Happy Birthday Romeo!

Last year...look how I've grown...

I can't believe my little boy is 2!!!! It has gone by so fast. Notice where the sticker is...classic Romeo!

Since Romeo is so into trucks, I decided to try my hand at making a cake shaped like a truck. Derrick helped me too or I probably would've given up.
Opening presents...

...more presents...

After he blew out the candles...one at a time.

I looked at Romeo's baby book yesterday and I can't believe how much he has changed and grown in the past year. It doesn't seem like he should be so big and so smart. He talks so well and picks up on everything. I am so grateful for you buddy!! Mommy loves you!

Snowmobiling to Box Y Ranch

Derrick and his brothers wanted to take a ride to Box Y Ranch and have lunch on New Year's Day...so I got the ok from Dr. B. and I got to go along for the ride. Since I'm pregnant, I had to borrow some snow pants and a coat from Layne so there was room for my belly, but Derrick had me geared up with some new snow boots to keep my feet warm. I haven't been on a snow mobile since I was in Jr. High, so I was a little nervous, but it was actually a lot of fun. And I stayed pretty warm too.

Derrick and Brandon getting dressed at the unloading lot. (The ranch was about a 1/2 hour ride from here.)

Blake, Derrick and Brandon

Derrick and I before the ride.
Getting ready to go. At this point I was still a little nervous...but for nothing.

This is on the way back after lunch. The ranch was cozy and warm and we had yummy cheeseburgers and fries and chocolate chip cookies. Once we warmed up and used the potty, we were on our way. I had ridden on the back on the way there but decided to ride up front on the way back to the trucks. That was a lot more fun because Derrick could stand behind me and get a little bit 'western' as he calls it. We went faster and the corners were a lot more fun. I liked being able to see what was coming.

Derrick and I

Derrick, Me, Becky, Blake and Brandon

Showing off our muscles...

I had a lot of fun going snow mobiling...it was definitely a new adventure for me. I am pretty sure I want to do it again next winter. Thanks Honey!! and Layne for letting us use his machine :).

Big Piney

We went up to Big Piney to see Derrick's family for New Year's. The kids hadn't been up there with us since this summer, so they really had a lot of fun and got a little spoiled by Papa Layne and Grandma Rosie...Isn't that what grandparents are for? Papa Layne went out to split wood and the kids wanted to bundle up and go out there with him, so Derrick got them ready and he and Brandon took them outside.

Zadie was quite a pro at helping Papa split wood. He taught her how to run the lever and she did a really good job. Here is Romeo, supervising...

Romeo wanted to try his hand at splitting wood, so Zadie let him help her. His face was scrunched up like it took a lot of effort.
Look at his face...such concentration!

After Papa Layne split wood at his house, he went over to
Blake's to split some for them. Of course Romeo wanted to go help...he loves Papa Layne. I think he would have stayed outside all day.

After they were done splitting wood, they wanted to ride in the sled. So, Derrick was a good sport and pulled them around the yard. They have a slope on the side of the house so they got a fun ride there, Derrick just helped them so they wouldn't hit the fence.

While they were sledding, Papa Layne got out the snow mobile for a ride down the road. After spinning a couple cookies (that's where Derrick gets it!) he came and took Romeo for a ride. Now he loves snowmobiles too!

Romeo and Papa Layne

Derrick's parents had a blow up bull so the kids took turns riding it while Derrick bucked them around. Romeo also like to wrestle it. He is really into wrestling whoever or whatever he can.

Romeo wrestling the bull...

Zadie's turn on the bull...

We had a really good time with Derrick's family. I am really blessed to have such good in-laws. His brothers and Becky are great too. I am so grateful that they are so good to my kids and love them so much. Blake and Becky spent hours playing cards with Zadie and that meant a lot to her. We love you guys!

Sledding

The day after Christmas we went to the hills in Jensen to do a little sledding and 4 wheeling. Zadie didn't really like going down the hills because the snow got in her face, but Romeo liked it. But what they like the most is for Derrick to pull them around on the sled. That was a lot more fun-for them, but he is a good daddy and a good sport so he pulled them around a bit.

Romeo all bundled up...he never seemed to get cold. He loves to be outside as long as he has his snow clothes on. We had all gone to Dad's trailer where there was a heater set up so we could get warm and have some hot chocolate. I just love this picture of Zadie. She is so cute and precious to me.

Here's Derrick...pulling Zadie around on the sled.

You can tell by her smile that this is her kind of ride.

Aunt Kenny taking the kids for a ride...

Brode-man...I couldn't really get a smile out of him after he woke up from his nap, but at least he's looking at me.

While I was in the trailer getting warm, Zadie decided to pull Romeo around in the sled. She is such a good big sister. When she went over the ruts it was a little harder, but she would grunt and groan and pull him through. Romeo thought it was a great ride!

Derrick getting the prowler on the trailer. Of course he had to play a little before he could put it away...

Such a kid!

Merry Christmas!

Derrick and I were so excited for Christmas this year. It's a lot of fun having kids and watching them get excited for what's to come. This is Christmas Eve after our party...the kids got to open one present. I bet you'll never guess what it is!

It's been a long month for Romeo to get permission to tear into the packages!

Miss Zadie May
Ready...Set...Open!

Romeo was so happy his jammies had cars on them...

Christmas Morning, in front of the tree.

Derrick and I couldn't wait for the kids to wake up, so we finally woke them up at 7:30. I wanted to see what Santa had brought! Zadie popped right up, but it took some coaxing to get Romeo out of bed. He didn't want to get up. Zadie finally got him up by repeatedly telling him he could open up his presents. Then he got up with a smile :)

Romeo in front of the tree...

Zadie... always posing!

Romeo got a radio flyer big wheel and a race track from Santa. He has been obsessed with motorcycles and cars lately. I guess that's normal for a little boy, I'm just used to girl stuff. It is so much fun to watch him get excited to ride or watch or play motorcycles. He even has the sound down and has for quite some time. He loves his 'mo-cycle.'

Zadie got a kitchen set from Santa and she has kept us stuffed full of her creations. When I get home from work she tells me she has been making dinner for me and that is took all day. She is so thoughtful already. Her and Romeo will spend lots of time together making their creations. It's fun to see what they imagine and what they have copied from seeing me cook. Usually all the dishes and all the food is scattered everywhere!

Whenever Romeo (or anyone else) gets clothing, Romeo loves to take the stickers off and he always put them over his mouth. He does this with tape too. It's so cute we had to take a picture.

Romeo riding his mo-cycle.

Jake and De'dy came from St. George for the holidays and Zadie was so excited to play with Marli. Christmas Day we went to DeeJay and Kandie's for dinner, and it didn't take long for them to start dancing. This is a picture of them being partners. They were so cute and cracked us up!
The Chivers Clan.

We have grown by 3 since last Christmas (Layla, Derrick & Jeff-yes they are engaged. He decided he wants to be part of our crazy family!) and will have at least 2 more by next Christmas. It's hard to get us all looking at the same camera and all the kids smiling at the same time, but this is a pretty good result.

Back Row: Derrick, Lance, Layla, Jessie, Catlin, Jeff, Yaeger, Jayk

Front Row: Sami, Romeo, Zadie, Mom, Dad, Brody, Christy, Shelbe

and Kennedy

I feel so blessed this Christmas season to have such a wonderful family. My husband is a gift from Heavenly Father and I am so grateful for him. My kids make me smile (and grimace :)) every day and I can't picture life without them. I love being a mom, even when it's hard. Merry Christmas everyone!