Our Life in Words...: Happy New Year!

Well, let's hope that I am able to update our blog a little more frequently than I did last year!

Payton had gymnastics practice on Saturday until noon and then we headed to Ames for the Rickey family Christmas. We got there late but still got to see lots of family and the kids enjoyed opening a few more gifts! We actually were able to stay up until midnight this year! Payton made it until 11:30 and she just couldn't take it any more. I think this is the first time in many years I have made it that late! LOL!

We woke up on Sunday morning and had more present opening with the Amundsons. Payton and Carson were introduced to Hex Bugs and they are addicted! We were done opening gifts around 10 or 11 and Carson played with them non stop for the rest of the day! They are fun to watch and he got enough pieces that he can make multiple different sets for them. Payton got a cool pink BB gun and it is super cute! It came with matching pink safety glasses too!

Great Grandpa Rickey and Aunt Martha came over for lunch and it was nice catching up with them. It seems like time always goes by so quickly and you don't get to chat as long as you would like! Mike actually woke up sick on Sunday morning. He apparently had a touch of the flu and was out of commission. He was feeling better by Monday morning and none of the rest of us ended up getting sick. We headed back home on Monday in time to unload, get a little organized and get the kids ready to go back to school!

Today was the first day back for them. They were so tired when I picked them up today. Carson had an appointment to get his allergy shots so we headed there right after school and then he had a quick snack and he and Mike headed to wrestling practice.

Payton has dance tomorrow and Mike is driving in the car pool. I signed up to take a class on "extremely good couponing". I don't necessarily want to be like some of the people on TV but am really interested to see how people -- real people...in a small town -- are able to save so much money. I am pretty excited about it. I also signed Payton up for a duct tape class where she can learn how to make different things out of tape!

We are preparing for Payton's first gymnastics competition this weekend. In the past she has participated in performances but nothing where she was actually scored and competed with other girls. She is pretty nervous (as am I) but I am so proud of her and can't wait to see how it goes!

We hope everyone has a happy and healthy 2012! I know we have several things we are looking forward to this year!