BE "LEAVE" !!!

While down at Grandma & Grandpa Hoopes house we all had the fine opportunity of raking Grandpa's leaves. The kids had a blast! All you need is a rake, some leaves & a big jump! Wooo Hooo!

HOOPES FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Our family is always so blessed! We have had a wonderful time creating memories together. We spent several days with Branden's side of the family at his parents house in Safford. Luckily, we were all able to spend time with all of his siblings...(we missed you Dana.) Thank you for all of the generous gifts! My boys have loved the blow dart guns & have only shot one person so far! Kamarin is anxious to get to use her guitar distorter (is that what it is called?) All of the treats from Mom & Dad have been quickly devoured! We are looking forward to finishing Christmas at Rocky Point with all of you this summer! THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR SUCH A NICE CHRISTMAS!!

OUCH!!

What do you get when you put 2 boys, a Daddy & dirt clods together? Yep, a friendly dirt clod fight. Well, explain to your 5 year old that it isn't all out war! So, we all freaked out when, after being hit in the head, the bump grew rapidly to half an inch. I swear it was huge & I am sure it hurt. Well, Daddy wasn't crying but Everett was. Branden tried to put on a brave face, as not to make it worse for his sad little boy.

WARD CHRISTMAS PARTY

Every year each ward has a Christmas party. Ours had a Bethlehem theme...we all dressed in clothes from that time period. Well, the boys & I dressed up, Branden however chose to go as himself. Parker makes a very WISE wise man, Everett was a beautiful sheep & I, a humble shepherd. Our little herd had a fun time visiting with friends & watching the nativity story re-enacted.

TOYS & BOYS

My boys think that all of their uncles are cool. But, during our visit to Utah they thought that Uncle Lance was REALLY cool. Everett was his shadow. He has all sort of fun things to make loud noises with. Who knew that sitting on a 4-wheeler, or turning on the snowmobile, or riding the canal could be so fun? Lance even entertained us with a fashion show of his new coat...thank goodness it fit over the helmet. Anyway, Lance leaves a lasting memory of just plain cool!!

LEAF COLLECTION!

My brother Lance live at the base of Timpanogas Mountain & the area is beautiful. Parker found lots of huge leaves to collect and throw up in the air. Nothing is better than a crisp cool morning and a handful of leaves.

COUSINS

While in Utah, we got see all kinds of cousins, on both sides of the family. It is so fun to get to know family that is close to your own age. Our boys had plenty of kids to play with. They keep asking when they can play with their cousins again. We really need to get up to Utah more!!

FIRST MEET OF THE SEASON

Kamarin is such a great cheerleader! I think she is the best one! I am not biased--at all!! This was the first meet of the season, she said she wasn't even nervous! The stomp cheer is her favorite.

SNOW FUN!!

We spent Thanksgiving in Utah. My boys were ecstatic to find some snow!! Thank goodness for warm coats & hot chocolate. Parker got very tired of the camera...bet you couldn't tell!