A Colorado Christmas!

Merry Christmas! We hope you all had a wonderful holiday! This year we spent Christmas at home with our own little family here in Colorado. Although I love traveling to see family during the holidays, it was fun to stay at home and enjoy Christmas with just the kids. Mike had to work on Christmas Eve, so we had to alter some of our regular holiday traditions, but not to fear, Santa still came!

For about a week before Christmas the boys would come into our room every morning shouting Merry Christmas! It was really cute, and you just wish it was Christmas so we didn't have to see their disappointed faces when we told them not yet and continued the countdown. On Christmas morning the kids came in - early as usual, but all sleepy eyed from staying up late the night before to have dinner with daddy and read the Christmas story, we finally had the chance to wish them a Merry Christmas back and see their sweet excited faces. Sam told us she heard a "clatter" the night before from Santa being on the roof, and that she could see the red light from Rudolph's nose - of course the boys chimed in and said they saw all of that too. We sent Sam out to the hall to see if Santa had come, and were met with a high pitch screaming once she saw the presents. "Mom, he came he came!" Then the boys went out to look and started screaming too. That is one thing I will definitely miss when they all get older - the excitement, and the belief they all have right now in magic!

Christmas morning just before going down to open presents!

Of course Christmas morning was much the same as everyone else; a frenzy of ripping off wrapping paper, squeals of delight, and disappointment when it's all over. It is all over much too fast, and even I find myself feeling a bit of a let down once the last present has been opened. I don't feel sad because there are no more presents, but because the season is over, the feeling is gone. The best part of Christmas is the time spent in preparation and anticipation. Once Christmas is over, it seems that all the craziness of life that has been put on hold throughout the season comes tumbling back much too quickly. I guess that's why we keep the decorations up throughout the New Year, or even longer sometimes, so we can hold on to that feeling for just a little bit longer. When I look at my kids I just wish I could still have that sweet innocence back. Christmas or not, they still "believe" and magic is part of their daily lives. I guess that is what is meant by seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child: realizing the spirit and magic of Christmas last longer than just one season, but throughout all the year as well. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Some of my favorite pictures of their faces on christmas morning:
Samantha
(Mike was really sweet and had hats made for Sam and I. This one on Sam is sooo cute! Her new word for something stylish is "fashion". Her hat is definitely her, and so fashion!

Gavin

Kaden

Our little band
(Thank you , Kari - we decided you really don't like us all that much!)

Holiday Highlights!

A few days before Christmas, Mike actually had the whole day off, so we decided to celebrate! It was Sam's last day of school before the break so she got out a little early. I took the boys with me to her school for her Christmas party. It was really cute! They had a book exchange and they each got to make their own gingerbread house - graham crackers are the way to go! We were all decked out in our Christmas gear, so we decided to head downtown and spend the afternoon enjoying the Christmas festivities. We were a little worried as we drove to Denver since it was snowing pretty good the whole way there. We were lucky though and the snow stopped as we got closer and closer to downtown. Our first stop was at the Christ kindle Market. Every year in Denver they have a little German holiday market. I haven't been for a few years and really wanted to see it. Unfortunately, it wasn't very big this year, so there wasn't much to see. I guess they had been using a different venue for the past few years and they haven't been making much money, so this year they moved back to downtown and are slowly having to build things back up. It really is neat, so I hope it keeps getting bigger. We enjoyed ourselves anyway and had a good brat dinner and hot cider. It was the kids first time eating bratwurst - and Kaden even liked the sauerkraut!
On our way back to the car we rode the bus that goes up and down the 19th street mall, just for fun. The kids hadn't been on a city bus before and were pretty thrilled about the idea. Oh, the simple pleasures of childhood! From there we made our way to the Denver Zoo for "Zoo Lights"! This was really fun! We had never taken the kids before and they really loved it. The whole zoo is decked out in Christmas lights with various animal-shaped lights hidden everywhere. We were really lucky and it wasn't very crowded, so the kids loved running from each new display to the next. It was nice to see their excitement wasn't affected by the cold - since it was below 30 that night. They never complained once about the cold - only that mom and dad were moving too slow. They ran ahead so often that I had to keep calling them back, and since the boys were dressed basically exactly the same and I couldn't really tell who was who from behind in the dark, and I kept calling Kaden, Gavin. After about the third time correcting me, Kaden was a bit irritated with me and finally said "Mom, I'm Kaden! Don't do it again!" It was pretty funny. Yes, even I get them mixed up once in a while.

A little something for Grandpa Don!

Some frogs for Grandma Ral!
Their favorite display was the huge "hungry hippo"!

