Trip to the ER!

This little girl is so brave!  We had an adventure taking Ashlyn to the ER this week.  She had an allergic reaction to a banana nut muffin she ate at preschool for snack. She was very cooperative and still had a smile on her face. 

Claire loves her "BEE-BEE"!

Ashlyn bought a new toy with her birthday money! It was quite a hit with everyone!

Our silly Brin.

This is a present for Ashlyn from Grandma Martinson. The girls have loved drawing on it! Claire just likes to eat the chalk (blackboard on the other side).

This little one is walking! We were hoping she would be walking by the time the baby came! Cutting it close but she made it!

This is the present that Ashlyn bought with her birthday money. She chose to go on a date with Daddy to buy it after completing her letter "C". 

Jenny and I went on our last date before the arrival of Desiree. We went to Red Robin! We have probably gone 5 or 6 times during this pregnancy. Jenny gets the chicken wrap every single time. And loves it, every single time. She took this picture of me because this was my first time having a real meal since the start of the diet (I'm doing a weight loss contest for the YMCA of Omaha).

This girl loves art!

Doing Mommy's hair!

Ashlyn and Brinley have started this new thing where they will both sleep in each other's beds together. It has been so cute to go in and see them like this.

They have also really grown as far as how much they enjoy playing together.

This little one just gets cuter each day.

Jenny tended a couple kids a week or so ago. One of them was a baby and the girls just loved it! Claire was very concerned every time the baby would cry though.

Mom had a great idea to make pizzas for dinner. We all had a blast!

Christmas Break!

Every year, the Church holds a gingerbread event. Many different creations are made out of gingerbread. We were impressed and had a great time. 

The Van De Graaffs joined us.

This looks familiar!

We took a trip to Scheel's to ride the Ferris Wheel.

Santa came a few days early and gave the girls a present because he didn't think there would be room in our van on our way back from Utah. The girls were excited!

Last semester, after finals, Steve and I had a boxing match set up. This semester we set up a time to go to Stella's as a group and for me to do the "Stellanator" challenge (click to see their site).

TAKE THE CHALLENGE

If you’re into food challenges, then try tackling ours! To beat THE STELLANATOR you have 45 minutes to eat:

• 6 BURGER PATTIES
• 6 FRIED EGGS
• 6 PIECES OF CHEESE
• 12 PIECES OF BACON
• LETTUCE
• TOMATO
• FRIED ONIONS
• PICKLES
• JALAPENOS
• PEANUT BUTTER
• A BUN
• and AN ORDER OF FRIES

This is what was left on my plate when I barfed. Close but no cigar.

A couple hours later after my barf session with the toilet.

UTAH: we made it! I-80 had been closed through Wyoming for the whole week before we left. It opened up right before we left so it was perfect timing. We were very happy about it.

We spent the first week at Grandma and Papa Martinson's house. We had a great time.

Grandam Martinson did several things to make it fun for the kids. Below, she is seen as the instructor of the Polar Express. "ALL ABOARD!"

Brinley loved the new blow-up!

Making gingerbread houses!

To the Williams! We went on Christmas day in the afternoon.

We went shooting the day after Christmas. Trevor is trying to help me look like Chris Farley.

Aubrey teaching Trevor and I how to shoot her bow.

Ashlyn has been creative and been making so many different things. Dennis has been into guns a lot (along with Uncles David and Mike). Here are her gun creations.

Gun with a holster.

Our girls LOVE Pepper!

Ashlyn also made sewing machines (see the extension cords). 

Jenny and I had a quick getaway to Joe Bandito's, one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. After, we went to Cold Stone with a gift card that Sabina gave me for Christmas.

Dave and Alyssa Mathis came over. It was great to visit with them and see their little Derek growing up!

Brinley loves helping Nana in the kitchen.

Dennis' birthday was on Wednesday. We had a great time.

Ashlyn made a mask for her face to keep her from getting other people sick (she was pretending).

Brinley was helping Nana make pumpkin chocolate cookies. Nana put in some Nutmeg. While her back was turned, Brinley took the liberty to turn on the mixer. We all had a good laugh.

Grandpa's accidental foot long pumpkin chocolate chip cookie.

Ashlyn created restaurant cups for her, Brinley, and Claire.