Building with dad

One of Hans christmas gifts this year was a wood set where he could build different things.  It was a fun experience for all us to help him build a race car and a bird house.  It definatly took a lot of time, but it was well worth it becuase we could all spend time with each other. 

Santa has come ;)

Today was a wonderful day for us.  Liesl was the first one to get up and was so excited to see all of the gifts that Santa had brought all of us.  She woke everyone up to show us.  Hans was the next one up and was equally excited about the gifts, but Hans and Liesl were so excited to both have a scooter.  We all felt very blessed today becuase of all of the gifts that were given to us.  As a parents it was fun to see the joy and happiness each child had as they opened gifts from family.  I am grateful for this day and the fact that we can not only get gifts and give gifts, but most importantly we can think of our savior and his birth. 

Christmas Eve Tradition

Every Christmas Eve we started a tradition to make homemade pizzas.  We invited Paul's parents and brother and sister in law and that was fun.  By the time we were making the pizzas Liesl had fallen asleep, but hans really enjoyed it.  It was a fun relaxing time spending time with family. 

Christmas with the Ottes

Baby Jack with Grandpa Marc

Hans with cousin Jack

Gabi with cousin Jack

Hans, Liesl with Aunt Vicky making cookies

Decorating is fun

Eating their finished product

Today we went to do Christmas with pauls family up in Syracuse, Ut where our nephew and niece live.  It was a great time spending with them becuase Paul's brother and sister in law were in from Alaska and Paul's parents and aunt and uncle where there.  We ate a wonderful dinner, and the kids got to decorate cookies, and then had a spiritual little lesson and then opened our gifts.  We definatly feel blessed to have family so close by so we can share these moments with them. 

Hans Christmas Sing

Today we went to go and see Hans sing at school.  He did great and was all smiles. 

Welcome baby Micah

Today my sister had her baby.  What a cute kid and a blessing added onto our family.  We went down to Payson, Utah to visit him and he was hours old.  Hans and Liesl really enjoyed seeing their new cousin.  Gabi was too, but she really didn't know what was going on.  I am so glad that he is here, the more the merrier. 

Happy 1st birthday!

Today Gabi turned 1 year old.  I cannot believe how time flies when you are having fun.  She definaly has grown up a lot in this last year, getting her teeth, walking at 10 months, and starting to talk.

Halloween in Salem

Every year we go down to Salem, Ut where my parents live and go trick or treating.  We have been doing that since we have been married and have carried that tradition on 11 years.  The kids love it and get excited when Halloween comes rolling around.  This year we went down to Salem and did trick or treat with my sister and her family.  It was so much fun and they all looked great.

Liesl



Hans



Cris, Tommy, Marcus,Toby, Hans, Liesl and Gabi



Marcus



Cris, Yessenia, Tommy, Marcus, Toby, Han and Liesl



Daddy and Gabi



Halloween preparations

This year we had fun preparing for Halloween.  We got to carve pumkins that our family planted our selves which made it even better.  We decorated our home with spider cob webs and we made some great cookies.  The kids really had fun doing all this and us as parents had fun spending the time with our kids. 

Welcome Baby Jack Morley

Today my niece Mackenzie delivered her first baby Jack Joseph Morley.  We are so happy that he is part of our family.

In Memory of Nana



Nana and Grandpa at our wedding Dec 2000

Top: At our wedding, Bottom: When they visited us in Panama City for Christmas

Today we heard some sad news that Nana, my grandmother passed away.  I am so grateful that I have the knowledge that I will be able to see her again.  I know that she is in a better place and happy.  Our family didn't see her very often, but when we did it was such a great experience.  I loved visiting her in Ensenada, California with my sister and talking with her and spending time at the beach.  I will miss her.

First Day of Kindergarten

Today was Hans first day of Kindergarten.  He was so excited to go in, he couldn't wait.  I was a different story, I should have taken a lot of kleenex, but I was so excited for him.  They lined up in front of the door and the teacher came out to get him and they went inside.  What a feeling of happiness, but also sadness.  This was the beginning of not being with all my children 24/7.  At that moment, I just hoped that Paul and I had taught him everything he needed to know while being away from us.  The first day was a sucess and he loved it.  I look forward to a year of fun things for Hans and see the things he will learn. 

Birthday Wishes

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