A Dobbins' Day

We got an amazing package of  theatre tickets for kids shows as a Christmas present.  Because of our two small girls that aren't able to go we only got one adult ticket to go with the other 3 kids. The first show was an orchestra that did fun things for the kids to watch as they listened to the music.  Before the show they did some crafts.  Russell took Audrey and Cannon, unfortunately Hunter wasn't able to go because of his basketball games. Russell said it didn't really capture their attention.  I'm hoping that the next show will go better.  I think its a play so it should be more animated and interesting for them. It was a beautiful day in downtown Des Moines.  I think overall they enjoyed themselves.  I'm grateful that they get the opportunity to be exposed to some cultural events.

Russell's birthday was nice and relaxing.  Church was cancelled due to the bad ice storm, so we all got to stay in jammies and just chill.  The kids helped me make breakfast in bed.  We did french toast with fruit.  Cannon could hardly wait to open presents so we did that right away.  Then Russ just got to read in bed for awhile.  We watched movies and enjoyed spending the day together at home.  For dinner I attempted chicken parmesan.  It was good, but not great like my MIL's.  I guess I'll have to try again.  We ended the night with a yummy cake.  Happy Happy Birthday Russell!

Hunter and Dad working on polishing the axels, the key to victory. Waiting for the race to begin.  So excited!  He didn't make it to the finals, but did win the Most Futeristic Car! He had a lot of fun and is already planning his car for next year!  The Pinewood Derby is such a fun Cub Scout event.  The boys really enjoy making their cars and then watching them race.  This race was set up really well.  Everything was organized and decorated nicely.  After a small glitch with the computer, everything ran smoothly.  For dessert there was "spare tires and motor oil" (mini doughnuts and grape juice).  There was also an area for little kids with a car mat and cars to play with and coloring with car themed pages.   Way to go Hunter! We are proud of you!

We went to Monster Jam on Friday night.  It was AWESOME! I've really been wanting to go ever since I took Isaac and Hunter when Audrey was just a baby.  So its been six long years, but it was worth the wait.  This was so fun!  Russ said I might be a little "redneck" but I don't care. Coral is showing her "grumpy" face because the trucks got kinda loud.  I love it when the monster trucks go flying in the air.  Its so cool!  The girls loved the "puppy" truck.  They played "Who Let The Dogs Out" whenever it was racing and the boys sang along. Gravedigger is always a hit! This guy flipped!  He was fine and his truck didn't have any damage.  They had to bring a tractor out to flip it back over.  Coral said "Yeah tractor!" I'm not sure why I can't get this picture to flip, sorry! I had to add it though to show my big smiling face.  I had a blast! And despite the fact we wouldn't buy them anything ex...

One of our favorite things to do in Missouri is ride 4 wheelers. On this day Russell took the kids on a short ride around the new farm house. They loved it, but wished for a longer ride!

We love going fishing on Grandpa Mike's pond!

Thanks Kristy, Mike & Rowan for letting us stay with you! We had a great time. We can't wait until the next time we can hang out with you!

We took a drive up Provo Canyon on Sunday after church. It was really pretty, even if it was cold for our desert blood!

While I was in MN, Russell bought a little pool for the backyard. All of the kids had fun with it!

Daddy loves to comb Audrey's hair. Sometimes it hurts! Pay Back!

I really miss my friend Kelli! She moved with her family to NC and I really miss hanging out with her, working on various projects and talking every day. Our infrequent phone calls and emails aren't enough. So I was thrilled when she said that she was coming with her husband to visit. Dave and Russ are really good friends and it was nice to have the four of us together again, if only for a short while. She was dying to meet Coral and I couldn't believe that I had a baby without her around. It was a sweet meeting. Kelli has held and loved all my babies. Until next time sweet friend!

This kid at heart is all about having fun! I hope that you have a fun day sweetheart! I love you so much!

It snowed here in Las Vegas on January 3rd. It was beautiful fluffy snow that reminded me of Minnesota. The kids were so excited. Luckily we had some time to play before taking Hunter to school. They loved it! They made snow angles, had a snowball fight and made a cute snowman. Sadly a few hours later it was gone. I'm so glad that we had snow for even a little while to make some wonderful memories for us.

We went to Opportunity Village for some Christmas magic. We rode the train through the magical forest, went in the corn maze, saw Santa and did other amazing things. It was a great way to get in the mood for Christmas. The kids had a great time, especially this big kid!