Ellas baptism! 1-1-11

On January 1, 2011 my baby girl was baptised! I can't believe the day has come. I was so proud of her for the choice she made to be baptised. It was New Year's Day so not a lot of people were able to be there but my nana and papa Burton drove in from San Antonio and that was very special for Ella. David came too! He had to leave right after but he was still able to come. It means so much to me that he is able to come to the kids memorable moments. We love David so much!

Breil and Harlee were so proud of her and now can not wait to be baptised! She set such a good example!

My mom and dad gave her scriptures. My nana and papa Clanton gave all of the grandkids scriptures for their baptism and I am glad my mom has carried the tradition of her mom on to her grandkids. It makes them so special.

Daniel came. Daniel is a rockstar in our home so she was excited he came!

Nana and Papa Burton from San Antonio. They have only missed one big event in my kids lives and it was because they were in Hong Kong on their mission. It means so much to me that they have made it a point to be in my kids lives.

My dad, my gpa, Jared and Daniel were part of the confirmation.

And of course I needed a picture of all my kiddos with my gparents.

Proud mom and dad!

Christmas 2010

The kids woke up to surprises from Santa and a lot of presents awaiting them under the tree. It is always interesting to me the things they ask for from Santa. Ella asked for a Kaya doll and Breil wanted Creepy Crawlers. Its a good thing he asked Santa for that because I didnt even know what they were!

Harlee asked for Dora jammies. I am sure Santa loved her simple request. She couldnt have been happier!

Ella and Breil both asked for Ipods and after a lot of discussion and thought we decided to do it. I have not regretted it! They have been great!

Harlee got a lot of fun dress up clothes and clothes in general. By then end of the morning she had put them all on. My mother in law made this skirt for her and she wore it with this sweater all day long. She was so cute about it!

She finally got a bike!

We spent the day at home. I could not have asked for a better Christmas!

Christmas Eve 2010

This year we stayed home for Christmas. It was so nice to not have to worry about travel or anything like that. For Christmas Eve we went to my moms house and had a nice Christmas dinner. Since I was a kid my dad has always told the story of the birth of Christ and then my mom always plans fun games and activities. So, we had dinner, played games and then had a spiritual lesson on the birth of Christ. The perfect blend of fun and the spirit!

Breil only sees uncle Chris once a year but every Christmas he gets so excited and barely leaves his side! I love the bond they have.

Harlee was helping grandpa with the puzzle. She is so helpful!

After we left my moms we went home and opened...

Our Christmas jammies! We made cookies for Santa and his reindeer.

Santa left some fun toys in return...

And look at all those presents!

Burtons 2010

Since everyone was home this year we did a quick family picture.

Yes, she is this much taller than me. I wont let her wear shoes when we take pictures because I dont think its fair. :)
We are a very serious bunch! It was so much fun to spend time with everyone!

Charlie Brown on Ice! (Dec 23, 2010)

This year for Christmas all four of us kids were in town. Daniel had come home from his mission this year so we were all together for the first time in a long time. My mom and dad had always wanted to go to the ice sculptures so Jared and I got a babysitter and off we went. The Gaylord Texan hosts this ice exhibit every year and each year is a different theme. This year was A Charlie Brown Christmas. It was a lot of fun! This is all of us but my sister. She had to leave early to go to work.

They have an ice slide and this is my brothers, Chris and Daniel, race down it. Chris won!
Jared and I raced down too. He won because I totally got stuck!

Peek a boo!

All of these schulptures are made entirely of ice. It is so incredible!

Chris and I before we had to put all our gear on.

They put us in these big puffy coats because the exhibit is so cold.

Ella's birthday

This year for Ella's birthday she did not get a friend party. Instead Jared took her and a friend to Six Flags. She was so excited! Earlier in the summer, I took her and she loved it. She is tall so she could ride all but 3 rides. So, on Sunday we had family come over for a little birthday party and the Sat after she went to Six Flags! She had a great birthday!

This is her and her friend Caitlin. They have been friends since they were just under 3. We have lived apart for 2 years and dont see each other very often but I think they must have been best friends on the other side because they never forget each other. They can go months without talking or seeing each other and its like time stood still. It is a special friendship that I hope they are able to hold on to.