Christmas-Parents

After the kids were all done tearing into their presents, the adults were able to take their time opening theirs. Lots of Broncos stuff, books, photo software, clothes, home made quilts, blog books, donut makers, more books, and DVDs were exchanged.

Bow

One of the neatest gifts that was received this Christmas was the hunting bow that Ryon Berry gave to Noah. Noah had wanted a bow for well over a year, but wasn't able to get one. Then on Christmas Eve, Ryon called and asked if Noah would like his old bow since he had just gotten a new one. Boy would he ever! Ryon spent several hours getting the bow and accessories ready, then showing Noah how to use it. Amazing! Hopefully Noah can join Ryon next summer or fall out on the ranch and go hunting!

Christmas Wrap-Up

Just catching up on the rest of Christmas before we move on to all the great things that 2012 will have to offer (like a Romney/Thune ticket). Our family was so blessed by all the thoughtful gifts we received in South Dakota from Bob and Bonnie and Wes, Kim and Kaleb. It was so fun watching a 9 month old figure out opening presents. We haven't enjoyed something like that in about 6 years! The kids were thrilled with all the neat things they were blessed with. Noah got running gear, Amazon $$$, and an amazing gift from Ryon Berry (more on that later). Andrew received books, clothing, science experiment equipment, and really sweet Lego sets. Nathanael enjoyed his new art supplies and Skylanders game. Sarabeth got lots of girl stuff including clothes, Barbie, art supplies, and Taylor Swift music.

Too Cute!

Sister was all set to head back to school yesterday morning. She sure has developed her own style. Thanks to Grandpa for the "nerd" glasses!

Winter

It's been a cold, dark, snowy winter here in Colorado as evidence by this picture in our front yard today. In the distance are Andrew and Nathanael on their bikes, while Jim takes a few practice swings and the girls try not to get hit. Jim offered the kids a quarter for every ball the kids retrieve. Sucks to be Jen and Noah who are back at work and school today. Little kids start tomorrow.

New Year's Eve

Well, another year has come and gone. While I don't have any published resolutions from last December 31, looking back over the year it appears to have been a good one. A brief recap starting with the number 14!

14. Jennifer and I celebrated 14 years of marriage on August 16.

13. We became the parents of a teenager on November 8, when Noah turned 13. We will now have at least one teenager for the next...

12. Years. That is how long we will have teenagers. There will also be a year when all four kids are teenagers.

11. Hard to believe, but I started my 11th year at Frito-Lay this fall. Only 22 more years until retirement! Our second born also turned 11 this year.

10. Years. A decade. That's how long we were in our home before we moved in August. We are blessed to be in a newer, larger, closer to Frontier home now. Thanks again to all the friends and family that donated many hours of hard manual labor in the summer heat to get us moved!

9. Nathanael turned 9 and all of a sudden became very interested in sports of all kinds, epically baseball. There were many happy evenings spent in our new backyard playing whiffle ball with the family.

8. Swimming was a huge part of the summer and we would have gone 8 days a week if we could have. Becoming members of the Bittersweet Pool and Tennis Club was a great decision, and we can't wait for next summer to get here so we can swim some more!

7. People. In July we packed up our family and our favorite babysitter Hannah, and set off on a week long journey to Yellowstone National Park and the Luhm family bed and breakfast in Worland. It was a crazy fun week, that the kids will hopefully remember for the rest of their lives.

6. Our family is still 6 members and going strong! We are blessed to have a large family, and there is never a dull or boring moment for mom and dad while we try and keep track of all the craziness.

5. 5K. 3.2 miles. This fall Noah decided to join the middle school cross country team. He competed at 5 different meets in Northern Colorado and did an outstanding job at all of them. He has also joined the winter running club at school, which will keep him busy until track starts in March.

4. Season tickets. I was asked by my good friend Travis to split 4 season tickets to the Denver Broncos this fall. I was able to see Tebow Time in person, and share some special memories with friends and family at Mile High Stadium. After attending 6 Broncos games this year, I can honestly say there is nothing in professional sports quite like a home NFL game.

3. Three of four kids have now learned how to ride their bikes. It was quite a night back in May when Noah brought home the free bike from his perfect attendance. Andrew and Nathanael both decided to learn that same night. We had bikes and kids everywhere. It was great.

2. Tattoos. I now have 2 very nice tattoos, the large back piece and my new one. After finishing the Tough Mudder in June, my teammates and I decided to get the logo tattooed in celebration. I placed my new tat on my left calf. Pictures comming soon. And the #1 of 2011.....

1. Very special young man finally home. On October 8, our cousin/nephew Kaleb arrived home in South Dakota from Ethopia with Wesley and Kim. We had been praying, hoping, and waiting for him for almost 18 months. Meeting him for the first time was one of the highlights of my life. He is an amazing, beautiful, happy, precious little boy. I wish we lived closer so we could see him more often.

It was a great 2011. Can't wait to look back on 2012 and see all the adventures that we completed. Check back tomorrow for my goals and resolutions for the new year.

Skating!

Janet and Jen took the kids ice skating yesterday down at the Greeley Ice Haus. This was Sarabeth's first attempt on the ice. She only fell twice, but still had a great time and can't wait to go again.

Games!

It has been nice to have Janet in town this week while everyone is off of school and Jen isn't working. We got out the game Mouse Trap today and played a couple of games. Also enjoyed a few rounds of Farkle.

Zoo Lights

Noah was able to accompany Meriah and her family to Denver last week and walk around the Denver Zoo and see Zoo Lights! Looks cold. The young couple had fun though.

Christmas Morning

Evidently we are getting to be quite a large family when we all get together. Santa found us this morning in Sturgis and filled all the stockings. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

What an amazing and touching way to end an amazing and wonderful day in the Black Hills. We loaded everyone up and headed to Spearfish to witness a living nativity. There, in the manger, were wise men, animals wandering around, the burning of insence, and a young couple with a baby wrapped in blankets. It was very calm, and very quiet. I think the kids really enjoyed it.

Shower!

It was a really fun night last night as the Roth family hosted a welcome home/baby shower for Wes, Kim, and Kaleb. 25 family members were at Joel and Amy's beautiful house to celebrate Kaleb. What a great Christmas Eve Eve!

Ropes!

Sarabeth trying the ropes course across the pool. It didn't help her that Andrew was throwing a ball at her while she was swinging. She made it though. Tough girl.

Hoops

Nathanael found the basketball hoops and is working on his shot for next season.

Lunch!

Nothing makes the Roth family happier, well maybe Christmas or their birthdays, then the next meal. BBQ chicken pizza, wings and soda poolside at Watiki.