New Years Eve!

New Years Eve!  We had a great time at the Abercrombie's Party. 

Zev was terrified of all the fireworks.  It was the most he has cuddled with me the whole year.

Haha, see what I mean about never a normal picture :)

What an awesome year 2013 it was.  Full of ups and downs.   Kind of weird how the downs usually turn into some of the best learning experiences.  One up that should be noted was a quick trip to Vegas Jason and I made.  It was in December for his company work party.  It was the first time I have been without any of my kids.  I may have a leaving my kid problem.  Thank you Mom and Dad for keeping them.  It was nice knowing that they were in good hands.  Whitney thanks for keeping Gunner for his first sleep over.  He loved it.  When we got back he told me Mom, sorry I have to call you mean mom over and over and over again but Whitney was just so nice.  LOL!  Here is to an even better 2014. 

 

 

This was our Christmas Card.  I loved it, it was so them.  I told them they could wear and do whatever they wanted this year for our Christmas picture. 

Side one

and side two

This one was just to funny.  Gunner thought he need the cape so here he is mid grab..

 

and here he is mid fall.



Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas!!  We had to start with our tradition of reading the Christmas Story followed by the run through on the stairs. 

Every kid was spoiled and very happy!

Santa did a scavenger hunt this year to help them find their most wanted gift.  Here they are finding one of the clues.

The fun ended in the garage.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the morning.  Landon just realized he got his ipod :)

Christmas was Awesome.  I am thankful for everything I have been blessed with. 

 For the knowledge I have that Christ was born and all he did for us. 

Christmas Eve, all out of order.  Some of the Merkley kids in their new jammies.  As always, Zev is happy. 

 

 Jason thought he would take a selfie.  lol

Santa came!!  Not going to lie there were times this year that I wondered?!  Good thing they were able to make up for those bad moments.

Since Jason was actually off on Christmas Eve (I can't remember the last time that has happened) we decided to go to the zoo.  Jason had us start with the Arizona animals.  I always skip that part but Mr. Hunter has to go glass the mountain.  After that I decided to pay to ride the train around the zoo.  Totally worth it. 

It was a great to spend the day together doing something besides cleaning the house or doing yard work :) 

We love our Elf, Stanley.  He is always getting into some kind of trouble.  You really can't see it very good but he did some face decorating on these boys.  Some of our favorite things he did this year was covering them with stickers, drawing silly things on our wall pictures, and filling their beds with cotton balls.  He also brought a Christmas scripture chase which was a big hit. 

 

Zev was being a stink so I was only able to get one picture of the school performance.  They both did a great job.  Sorry Landon for your lack of a picture, next year I promise to get two of you.

 

 

We also did our annual DeSpain family Christmas party.  As always it included, teasing, gingerbread house and Christmas tree making, loudness, some ugly shirts, and delicious food.  Instead of acting out the nativity we used the little tykes nativity, gave each kid a person and then talked about them.  It was a hit and I vote to keep doing it :)  

 

A few pictures from the night.  The only thing that would have made the night better was for Brandon and our favorite Texas Cobb Crew to be there!  We missed you guys. 

One great way for us to get in the Christmas Spirit is a visit to see these beautiful lights.  We went on a week night right at dusk and it was perfect. 

 

 I love these four crazy boy's so much. 

I have also come to realize that I will never have a "normal" picture.