FEBRUARY

BASKETBALL SEASON

T loved playing basketball this year for the Sun Devils. He was number 23. He loved playing defense but hated playing point guard. He scored a few baskets, had a few steals, and a lot of rebounds. Most of all he had fun and was a great team player.

T playing the point

Going for the rebound

A dunk?  I don't think so.
Nice effect though, with the tongue and all.

T messing around.


















Z was number 10 on the Rebels this year. He played well, scoring a few buckets and getting some great rebounds. Of course, soccer is his first love, but he still did a great job.

Defense

Looking for the pass

Poor baby! Mom didn't sign him up in time so he didn't get to play on a team. Lots of tears and sadness- For sure won't make that mistake again!







FUTSAL

Time for indoor soccer again.  Z's team plays futsal every winter.  It's a great way to get some soccer in, and to get back in shape, and the team did pretty good this year.

Z (7) waiting for the pass from Josh (4)

JANUARY

ELEVEN

Celebrating T's 11th and Kenna's 9th birthdays at Grandma's house.

 It's hard to believe that T is 11. He is growing up so fast. I am so thankful for his cheerful demeanor. He is so easy to please and always relaxed and happy. He works hard at school, loves scouts, and is in heaven if he can just sit in front of a video game all day. His laugh is contagious, even when he is laughing over something that really isn't that funny. He brings so much joy and laughter to our family and I am so thankful for that. Sure love him! Happy Birthday T!!

LOTS OF SNOW

We had loads and loads of snow and very cold temperatures this month.S spent as much time outside as he could. He loved shoveling snow off the sidewalks and the trampoline, and even off of the carport.  He loved sledding and playing with friends.  Wet clothes and cold, red, little hands were the norm almost every day.  Gloves only lasted as long as they were convenient.  If they got in the way, they were quickly abandoned.  When the temps were in the negatives, he had to stay inside which was not pleasant for any of us, but we survived.


PUZZLE



 J got a puzzle for Christmas. He and S spent many nights sitting in front of this puzzle trying to get all of it together. Each member of our family put in at least one piece, but J and S were the 'die-hards'- they get the credit. Guess who found the missing last piece though...?

DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS CARD PHOTO
Christmas was getting close and we didn't have a photo for a card. With a little snow and even less daylight we ran to the park, set up the camera on the automatic timer, and got a few shots that would work. These were the two best pics.

FAMILY PARTY

Waiting for a special guest

...and here he is.

Talking to Santa

That's a lot of kiddos!

Our Christmas tree this year- 2012.













CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY
Great Grandma and Grandpa Bird didn't do their usual party this year. Instead Aunt Sara and Aunt Susan planned a fun Christmas Eve dinner and activities. We had fun playing games, listening to music and eating. We also put our hands to work and did a little craft. Everyone made a snowman out of model magic for the Christmas village. Here is the results of our handy work.

It was a really nice day. Another tradition that we have is pajamas on Christmas Eve, but this year we made a slight change. The boys don't really wear P.J.'s to bed anymore-they prefer ball shorts. Knowing that they have more than enough ball shorts, I opted for warm-up pants and under armor shirts, and they work just fine for PJ's, too.

**Notice that S doesn't look that happy. He had a very upset tummy and didn't feel well at all. Not fun to be sick on Christmas!

Guess he's feeling better this morning!

Opening gifts

Happy boys with their gift from Santa and their very fun hats!

NOVEMBER

FIRST SNOW

First snow of the year. Hopefully it's a good sign and we will have more than last year.
















70 YEARS

Great Grandma and Great Grandpa celebrated their 90th birthday and 70th wedding anniversary this year. The whole Bird family celebrated with dinner at Chuckarama. They are a wonderful example of love and family and we are truly thankful for them.

DARE GRADUATION

One of the fun things about 5th grade is the DARE program.


Before the DARE graduation, T and the rest of the 5th graders got to show off their Indian pyramids. T researched the Iroquois tribe and did a great job on his project.

HUNTING FOR TREES

It was a beautiful day for our annual 'Sunday after Thanksgiving' tradition. The weather was perfect- no snow and not that cold. We found the tree quickly. The turkey soup and chocolate donuts were delicious. The kids all took a turn driving the Rhino. The guns were loud and the dogs were crazy. It was a pretty great day. The only downside- T spent the whole time puking his guts out.

Sadly, no pics of T- didn't want to take a picture of him being sick, and he didn't want to do anything else.

OCTOBER

ARROW OF LIGHT
T earned his Arrow of Light award for cub scouts this month. He loves scouting and works so hard to earn the pins and badges. He has really enjoyed being a Webelo. Going to Webelos Woods was one of his favorite activities, but he also enjoys the weekly meetings and being with friends. He is looking forward to 11 year old scouts this winter. We are so proud of him for all of his hard work and effort.

14

Wow! Hard to believe that Z has turned 14. He is so responsible and careful. He tries his best to make good choices and he works hard in school. He also likes to lay around and be lazy like a typical teenager. He has been so helpful to me as I've gone to school and work. I'm so grateful for his help and I'm thankful to be his mom. Z is a great kid- I think he looks pretty handsome, too!!

IF YOU BELIEVE THEN STAND UP ON YOUR FEET...
...and shout it loud- REAL! Because it was Shooters night, we went to another Real game. The boys got to walk on the field wearing their jerseys. This time, there was no rain but it was cold. We came prepared with hats and gloves and bought hot chocolate to keep us warm.

Yellow card!

Keeping warm.

HALLOWEEN
S was so excited about Halloween this year. He couldn't wait to carve pumpkins, dress up and go trick-or-treating. He had no doubt that he wanted to be a ninja this year. T really wanted to be something scary. Z didn't want to dress up- too old and all- but J found the whoopie cushion costume and thought Z had to have it. Here they are all with all the cousins on Grandma's porch- getting ready for trunk-r-treat.