Christmas Traditions

What would the holidays be without traditions? Traditions that have been passed down from one generation to the next, and then some that us "younger" generations have incorporated. I have been so very blessed to have grown up in a family that these special traditions have created memory after memory that have shaped and influenced my life in so many ways. I feel so blessed to have had these memories as a child, and now feel the additional blessings of marrying into a family that shares the same strong bonds and love for these special times. Marc and I are so lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives that we so affectionately call "OUR FAMILY". As our kids get older I hope they are able to develope the same appreciation and are able to feel the magic of the holiday season that being with family and friends can create.

Tubing with horses...been doing it for as long as I can remember. Although I have now learned, ALWAYS get on the tube with a small child...you are much safer that way!!!!!

All the grand kids got visa gift cards from my dad for Christmas. You would have thought they got a million dollars, they were so funny! Wouldn't it be great if credit cards really did come with no consequences and you really could just write a check if you wanted something. Ahhh, the innocence of a child.




Cute little miss Charley and I at the Bowthorpe's family party. Marc's sister Rachel gave all the kids marshmallow shooting guns which provided ALL the entertainment they needed for the night, as well as many more to come.

Abbi and Karson before they got to open their one present on Christmas Eve... Jammie's.




Our horse ride on Christmas Eve day, our group was a little smaller this year.

This year we added one Arizonan and lost one! We were all so happy to have Marc's sister Rachel and her family here from Arizona, and a little sad not to have my sis Tanya and her family, who recently moved to Phenoix. We missed you Walden's and are greatful for the traditions and memories you have helped us create in all the years past!

Pictures...worth a thousand words

A Happy Halloween it was!

I may be somewhat of a Scrooge when it comes to Halloween, but my family loves the event! Especially my husband, Pedro. I must admit, even the Scrooge had a blast participating in all the fun Halloween festivities this year. Thanks to Robyn and Holly for the super fun Halloween Party, complete with a haunted hay ride, a spooky story room, lots of fun crafts, spooky food, and game after game for the kids to play. They put so much work into the days activities, and it showed by the smiles on the faces of everyone who attended.

Beware you may be overloaded with pictures.

Is the mustache real you ask? Yes, yes unfortunately it is!

Our little family, Pedro, the farmer, the witch, and dog the bounty hunter

Karson receiving his award for best costume, he was SO proud!!




A very special thanks to President Barack Obama for taking time out of his busy schedule saving the world, to take us on our haunted hay ride!

Larry The Cable Guy, was also there!!

Dora!! Complete with her backpack, map, boots and the bundle of joy on front!

My favorite costume yet...Grandma B as Facebook

S*I*X

A quick post...but about a very important day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

The birthday princess

What would a birthday party be without our family and friends?

LOOK AT THIS CAKE!!!

Abbi's Grandma, the one, and only famous cake decorator!! I could not get over how cute this cake turned out. Abbi LOVED it! Abbi is so lucky to have to best Grandma EVER!

Abbi had her party at the gym where she does tumbling. The kids loved it.
I wish I had video of her giggling when she was on this swing!! Soooo funny! She loved it, kept wanting to go higher and higher!

THE PITT!!

All of the kids loved jumping in and being swallowed up in the foam!

It turned out that we celebrated for the whole week... one day just wasn't enough! A birthday party with family on Wednesday, treats and fun at school on Friday, BIG party on Saturday, and then cake and more fun with cousins on Sunday! WOW! Abbi is so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends that love her so much and make times like these so very, very special! On Sunday she fell asleep at 6:30pm when we got home from all the fun. I kept waiting for her to come out of her room when she woke up, but... next thing I knew it was 7:45am! She was one tired girl!!

The difference a year makes...

KINDERGARTEN!!!

Our BIG little girl has completed her first week as a kindergartner.

Her first day...

I wanted to take her to school for her first day, but I was promptly told, "Mom, I am in kindergarten now, I don't need to you to take me to school!"

So, with an I LOVE YOU for Mom...

and a kiss for Dad...

She headed down the driveway to catch her bus!


Just one year ago on her first day of Preschool.

A lot of things have changed in what seems like such a short time. We are so grateful for the opportunity to witness first hand these wonderful memories. Abbi is the joy of our home, and with each milestone that we come to, I realize how fast she is growing up. I think Abbi said it best the other day when I asked her why she was getting so big, "Mom I just have too! I just have to keep growing and growing and growing."
Ahhh, the difference a year makes!

The 24th of July in Wallsburg

How could such a little town produce so much fun??? O, yes I know having great family and friends there to make it a super fun day.

This post is for you Rachel...

Dan and Zander waiting for the parade to start

Abbi and Karson at the kids rodeo

Abbi's gift from Hawaii

My outfit for the parade...thanks Robyn

Quincy, with her "layer" on, as she called it.

Marc and Redgie, the Foreman of the team. Robyn and Redgie invited us to ride in the wagon pulled by a team of horses through the parade. I can't believe I didn't get even one picture of the whole set up. It is amazing! Those horses are HUGE. Thanks to Robyn and Redgie for making the big sacrifice of going all the way to Hawaii to get the decor for the parade!!!

Robyn and Quealy

Here is the video of Karson riding the steer. How funny he is!

....and the battle wounds to prove it!

Inviting you to go private with us...

The time has come for us to go private. We would love to continue to share "Our Journey" with you, all of our friends and family. Please email me at channyt101@hotmail.com, or leave a comment if you would like to continue to keep up with the Bowthorpes. Sorry for the extra typing it will cause you :(