The Ridenours

Monday, January 5, 2009

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Nana & Papa

I took these pictures at Haydn's basketball game last Saturday. I thought they portrayed the love and patience that my parents have for my children.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

My mom sent an e-mail this morning of Sarah, their first colt. My mom was alone when she started being born, and she helped deliver her. She was also the first horse that they sold, which was really hard for my mom (and dad). The guy who owns her now sent these pictures to them. She has turned into such a gorgeous horse!

Friday, January 2, 2009

New Year's Eve

Our church had a big New Year's Eve party for the first time this year. We decided to give it a try, and we had a lot of fun. There were a lot of people there, and so many fun things to do!

There was a kids' room, with balloons all over the place (until Hutch systematically popped them all). They had noisemakers, popcorn, and movies. The kids loved it!

There was Wii on the big screen, with a prize going to the highest score all night

I thought this was neat. They had a poster with "What was great in 2008", and everyone wrote something that was great. I wrote "I had a baby!"

This was my FAVORITE place. The coffee lounge. They turned a Sunday School room into a fun little spot to hang out and have coffee- no kids allowed! (;

Caleb, kickin' back in the coffee lounge's puke-colored velvety chair.

There were ping pong tournaments. Here are Jim and Caleb warming up!

(John and I will be training for next year's doubles tourney. There is a travelling trophy!)

I don't have a picture of it, but there was a mile-long snack table, with delicious snacks! At 11:00, there was an ice cream buffet. Yum!

Everyone was also supposed to bring a board game. At the end of the gym, there were a bunch of tables with all kinds of games. We had such a great time trying out games we've never played before!

A shot of the fun!

What a great way to start out a new year!

The Kids

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Christmas #4,5 & 6

On the day after Christmas, we headed over to John's mom's house for their family Christmas. After we ate, she had a craft for the kids. They all made a Baby Jesus in the manger. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of the finished product. They were adorable!

Santa Claus showed up to pass out presents to the kids!!

and then let Gwyneth borrow the famous hat for a quick picture!

Tyler and Gwyneth

The Grandkids

The next day, Saturday, we had a brunch at my mom and dad's with our families for our gift exchange. My mom always has a little skit-thing with the families. This year, she scripted out the Christmas Story in Luke to coordinate the nativity characters with the scripture. Caleb read the entire scripture part, and each family's kids had certain nativity people they placed in the scene at a certain time. It was so cute, and I love the effort that she puts into it! I think the kids will distinctly remember this about Christmas at their house when they grow up.

Elliott doing his part!