Caleb's Science Project

Caleb decided to determine which type of soda has more carbonation and will produce the most fizz when shaken up. He weighed each of the sodas before and after shaking for 30 seconds each to determine which soda spewed the most contents out. We began with soda in cans, but they weren't shooting out as we thought they would. So we bought some in plastics bottles and got a better result. He had a great time making a mess with the sodas, which was probably to reason he chose this project to begin with.

Pinewood Derby

This was Caleb's last year to participate in the Pinewood Derby as a Cub Scout. They didn't win, much to Rico's dismay, but the boys always have fun. Next year Daxon will be in cubs and he is already looking forward to competing as a scout.

Christmas 2009

Christmas 2009 didn't turn out the way we planned. We prefer to be at home on Christmas morning, but decided to split the holidays between Grandma Blalock and Papa and Grandma Sandy's houses. The first bad moment was on Christmas Eve when we were about half way there and Elizabeth realized that she had forgotten her brand new camera at home. She got the camera she had been waiting for years to buy for her birthday in November. Anyone who knows her well, will understand how upset she was at the prospect of no Christmas pictures. Not a good way to begin the holiday. We got past that hurdle and were truly enjoying our time with our family. Then on Christmas morning as we were opening our presents at Grandma's, we realized that we did not have all of our presents. We had left an entire box of presents in the family room. Unfortunately for Ammon, that box contained most of his presents. So he received a shirt and couple of other non-fun presents, but nothing he could play with. Needless to say, it wasn't his favorite Christmas ever. We came back a day early so that Ammon could have his Christmas and Elizabeth was able to take a few pictures of everone opening the few remaining gifts.....I think we will have a hard time talking the kids into being away on Christmas morning again:)

Christmas Lights

Each year, we drive around and look at all the Christmas lights. This year, the kids used these really cool glasses that turned all the lights into different shapes- Santas, wreaths, etc. As the kids get older, we have to talk them into going but I think in the end they all have fun. This is a tradition from when Elizabeth was a little girl and she is determined to carry on with it.

Ward Christmas Party

At our Ward Christmas Party, Rico and his counselors dressed up as the three wise men. They told the story of the birth of Christ and talked about the symbols of Christmas and then gave gifts representing these symbols to all the children. We did this with our ward in Colorado one year, and it is a great way to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. (Doesn't this look like a group of men you would want leading your congregation?)

Wreaths Across America

Rico and Elizabeth took the boys to Wreaths Across America, a service project where the community purchases wreaths to place on the graves of fallen soldiers. (Bethany's theater group was involved in this as a fund raiser.) There was a ceremony where each of the armed forces was represented and there were speaches by prominent clergy and politicians. At one point, the politicians got a little too political. The day should have been about honoring those who gave their lives for their country and not winning votes. But in the end, it was a wonderful experience to have our boys see the enormous amount of graves just for the Houston area and to talk to them about patriotism. As we laid each wreath on the grave, we were supposed to say that persons name out loud. It made it a little more personal. We hope that this event continues to spread across the nation and that many more people will become involved.

Valero Kids Christmas Party

Valero held the kids Christmas party at Incredible Pizza. Caleb and Daxon love it there...lots of games to choose from and as much pizza as you can eat. Skeeball is Daxon's game of choice. He is pretty good at it and it gives lots of tickets so that he can cash them in for the oh so popular paper planes and Tootsie Rolls.

Rico and Caleb enjoyed a couple games of air hockey.

Daxon's efforts at the Skeeball game paid off

Big Buck Hunter

Caleb and Daxon discovered the classic Big Buck Hunter. Unfortunately, the boys were so involved with all the fun games, we didn't get back to the party room in time to see Santa. They weren't all that disappointed since they both feel they are too old to believe in Santa, but Mom was disappointed not to get any Santa pictures this year.

Nutcracker Performance

The 5th grade at Bear Branch Elementary always does a version of The Nutcracker each December. This was Caleb's year, and he was given the part of one of the Candy Flutes. It was so fun to watch! They danced and sang and had a great time.