog

College girls

Right after Christmas was put away, we started collecting and packing what Martina and Faith would need for college. We helped them move in, get settled, and we left them there all alone, well together alone. They were very happy to have us on our way and start their new adventure!

My anniversary is the first of January and Ryan's birthday is the 7th so we decided if we were accompaning the girls to Idaho on the 4th we might as well get a hotel and enjoy ourselves, so we did!

Round hotel

The Idaho Falls Templ from our hotel balcony!

The Holiday season

We started Thanksgiving off with my mom saying it would be a little Thanksgiving, we fed about 28 people. We had a great time and I am thankful for Family, Friends and Daughter that help cook!

The Brown Family Christmas party is always great! Gabbie really, really likes the headphones that Aunt Jen Hansen gave her!!!

Ryan had to works Christmas Day so we had Christmas Eve Dinner followed by the opening of the Sibling gifts. Thank you Ryan Cumberledge for joining us for dinner and gift opening.

We then headed to temple square so Santa could stop by! I rode in the back of the truck with Clarissa, Wesley and this very good heater!

It was cold but the lights were pretty and the company was great!

We ended our night opening presents! 

 Clarissa opened them really fast and with squeals of delight!

We had our delicious traditional waffle and berry breakfast on Christmas Day and read the Christmas story in the evening when Ryan got home.

I am thankful for the birth of the Savior, I know that he lives, guides me and is there in my time of need.  I loved spending time with my family and friends, laughing and cooking and wrapping and baking and sewing!

with Love, Stephanie Loder