Here comes Santa Clause

Today was the Parker Carriage Parade. I thought I would be a good, festive mom and take the kids downtown Parker to see Santa and watch the parade. Mike was working today, so I was not too excited about the prospect of braving the crowds with the 3 kids by myself - especially when 2 of those kids have no fears about wondering off and away from mom! It turned out that Mike was able leave work early due to a low patient count, and got home just as we were getting ready to leave. (I do believe in little miracles!) I'm so glad he was able to come with us. He's had to work on the day of the parade for the last few years and has never been able to come with us, so it was really fun for the kids to have dad there too. We started the day by going to see Santa - of course the highlight! It's amazing the new toys they come up with once they are face to face with Santa - which never seemed to be important at the time we wrote him our letter! After making sure Santa knew what they all wanted, we went to find the perfect spot to watch the parade. As we were walking along Mainstreet, the kids were able to catch a glimpse at a couple of reindeer. Sam is convinced they were Donner and Vixen. Personally, I think those two are up at the North Pole getting ready for their big ride, but you never can tell! One thing is for sure though, we knew they definitely were not Rudolph!
It was a little chilly, but I think the candy canes and popcorn made up for the wind and the wait before the parade started. There really isn't much to the parade, but they loved it! There were a few bands, lots of horses, and of course Santa at the very end. I was really proud of how good and patient they were during the parade. They must know that Santa's elves are watching! I wonder if I can still use that excuse to get good behavior out of them after Christmas is over???

'Tis the Season...

Like many of you, Christmas is my favorite time of year! Ever since I was a child I have always loved the Christmas Season - not Christmas itself, but the whole season! Of course I loved the presents on Christmas Day, but that is just a small part of why I have always truly loved this time of year. I could never wait for the decorations to go up, for the sounds and smells of Christmas! I loved the lights, the cold, the hot chocolate, the bells, and the music! I lived in Europe for most of my teenage years and was lucky enough to experience Christmas in Germany. Everywhere you go, it is Christmas! Everything is so wonderful and beautiful! Until I lived in Germany, I never understood why I was so attached to this time of year - but now I know. Christmas isn't a day or an event, Christmas is a feeling. It is the feeling of Christmas that I can't wait for. I can't wait for the cold feeling in the air, the comforting feeling of the various scents and aromas, the uplifting feeling of the music, the cheerful feeling of everyone around you, and the grateful feeling for the gift of our Savior's birth!
I love sharing this time of year with my family, with my children especially. Their eyes are so bright with the wonders of the season. Their smiles dance in the lights and their hearts leap with the music. I love their curiosity at all the sights and sounds around them, and most of all, I love to see them glow whenever we talk about baby Jesus. They never tire of hearing the Christmas story and are always excited to share the parts that they know.
The other night I read the kids The Polar Express. This is one of their favorite stories and they love to watch the movie. As I finished the book, we talked about the bell and if they could all hear it. As I thought about it afterward, I realized how much more there is to this simple story. I don't believe it is a story simply about believing in Santa Clause, but a story about believing in magic! There is truly magic at Christmas! It is the magic of the gifts of the soul - we are our best selves, even if only for a few moments. It is the magic of giving - we are unselfish towards our fellowmen. It is the magic of love - we are better to others, treating others kinder and with more love than we often do. It is the magic of peace - even if for a few moments, we have happiness and are at peace with ourselves and with the world. And it is the magic of belief itself - belief in a Savior, in His birth, His teachings, and in His death. It is this magic that is the greatest of all!

Does the bell still ring for you, as it does for all those who truly believe...

