Christmas 2010 & HAPPY 2011

We had a wonderful Christmas in Gresham, Oregon this year, hosted by Josh & Kelly. Terry and I flew over and Dusty & Kara had previously gone to Seattle for the break so they drove down for a couple days.

Skyler, Conner, Chloe and I baked sugar cookies one afternoon and the kids decorated them with lots of frosting and sprinkles.

We all gathered for breakfast on Christmas Eve morning at a local restaurant.

There was lots of playing - football outdoors and wrestling inside. With Ezra using Uncle Josh as a swing!

We all attended Christmas Eve Service as a family (Josh had his usual church responsibilities and Kelly worked in the church nursery).

We had fondu for dinner after church which consisted of cheese, bread, veggies and of course, chocolate with fruit and cake for dessert.

Terry and I have the reputation for "sleeping in" by the grandkids so each of them was responsible for waking us up each morning. Chloe was so sure that Gram was going to miss Christmas presents because of not getting up on time - so she took the Christmas morning watch to make sure that there was no delay on our part!

It was a very "electronics" Christmas for our gang this year which meant lots of explaining on how to use our new toys!

It was a great weekend and so much fun having our family together!!

Parents' Visit

Mom and Dad Sutherland came to visit for 4 days in July and along with them, Sheri's niece (Doug's youngest) Carlie came along. We visited the World Center for Birds of Prey outside of Boise, went to the movies, Sheri & Carlie went on a 10 mile bike ride along the Boise River and Carlie, Mom and Sheri played Scrabble every day and night - and "discussing" over what is a "Scrabble acceptable" word or not! Dad and Terry visited and watched ball games while the Scrabble games were going on.

Conner & Chloe's Visit

Conner & Chloe came to visit for a week. We had so much fun taking bicycle rides, going to the movies,

doing a little hiking in the hills - Conner was the leader through the tall grass.

Playing with cousin Ezra and going over to play with cousins Jamie and Emily

We went to the "Y" almost every day to swim and play on the slide

Fished a little - Conner is showing Chloe how to get the worm and put it on the hook!

Unfortunately, the fish weren't biting much. I think it was too hot!


They also went to the mall to get autographs from former Boise State Football players Richie Brockel and Kyle Wilson . Chloe stood in line to get Skyler's football signed for him (what a sister!)

Skyler's Week

We had an amazing week with Skyler. The first 3 days of his visit was spent at the Boise State University Youth Football Camp where he was coached by the BSU Coaching Staff and learned offensive, defense and special teams drills. He got to put those skills to work playing games each day against teams in his age division which we got to watch.

He also met former BSU player, Ian Johnson, who is now with the Minnesota Vikings.

He hiked to Table Rock with Terry, rode his bicycle along the Boise River with Terry and had a picnic. He also went fishing with Terry and Uncle Dusty. Skyler says that the only one who caught a fish was the hawk that was hovering over the water!

He toured the Old Idaho State Penitentiary, the Arms of War and Transportation Exhibit with Sheri and went to a couple of movies (he has a special craving for caramel corn).

and played with cousin Ezra, teaching him the ins and outs of Legos.

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a fun Memorial Day weekend. Ezra took his first bicycle ride - Dusty, Kara, Ezra, Terry and Sheri rode the greenbelt along the Boise River and had lunch at the Ram on Saturday.

On Sunday evening we received some surprise visitors - Kelly & Josh's family came in to spend Monday with us. The boys brought their scooters and Chloe brought her rollerblades. They had races around the street, which also included Dusty, Kara & Josh.

Aunt Kelly couldn't keep her hands off Ezra and he thoroughly enjoyed being loved by her and Uncle Josh.

We ate at Five Guys & Fries (a family favorite) and

enjoyed playing and relaxing in the backyard.

It is so much fun when all the kids are home!