Here is my winter installment of the blog update to get me all caught up…at least until spring! We took less pictures because we did less and because Mike’s camera was dead. Even though winter has had lots less snow this year, I spent all my time studying for two major tests for becoming a teacher and taking my masters courses. We are looking forward to the longer days and more time to get outside!
Decorating the Tree
We always decorate the tree right after Thanksgiving. Since we had been planning to go to WA and because I had a break in my class, I decorated with everything else the week before Thanksgiving.
The Christmas Stroll
Last year it was –18 degrees when Mike, Anika and I went to the Christmas Stroll in downtown Bozeman. This year there wasn’t even any snow and it rained. We got Indian Fry Bread though, so it was worth it.
Surprise Visit
Gramma and Grampa Wright surprised the girls with a quick, one night visit before Christmas! Mike and I were in on the surprise, so we sneaked Gma and Gpa into the house and then they video called the girls through Hangouts while sitting in our office. The girls were sitting in the living room chatting with them thinking they were in Washington, so they were quite freaked out when Gma and Gpa walked down the hallway!
The girls got to show off their mad skillz.
It even snowed on them while they were here, but luckily the roads cleared out quick on their way back home.
Gingerbread House
We made our gingerbread house completely from scratch this year! It turned out great!
Christmas Fun
I tried to keep life a lot simpler for me this Christmas. Since I was taking a class, I had less of me left over to do all the fun stuff we usually do. We did have our Sunday School class over one day for a Christmas party and still had a couple Christmas tea parties at least.
Christmas Eve
We went on our traditional Christmas Eve sledding trip, but went up to Hyalite this year. Kelby and I went cross-country skiing while the others went sledding.
Traditional lunch with hot cocoa in the car on our way home…
That evening we went to the candlelight service. Then we opened presents from Gramma and Grampa Wright which were the traditional pajamas. I don’t seem to have any pictures!! I know we took some, but they are missing. 
Christmas Day
On Christmas morning we got up and did the present thing. There were stockings and gifts abounding and everyone was happy.
Then there was the traditional Christmas breakfast that everyone loves! Notice the snow out the window.
Then we were off to the theater to watch The Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies in 3D! We loved it. (Nice pic of me!)
And then there was the fancy dinner of prime rib and twice baked potatoes! What a Christmas!
We had a day to relax the day after Christmas and really enjoyed that too!
Mike and the girls began their Mine Craft world!
Anika’s Birthday
We found a couple friends that were available to come over for Anika’s birthday and she had a nice time with them.
Making individual pizzas…
Cookie cake…
Now she is 11 years old!
Good friends…
New Year’s Eve
Only Tegan and I had a party for New Years eve. We went to the all-nighter at church. I was the token female chaperone, so I had to go, but it was still lots of fun! I am volunteering with the youth group every Sunday evening these days. The girls don’t seem to mind having me around. So far…
January
I was madly studying for two major tests during the month of January. I guess that means that we didn’t do too much that was picture worthy. I know the girls and Mike played a lot of Mine Craft that month. I passed the Chemistry test toward the end of January, then studied hard for the Math test I had to take in early February.
Mike and I did get away one afternoon to hike/ski up to Grotto Falls near Hyalite Reservoir. I love cross country skiing! I wish I had gotten to do it more this winter.
The falls were frozen! Cool!
Kelby needed her picture to do some kind of computer project, so there were a few cute glamour shots on my camera!
And that is pretty much it for January!
February
At least in February I got pictures of the girls in their Christmas presents from Gigi.
Quick Trip to Washington for a Wedding
We got to make a quick trip out to Washington over the Valentines weekend for a friend’s wedding. We always end up hanging out in the kitchen! We rolled in on a Friday night to a turkey dinner and a visit from my nieces…one of which was driving all by herself and way taller than I remember her!
We didn’t get much time to enjoy seeing our old home, but it was still a very nice visit.
Here is the wedding.
On Sunday the family came over and we just had a great time catching up with everyone.
and taking cousin selfies!
Mike’s Birthday
I am sad to say that Mike didn’t get a very special day for his 40th birthday. He had a class that night and Kelby had a concert. Luckily the ladies at Mike’s work decorated and made him feel especially over the hill. The next day he got a tasty steak dinner at least.
Here I am taking my token birthday picture of Michael.
Basketball
After winter break Tegan started playing basketball. The team was terrific and won every game before the tournament. However, the champion game was a heart stopper! Tegan made two baskets and it ended by just one point difference.
Looks like that wraps up winter if you count “Spring Break” as spring. I would post those pics, but Mike didn’t download his photos yet.
That’s our story…