Turkey Notes

It's still November, right? Gee, holidays roll around, family comes into town, and I just lose all track of time!
My parents came to visit last week for Thanksgiving and we were lucky enough to have them here for almost a week. The kids loved it! My parents live in texas, so we don't get to see them but 2, maybe 3 times a year, so it was so great to have them stay for so long. My dad was the best babysitter ever, so my mom and I got in a lot of much needed girl-bonding time! We even went out to see Twilight! I was nice enough to wait for my mom to get into town, instead of making Mike go with me. (He very much appreciated that!) All I'll say about the movie is that it had poor acting, it was not made very well, I really didn't like it all that much, and whoever that guy was trying to be - he was NOT Edward! (And since I really haven't said anything about the books, you probably didn't even know I was such a Twilight fan!) :)
Our Thanksgiving Day was much the same as most of yours - super busy, but at the same time one of those lazy, watch TV days too. Grandma even made the kids their own Thanksgiving Day attire! It was fun to watch the kids attack our annual tradition of making everyone gumdrop turkeys with Grandma Ral and Papa Don's help. Actually, grandma ended up making most of them, (since apparently grandpa wasn't doing it right) while Sam made various geometrical shapes with her pile, and the boys just kept eating their gumdrops. As for me, I decided that after spending pretty much the whole day in the kitchen, it is definitely much more fun to go away to the parents house - then they do most of the cooking!
We were lucky enough to have all 4 grandparents at our house for dinner, since Mike's parents came down from Colorado Springs that afternoon. It was really neat to have everyone all together and to see how excited the kids get when they are around their grandparents.
On Friday, it was time to focus on Christmas! Mom brought some little Rice Krispy house kits for the kids to decorate. They were really cute! I'm a big fan of the Rice Krispy ones, instead of gingerbread - for my kids ages at least. It was a lot easier for them to do, and edible! The kids loved it! My parents and I each helped one of the kids, and their houses turned out really cute. Of course Mom and Sam's was a masterpiece, but I think it was a pretty big success that the boys didn't eat all the candy before we finished!
Ever since they got here, Sam had been asking for a date with Grandpa, so Friday afternoon dad took Sam out on a date. It was so precious! Sam was so excited and right before they were going to leave, she went up to her room to get all "fashion". She came down with dress-up shoes, earrings, and make-up on. I'm sure she was the best-dressed 5-year old in McDonald's that day!
My parents left on Saturday morning, too early for the kids' tearful goodbyes. (I'm sure they planned it that way!) When the kids woke up they were pretty sad that grandma and grandpa were gone, but Sam made sure to keep tabs on them throughout the day to make sure they were safe.
I am always sad to see my parents go. They are so great with the kids and always make visits with them so much fun and full of wonderful memories. Thank you so much for coming to visit us! No matter how long you stay, it's never long enough. Maybe one of these days I'll convince my husband to move down to Texas so we can be closer! -Ok, that isn't very likely, but it was a nice thought!

I love this picture of us on Thanksgiving. It is so typical of my boys! One of these days we will get a good picture of all of us! :)

A fall field trip

Last month Sam had a field trip to the Littleton Historical Museum. It is a working museum with animals, and gardens, and a few period buildings to show how things worked "back then". I was able to go with Sam's class and bring the boys along. We came here in the Spring with Sam's preschool class, but it was fun to come in the fall and enjoy the huge pumpkin patch and hay maze. Her teacher put together a little "Signs of Fall" scavenger hunt for the kids as they toured the museum. Sam had a really fun time trying to check off everything on her list. So, in honor of our quickly departing, beautiful Colorado Fall, I thought I would share a few of my favorite photos from that day:

We were lucky enough to have the blacksmith there that day. He showed the kids how to make rod iron decorative garden flowers. They were mesmerized! Watching him work, with his authentic, period tools, really gave me an appreciation for how people on these farms lived and worked back then. Our definition of "work" can't even compare to what their's would have been!

The boys liked the piggies.

Sam was not a big fan of the "stinky mule".

The kids in the hay maze.

Here are a few from the pumpkin patch :

Thoughts for Veteran's Day

I had to run a few errands today, and one of them took me to the post office. Of course it was closed when I got there, but until I was there I had forgotten why it would be closed today - Veteran's Day. I had noticed that it was coming up a few days ago, and thought that I needed to remember to call my dad, but until I got to the closed post office, it had completely slipped my mind that today was Veteran's Day. Then I took the kids to the grocery store after I picked Sam up from school. Right as you walk in they have a huge cupcake/cake there for anyone to have that says, "Thank you Veterans!" Sam asked me what it said and when I told her, she then asked, "Mom, why do we need to thank the Veterans? Who are the Veterans?" After I answered her, I thought a lot about it as I was going through my grocery shopping, and thought how important it is that we do take some time to remember those service men and women who have served our country in so many ways. Although not all those who have served in the military have had to serve during a war, thankfully, each and every one of them deserves our respect and gratitude for the sacrifice they make each day, as they fill a duty that so many are unwilling to share.
My family has a rich military heritage. My father is a retired Colonel in the US Army, my brother is a Sargent in the Army, currently serving in Afghanistan, both my grandfathers fought in WWII, my great grandfather fought in WWI, and one of my uncles served in the Vietnam War. This list could go on and on, not to mention many of my friends and their families who also serve, or have loved ones serving in the military. My point is, we all have similar lists. Not one of us does not have a tie to the military in some form or another, and those ties should make us proud, not only of our loved ones, but of our country as well, and the freedoms and rights that make it great. It is to those freedoms and rights of this great nation that these men and women devote their lives to protecting. No matter your opinion on the current war, or past wars, these men and women deserve to be honored and given our gratitude for not only their large sacrifices, but for their day to day service as well.
I am extremely proud of my military heritage, and for the bravery and courage my family has shown in service to their country. I am the woman I am today in large part because of my father's military service. Were it not for his choice to serve and honor his call of duty, this army brat would not have had the tremendous opportunities or desires that have so wholly shaped my life. So, thank you, Dad! Thank you, Donny! Thank you to all of you who are serving our country and making my world a better, safer place. Thank you for your sacrifices; the sacrifice of your time, your family, and sometimes even your lives, as you uphold your duty and protect what I hold most dear. You are all American Heroes!

