The Chase Gang

Monday, December 22, 2008

Toy Soldiers

The entire 5th grade at Desert Harbor made these adorable soldiers out of clay pots, paint, beads, and lots and lots of love. And because we are blessed enought to have two 5th graders, we got two soldiers!! Courtney & Connor couldn't wait until Christmas for us to open them, so we opened them on Saturday night. Aren't they cute?

Snowboarding anyone??

Hugh & Connor have waited all year for this.....the Opening of Snowbowl!! The two of them, plus Karl & a friend of his, drove up to Flagstaff early this morning and spent the entire day snowboarding. They had a great time. The conditions were great, plus it snowed all day! The drive home took forever because of the weather, but they made it home safe and sound. One of these days the girls and I will join them.

Yippee! We're going snowboarding!

What a stud...

On the lift

Awwww....isn't that sweet?

Nice driving conditions, huh?

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Traditions

I love this time of year because it is rich with tradition. I have been thinking a lot about our family traditions lately, so I thought I'd share a few of them with you......

Our Easter Egg Cracking Competition
Potato Soup for Halloween - this was started by Hugh's late grandmother over 60 years ago
The Polar Express trip
Our Christmas Eve Eve gathering - this is for Hugh's entire family and last year there were over 100 people there.....it's an amazing night
Pajamas on Christmas Eve
Watching The Nativity Story on Christmas Eve
Christmas morning breakfast burritos with my parents and brother
Going to the movies on Christmas day
Christmas dinner/party with Hugh's parents and siblings.....this is a tradition that Hugh's mom has with her sisters and their husbands that we are now carrying on with our generation. This is the first year we will be doing this (it's at our house next weekend) but it is the first of many
The Christmas Jar - if you have not read this book, you must.....again, this is our first year implementing this tradition, and we couldn't be happier about it

I realize that most of these traditions revolve around Christmas, and that's ok. I'm excited that our kids recognize these traditions and are excited for each and every one of them. What are some of your traditions??

Polar Express 2008

We just got back from our 2nd annual pilgrimage to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express. There were 32 of us there! We took up 9 rooms in our "wing" of the hotel. We all met at Mom & Bob's room for treats (she had her room all Christmased up...it looked great) and pajamas for all of the grandkids. We then caravaned to Williams to board the train. The train ride is so fun.....the story of the Polar Express is read to the all aboard, and then a surprise visit from Santa himself!!! He walks through each car on the train to give all the kids a bell. It's so fun to see the expressions on the kids' faces. This was followed up by a fabulous rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas, and some other fun Christmas songs. When the ride was over, we headed back to the hotel for late night pizza and more visiting. On Friday, we all went to the Deer Farm to feed and pet the deer and other furry little creatures. We then headed home, but took the scenic drive through Oak Creek & Sedona, which is always gorgeous. The ONLY downside to our trip this year was that there was NO SNOW. Last year, it was a BLIZZARD up there, and made our first trip magical. Oh well. It was still an amazing time. The kids were all on their best behavior, and it was so fun to watch my kids take care of their baby cousins. I can't wait for next year!! Thanks Grandma Pam & Grandpa Bob!!

Grandpa Bob handing our presents

waiting patiently.....

Courtney helping Karlie with her new

pjs...

Courtney & her new pj's

Courtney, Cooper, Caitlin Karlie, & Malachi

Waiting for the train!!

The always beautiful Grandma Pam....does she look

like she should have a grandchild who is almost 20???

Courtney & Karlie

Cooper, Karlie & Robby

Da Boys....Chase, Connor, Malachi and the birthday

boy Jordan

Mom, Robby, Bob & Caitlin

Kim & Wayde

Charlie, Chantae, Courtney, Karl & Taylor

Ashley & Elby

Lynette, Kolby & Cooper

Mo, Demetrius & Kammy

Mom, Bob & Robby

Kailey & Kacey

Amy & Kort

Hugh & I

Charlie

Courtney sat with Charlie for almost the whole

train ride....

Kort, Amy, Kailey & Kacey

When we went back to our car, we came upon this.......

thought it was too funny so I had to snap a pic

The girls at the Deer Farm....and no, that's not a deer.....

Kolby & his new friend

Bros....

This deer was so patient...

This deer wasn't too sure about Connor....

Cooper

Caitlin

Kammy, Kailey, me & Courtney

Kailey & Courtney

Monday, December 8, 2008

A Wonderful Teacher

Connor's teacher, Miss Saide, came to the recital. It cracks me up because teachers are like celebrities to kids, so it was a huge treat to have her there. Both Connor & Courtney were so excited that she came. And I already knew how much she loves Connor, and the rest of her students, but the fact that she took time out of her Saturday night to be there was extra special. She even brought them flowers!!! But, Miss Saide, at the end of the night, Connor gave his to Madi. I hope you don't mind. Ah, young love.....**sigh**

Christmas Piano Recital!!

Saturday night was Courtney & Connor's Christmas piano recital and they did a GREAT job! I'm so proud of them! I think the part I'm most proud of is that they LOVE piano! They never complain about going to their lessons, and these past few months I have not had to ask them to practice their recital songs....they just do it! I love that. As a matter of fact, they often leave piano lessons saying "That was so much fun!!" Makes my heart smile. :) Thanks Mrs. Genny! You've done an amazing job!
P.S. I've been trying for HOURS to upload the video from the recital, but no luck. It's not working!!! So, you'll have to take my word for it that they did a great job.