Saturday, February 28, 2015

Celebrating his 18 Month Mark!

Our missionary boy has been out 18 months today!! Woohoo!! Of course we had to celebrate with dinner again at JCW's. This is our at home party tradition. And when he gets back we'll be here again for a post mission picture with him in it!
From August 28, 2013 and everyday since then we have thought of him, prayed for him and just plain missed him. Elder Butters for another six months and then he's our Jake again...can't wait!

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Girls Christmas Gifts Arrive - Finally

They came without ribbons, they came without tags...but came in pretty boxes, and put right into dance bags.
These booties were ordered clear back in the middle of November but, were back ordered because the supplier couldn't supply fast enough. My girls have been waiting, asking, wondering and thought they would get their gifts by the first week of Jan at the latest...weeks turned into months, until finally at the beginning of February, Madi got hers. Then last week, just in time for Valentine's Day, Sara finally got hers. 
 
Apparently, these are the best ballet booties out there. They are thrilled and happy to be wearing them everyday to dance (except Sundays). Thank you Grandma & Grandpa Butters for the fun box on Christmas with a picture of a future present - now it's REAL and the gifts are being thoroughly enjoyed!

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Naaachoooooo Night!

It is time to summon your eagle powers! This year Derek searched four mexican markets to find the perfect Luchador. He found this one including a cool cape looking like a Bat Man Luchador. It was the best!
Our nacho fixings this year exceeded all expectation. We had grilled chicken and cafe rio pork to top off the chips, guac, beans, lots of cheese and homemade salsa. Yumm!
Good times with lots of kids building nachos to their liking.
As always, the hilarious part of the night is gathering in the front room to break the pinata. This event is highly anticipated especially by all the kids. The adults crack up each time a new participant takes their turn. It's so entertaining!  
The youngest person starts first. Chase got at least five good hits on the luchador.
The teenage girls took over the big couch while they waited for their turn.
Jackson causes the cape to fall!
Sara reaches high up and swings with all her might...
It's so fun to see how much Derek enjoys pulling the pinata up and down.  He's had lots of practice over the years! 
Madi's UP!
 She knows what direction to look and swing hard...now there's a foot missing...

Hurry...let's get a group picture while the pinata still looks somewhat intact.
Anticipating the candy drops... 
DB is an expert at filling the pinata. He actually puts candy down each body part and tapes it off. So when it breaks, everything doesn't fall out at once.
An appropriate t-shirt worn by Steve.
Cute Chase!
He asks about this party all through the holidays and always requests the remnants of the pinata pieces to take home. We hear he has a stash in his closet from the years before.
Good memories made for another Nacho New Years! Thanks Gardaniers, Jensens and Cannons. What a great tradition this has become. 

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

It's a hamburger...no... it's a cupcake!

Madi enjoyed an activity at Young Women's tonight called "What's up Cupcake?" She decorated 5 different cupcakes, but these two were her favorite. I think the hamburger is so creative and I love the cookie monster. So FUN!

Sunday, February 1, 2015

The Makings of a Great "Souper Bowl" Party!!!

#1 - Derek's spicy male chauvinist chili. 
#2 - Adding in Dave's Insanity Gourmet Sauce for an extra kick!
#3 - Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Footballs crafted by Kayli.
#4 - More yummy food brought by Taryn, Heather and Grandma Judith (salad, chocolate chip cookies, tortellini soup, veggie platter, parmesan bread sticks, brownies, etc.)
#5 - Serious and not-so-serious game watchers!
#6 - Family here, there and everywhere!
#7 - Electronic games in between football plays.
#8 - Everett and Sherman charming us all with their dance moves during the half-time show.
 #9 - The younger kids wrestling with Jarrett and Riley.
#10 - Grandpa's tasty homemade root beer enjoyed here and some to go!
Great Times! Thanks everyone for coming!!