The Dynamite Dawes': February 2014

christmas tree

This year we actually cut our own tree. We had some friends invite us to go with them to get a tree. The kids had a lot of fun playing in the snow while we looked for the "perfect" tree. Our tree was cool. It had one trunk, but branched out with two trees. I had forgotten how "sticky" the live trees can be. We strung popcorn to decorate the tree, our first for that. We had quite the mess in the living room, but the girls had fun doing it. We also made 3D snow flakes. We hung them in the windows and from the blades on the ceiling fan.

December 2013 Activities

December was full of different activities, from school programs to crafts to family get-togethers. Kaylynn and Alyssa participated in the variety show after school program, they sang and danced. Their program was on Monday night, so that was our Family Home Evening.

Joslynn celebrated birthday #4!! Woot Woot!!! She is our girly, girl. She loves everything from dress up, make up, bracelets, jewelry and high heels. She is always getting Ashley's heels and clomping around the house in them. I found a array of necklaces and bracelets at DI and she was thrilled with them. She also the little pet shops, which she received for her birthday and Christmas.

Tyler playing pet shops with his little sisters! I told him this picture is priceless. I didn't tell him it would be on the blog!! A rare moment of him spending time with his sisters. I love it!!

Aunt Natalie gave the girls Gingerbread house kits. Tyler wasn't real excited about them, so we did them when he was out with his friends. The kit made four houses, said it came with candy, but definitely not enough! The glue frosting was wonderful and it really held the houses together. It was a fun night.

The completed projects.

Ashley and her friend, Becky, at their violin recital.

Jazz Bear and Alyssa

The Utah Jazz Bear came to Summit Elementary for an assembly. Alyssa was invited to participate because of the high number of AR points she had. The assemble encouraged the children to say no to drugs, alcohol and tobacco. They also talked about eating healthy and how it makes you stronger. Other children came up and put on T-shirts that said healthy foods and junk foods. Alyssa had to choose healthy foods and then she was pulled across the stage on a sled by those kids. The Jazz Bear pulled the kids with junk food across and he didn't make it. It was fun to watch and Alyssa was thrilled that she was able to participate.

Christmas 2013

I love Christmas time! I was so excited to have the children home and had lots of activities planned and had it all in my mind how the day was going to go. Christmas Eve was here and the children were excited, but naughty!! The day did not go as planned and as evening wore on, it only got worse. By 8 pm I was crying, two of the girls were crying, Allen was mad and yelling and I was wishing the day would start all over. Ashley and Kaylynn were sent to their rooms, the younger two went to bed, and Tyler sat silent, wondering what had just happened. BAD NIGHT!! So, Christmas morning came. There were presents under the tree, happiness abound.... until the note was discovered. Instead of presents, Ashley and Kaylynn were left a note from Santa stating he gave their presents to Mom and Dad and when their behavior improved, they would get them. One girl sat stunned on the couch, the other was mad with tears. Christmas Day was WONDERFUL!!! They were extremely helpful and got along so well. Life was good and we had a great day playing together. The morning of the 26th, presents were under the tree for the girls. Allen wanted to wait longer, but I felt guilty and wanted them to have them. I think they learned a lesson and will remember it for years to come.

The start of our snow caterpillar! We just started shoveling snow and cleared much of the lawn into a mound. Tyler strung lights around it enjoyed the lights on it at night.

Joslynn did ALOT of this

We filled the sprayer up with colored water to make the caterpillar different colors.

The end result!!

Second Day of Christmas. All the children were excited to get their stockings since Santa kept them from everyone.

This dress leaves glitter everywhere!! The first Sunday she wore it to church the pew was covered with glitter. When Kaylynn wears it, nobody wants to sit by her! She sure looks pretty in it though.

Family Pics

We had our family pictures taken in November at Utah State University. We were at the steps of Old Main. Our very nice friend took them and she always does a great job. The wind started picking up at the end, which can be seen in the girls hair. Joslynn cooperated this year, which was wonderful. Tyler had his first date this same evening, so he was anxious to get back home.