Elena, the Photographer

This first picture was actually taken by Kristina. The kids love to take pics, especially the girls. And some of them are getting really good at it!

Mac is hoping to be in scouts soon. Can he wait three years?

This one is blurry, but I had to put it in here anyway. We had so much fun with Jeff and Wendy here. It's rare that our big boys have cousins they love to hang out with. We're so glad they came! And soon, two more sets of cousins will come--Yeah!

Molly, Rocky and our home in the winter...

Peter is so excited about something. What's with the Hawaiian lei?

Anton's senior picture, adjusted by Elena.

Elena's senior picture taken by herself. Wait, she's not a senior. Okay--8th grade picture.

Jade--washed out, but cute.

I love this one! Miss you all!

Last Couple Weeks of School

May is always crazy with all the birthdays and the overwhelming year-end school activities, but it's fun, too. We were all so excited for school to be out!
The three triplets. All four of my girls help baby sit these kids--now that it's summer, it's a daily occurance.

Brig in his end of the year play--The three billy goats Gruff. He made his own mask!

Kristina won overall out of the entire school for the DARE essay. The crazy thing is that Elena also won during her 6th grade year. It was a pretty big deal--the Police Chief ran it and chose the winners. She read it in front of parents and students--alot of of people were teary-eyed and came up afterward to talk to Kristina and me. I was proud of her for being so brave and reading to everyone.

In May we went to Becky Rogers baptism and Troy and Chauncey's Eagle Court of Honor. It was a beautiful, perfect day and we had a great time being with old friends. Look how handsome they are--they're growing up and will all three be on missions soon. Where does the time go?

Anton graduated from seminary this year, also. He did his last two years in just one year, thanks to the help of Brother Brickey. He was asked with two others to share some of his thoughts and his testimony at graduation. I sat shocked when he spoke as I caught a glimse of the good man that he'll be someday. Of course, by the next day he was back to the same old Anton--but I still have hope.

Krissy and Brina did the Wizard of Oz for their 6th grade play. Sabrina was Dorothy and Kristina was a narrator. They did a great job and were adorable! Of course, I'm not biased, or anything.

Afterwards they had an awards ceremony and reception. Finished with elementary and on to a new chapter. In 2 1/2 months they'll be over at the high school. No, REALLY, where does the time go?

This is a terrible picture, but I had to put Mac on here as Wee Willy Winkie. He ran upstairs and downstairs for his pre-school play. Thanks to Grandma Eaton he had a Wee Willy Winkie hat.

Mac graduated from pre-school and will be a big kindergardner next year! He'll be in all day school, which means it will be just Mish and me at home. I'm getting old--40 this year!

Last day of school. Aren't they beautiful? Anton will graduate soon--just one more test--and then we hope he'll start on his mission papers. It's finally summer, and except for the crazy softball and camp schedule, we're loving it. Mike got a new calling as a high councilor but they can't keep him away from the kids--he's over the scouting for the stake. I think he's a little overwhelmed, but I know Heavenly Father will qualify him--and me, too. Life is so good, we love our kids, and miss our family. Can't wait to see some of you this summer! Love you all so much!

March/April--Is This Spring?

We had a really cool spring and everyone couldn't wait 'til summer. Below are just a few of the activities:
I grabbed this picture of Krissy & Mischa hanging out on the kind-of green grass, hoping for warmer weather. Isn't it so cute? Even Molly, our dog, is enjoying the hope of spring.

Sabrina saw the girls from the house and decided to join them. Although, I think she was a little cold in her short sleeved shirt.As soon as the snows melt everyone is outside. Some days were warmer than others and it's warm enough to play if you're active. Elena loves basketball and had a great season this year at school.

Mac loves basketball, too, but is a little sad here because the big kids don't always want to play when he does. Come on, Elena!!

Easter time! DJ and Laura were visiting and we had fun getting to know her a little bit. The little ones had so much fun, of course, looking for eggs.

Yeah! I found one!!

Did he find an egg, is he laying an egg, or is he doing the chicken dance? Go Brig!!

The big kids still looked for eggs this year, but I think we'll change it next year--they really wanted to be the hiders.

Brig is 8 years old!! He was so excited to be baptized. When the bishop asked him what he was most excited about he said, "I get to fast!"

Brig with Bishop Hanson. Amazingly enough, Brig has fasted twice now and done great--24 hours! He's growing up. He's finally in cub scouts and just got finished with Cub Scout Day Camp. He made the coolest stuff and had so much fun!

Mac looking for turkeys--or Cheetahs. I'm not sure which.

Everywhere we drive here is a trip. Some of the kids couldn't take it anymore and gave up to the sandman.

February and Still Winter

It's been forever since I posted, but I'm still here. The following are some of the February events:

Peter went to State for wrestling! It was quite a big deal, especially as a freshman. He did a good job, won one of his matches and we had a great time watching him.