My Father, Retired Col. Donald O. Bills
currently teaching ROTC to the next generation of Heroes

My Brother, SGT Donald O. Bills Jr.
currently serving in Afghanistan

My Grandfather, Walter Rudolph Bills
served as a pilot during WWII

My Grandfather, Ralph Mason Gerrard
served in the navy during WWII

My Great Grandfather, William Smith Gerrard
served as an infantryman during WWI

Our American Hero

My brother Donny is on leave right now for about 15 days from his tour in Afghanistan. He got home to Texas just in time for Halloween and spent a few days down there with my parents and my sister's family. On Monday he flew to Utah for about a week, but had about a 3 hour layover here in the Denver airport. I was so excited when he told me he was coming through town! I haven't seen him since last Christmas, and have been anxious for him every day since. His flight landed just before noon on Monday, so we got Sam out of school early, picked up some lunch and headed for the airport. Luckily, Mike was off on Monday so we were all able to go. The kids were so excited to see "Uncle Donny" and right when Sam saw him, she ran straight to him and gave him a huge hug! We were able to spend a few hours together while he showed us a few pictures from his base in Gardez. It was really neat to see his pictures of every day life as a soldier stationed over there. It's nice to see he actually is working, some of the time. :) After a few laps around the airport, and after trying to squeeze every bit of information I could out of him, it was time to go. Of course I was the only one in tears. No matter how big he gets, he's still my baby brother and I worry about him. Of course he assures me that he is actually quite safe over there, but that doesn't really help much to ease my anxiety. He will go back next week to finish up his time over there. He comes home for good in February, which definitely isn't soon enough. Time is flying by quickly though, so I'm crossing my fingers, and saying many prayers until then. We love you, bud!

Trick or Treat...Again...and...Again!!!

So, usually Halloween only lasts a day...well, we decided it needed to last for a whole week!
Our Halloween celebrations started last Saturday with our annual Halloween pictures. Expressions photography in Highlands Ranch does free Halloween pictures every year. I found this out our first year we moved to Colorado and have only missed one year of pictures. How can you pass up FREE!! All you have to do is bring canned good donations and you get a free professional 4x6 photo of your kids all dressed up in their Halloween costumes. It always turns out cute too! Everyone there is all dressed up and the studio is all decked out in Halloween decor. They even have a cute little pumpkin patch set up where you can take your own pictures of the kids.
After we took our pictures, we were off to Boo at the Zoo. The kids did this last year and really had a fun time. Mike had to work, so this year Heidi and Christian came with us, so we had our own little Justice League! I wish I could say we were there to see the animals, but of course not - we were there for the candy! I think the kids spotted a few of the animals between candy booths, so we weren't totally uncultured.
On Tuesday at school, Sam had crazy hair day. We had a lot of fun with it and Sam thought it was so cool - especially when everyone commented on her hair when we were running errands that afternoon.
Then, on Wednesday our ward had the Trunk or Treat Halloween Party. Mike was working again, so Heidi and I took the kids - yes, we are both often widows! Of course the kids had so much fun. I didn't even see the boys half the time we were there, since they were off playing the games with other families in our ward, and Sam hung out with her cute friend Ally just about the whole time - it was torture when I pulled her away to spend time with me. She found Ally again for the Trunk or Treating and I didn't find her until it was all done. After the boys and I had finished making the loop once, Heidi went searching for Sam and finally found her struggling to keep her huge haul in her little treat bag. That girl definitely has the concept down!
So, by the time Halloween finally arrived, the kids had plenty of candy - but of course that just the beginning! Sam had her class party on Friday morning. It was really cute to watch all the kids all dressed up working on their "pumpkin math". wasPart of the game was to guess how big around their pumpkins were, and Sam actually cut her string exactly right! What a little smarty - she definitely gets that from her dad! After school the kids were super excited to have Grandma and Grandpa Hansen come over to celebrate Halloween with us. While the kids carved pumpkins with dad and grandpa, mom and grandma were inside putting together the traditional Halloween Buffet! This is something my mom did every year when we were little, and now my kids love it. They can't get enough of the green slime!
Finally it was time for the real trick or treating - as if they didn't have enough candy already! Grandma stayed behind to pass out candy so both mom and dad could go with the kids.

(NEWS FLASH! No I am not making this up, our high temperature on Halloween was 76!!! They said it was one of the warmest Halloween's on record! I was even wearing flip flops when we took the kids trick or treating!)

It was really fun taking them around the neighborhood and watching them run up to each house with bags opened wide, shouting Trick or Treat as loud as they could! They are at such a fun age, when everything is so exciting to them - hopefully it lasts for a while!