Justin has become a die hard swimmer this year.  As a sophomore he made it to state championships and swam really well.  We are hoping for some good places this year as a junior.  He pushed himself all year and swam year round.  I can't believe how many times he woke up for 4:45 practices.

 I am a horrible picture taker but he is in the red MAC cap.

 and I am pretty sure that is him winning...see the red.  If not, I am pretending.

 Some of his swim attire, I could do without.  He went and found some really ugly sweat shorts at the thrift store that he likes to wear to his meets. Yes, they are better than running around in a speedo but just barely.

 But this little girl sure adores his big brother.  They have such a cute relationship.  I love seeing them together.  I hope they stay close the next couple of years.  Too bad little sisters seem to get more annoying as they grow up.

The ZOO

Before it got too hot, my sister in law and I bought some zoo passes.  Every year I wonder if it will be worth it because there are so many months that I am just not going to sweat it out at the zoo.  But, we did get in a fun outing with Grandma and Grandpa and cousins before the heat set in.  I'm still hoping I go a few times when it cools down.

 

 Amelia and Grandma checking out the giraffes

 Bliss is our honorary cousin and we bring her along whenever we can.  They have so much fun together.

 Grandpa and Cedric

 Tree climbing is one of the best things for little boys

 Grandpa and Baby Carter

 Grandma and Amelia

 Best FRIENDS

Look at these happy dirty faces.  We loved it.

 

We went to Las Vegas as a family in January for a little dance convention.  The family always has tons of fun when we go.  Susanna and Clara were in the same classes this year.  Here they are with one of the head teachers at West Coast.

 Before one of their dances goes on stage for competition.

 Riverside was one of my favorite dances of Susanna.  It was a lyrical small group and so beautiful.

This year the girls did a large group called Seven Nation Army.  It was fun because both Clara and Susanna got to be in the dance.

 

Christmas Eve 2011

 

After we go to the temple lights on Christmas Eve, we go home for our traditional Christmas Eve puppet show.  The kids get so excited and it is the perfect length of puppet story and singing to keep everyone happy and interested.  The kids love picking which puppet they get to be.

 Then, we usually (if I can find some and decide to, this tradition is more hit and miss) get new Christmas pajamas.  The girls really wanted those footie pajamas that I think are so sweaty and miserable.  The boys I have resorted to just getting some exercise clothes so they actually get used more than pajamas.

 But these cute owl pajamas were so cute, Clara got two pair of pajamas because they had a great sale and couldn't resist.  Lucky Clara.  I made her dress up in both of them for pictures.

Finally, they kids open a video of some sort that they all watch together while mom and dad start getting some things taken care of.  This year, it was kind of fun because Justin stayed up and did a little helping.  I hope I didn't ruin the magic for him.

Fillmore Christmas Party

Every year my parents go to so much trouble to get everyone together for a Christmas party.  We have a little picnic like dinner, all the families get to share their talents, and we get to re-enact the Christmas nativity. 

 

 Cute Brian carving up some Christmas Ham.

 Sweet Angel Clara

 I love that these BIG boys will still have fun and participate.  I can't say that about Justin...

 Everyone is glued to Grandpa and his storytelling.  I took some of him but the microphone was in the way, darnit.

 Eliza did a little dance with her favorite Joshua.  Unfortunately she was sporting a fever this night and spent most of the night on my lap.

 Look at these sweet angels and cousins.

Susanna and Annie

Christmas Dance Performance

Every year I put on a little dance show for my combo kids.  Santa came this year and brought little presents.  If you look closely you might recognize the sorry sucker I convinced to play Santa.  Amelia obviously couldn't figure out who he was behind the beard.

 

 

 This is Eliza's class...such cute girls...Jordan, Bliss, Tess, Eliza, Halle, Julia, Sophie, and Jill.

 My 2 year olds are so fun.  It is always surprising what they can do.

 

 Eliza isn't quite sure about this Santa.

The Underwear Gang

Fifth Grade Girls can be really silly.  One night Susanna and her friends were trying to think of something to do and they came up with this???  Don't ask me why and yes the underwear was all clean.  They will use any opportunity to goof around and get their pictures taken.  I love that Susanna has such good friends.

 

 Chloe Week, Susanna, Brynlee Tingey, Madison Grover...crazy girls.

Little sisters had to get in on the action.