He wasn't too sad when he was eliminated, because that meant he got to eat. It was a win/win situation for him--food or wrestling--hard to choose.

Both big brothers got to come and support him. The girls stayed home with the little ones. We had a really fun time down in Columbia.
During this month Anton shot two turkey in the same week. The first one we ate right away--yum!--and the second is in the freezer. Maybe we'll save it for Thanksgiving. He's such an outdoorsman--arrowhead hunting and exploring whenever he's not working.

February is also basketball season for the elementary school. Sabrina and Kristina did great taking home the second place title. The first place title went to Gallatin also--they had two teams!

Brig did basketball, too, and he really lucked out--Dad was his coach! Believe me, their games were entertaining, to say the least.
By close to month-end we celebrated Mac's birthday--5 years old!

He even blew all his candles out at once. I wonder what his wish was?

We're Going To State!

District Wrestling Finals was this past Friday and Saturday. Mike, Sterling, Peter and I went to St. Joe and stayed overnight. We had a great time and loved watching the boys and the whole team wrestle. Sterling had it rough, having to wrestle up. He had to wrestle boys that were a minimum of 10 lbs. heavier than he was. He still gave it a good fight, but said he just didn't want it bad enough. He's gotten so much stronger and better from last year. I can't wait to see how great he'll be by senior year!

Peter wrestled in a weight class 2 below Sterling's. He did great and got 3rd in district! Also, he qualified for STATE! He leaves Wednesday and Mike, Sterling, Anton and I are going to support him. The girls are staying home and partying with the little kids. We're so happy for Peter--I'm sure he'll be glad when it's over and can eat again.

Love you all!

The News Since Christmas

It's been a while since we've blogged, but, No--We haven't dropped off the face of the earth. Christmas was beautiful and white, and best of all, Brian & Jenny and their kids were here!
Brian & Jenny spent Christmas Eve over at Mom & Dad's so we had just our family at home early Christmas morning. Everyone woke up early, except for Mischa. I don't think Anton was really awake either.

Finally when Mishee woke up the girls helped her go through her stocking. I think this is the 1st year she really just loved everything and could have fun with it.

All the kids had to get eachother presents and everyone in Brian and Jenny's family presents. The Dollar Store was their best friend and I don't think Brian has ever received so much chocolate!

Mike found a used snowboard at a pawn shop in Las Vegas to give Peter for Christmas--he loved it!

Can he make it without falling???

YES!!! We had snow the whole month of December and all of Christmas Day. The day after Christmas the snow melted and we've only had one more snow since then. Peter skiied for 8 hours on Christmas Day and hasn't been able to step on his board since. Bummer! Jenny & Brian had to fly back Christmas Day--also a bummer! I think they had a hard time with the snow and cold, but I'm really missing it. They just didn't stick around long enough. Like the saying here goes, "If you don't like the weather in Missouri, just stick around. It'll change." It's felt like spring here for the last two weeks--I hope the cold comes back for at least another month.

January 5th Brina turned 12--make-up, earrings, mutual and all that. The Durfees came over to celebrate and so did Mom, Dad, Sherri and Niki. That's the extent of our family here. It was a great birthday and Sabrina and I had a lot of fun on our "Day Out" together.

Just recently Brig and Mac did a wrestling tournament. Now they are in basketball and Mike is the coach (hilarious games).

Brig wrestled like a pro and went undefeated--1st place!

Mac really didn't know what he was doing and sometimes punched the kids in the face. Luckily, all parents understood about the 4-year-old thing and he didn't get kicked out. He still won 3 out of 5. I guess all that wrestling with his brothers might pay off.
Krissy's class did "A Christmas Carol" for their Christmas play. We were snowed in on the day they were supposed to perform so they got stuck doing it after the new year. Krissy's right in the middle.
She played Mrs. Cratchet--doesn't she look thrilled?

Wrestling season is almost over for Gallatin Varsity. These pictures were taken at the Grand River Conference where 15 schools participated. The above pic is of Sterling at the shot.

This is one that Sterling pinned later in the match. He did great and took 4th place in the 119lb. division.
This is Peter taking someone down--I'm not sure if he won this one or not.

But I know he won this one! Peter also got 4th place, but in the 112lb. division. This weekend we go to districts in St. Joe where 25 schools compete. I'm hoping one or both of the boys will qualify for state so we can go on to Columbia. It's fun watching them!

Last pic for right now--This past weekend was courtwarming (kind of like homecoming, except for the winter sports). Spirit week was the week before and my girls always get all into it. On this day the 6th and 8th graders were having black & white day. I'm not sure if there was anything black or white left in the house to wear. Keep blogging so we can see how your lives are--we love you!