Christmas Eve Jammies!

Every year we allow the kids to open one gift on Christmas Eve! and every year it is magically a new pair of pajamas... Yeah!

Building of an Igloo...

How do you build an Igloo?... you roll snow into giant snowballs and then stack them up so high you can crawl underneath it and then fill in the cracks.

Bridger wants to wish you a Merry Christmas!

Dad and Bridger were messing around with the video camera and wanted to wish you all a merry Christmas! We sure love you little Bridger! (mute the music on the player at the bottom of the page to hear the video better)

Santa's Helpers make a Gingerbread Train

Brooklyn, Keaton, Bridger, Mason and Dad... (but mostly Brooklyn because she has more patience than the boys)... made a Gingerbread Train. It was from a kit that our friend gave to us for Christmas.

The Christmas Spirit! (I think Keaton found it)

Hey this is Brandon, Jill usually does the blogging or at least directs what is and isn't posted. I just sometimes interject with my random thoughts from time to time.
This is another one of those thoughts.
It's about the Christmas Spirit, and what exactly it is? I think I understand it a little better now, please bare with me while I share a little.
Last year watching my girl Brooklyn, she was fired up about Christmas, she was the first to push me to get the lights up on the house. She was the first to be so excited about delivering treats and such to neighbors.
Most everyone catches the spirit, some just quicker than others, this year as I observe, I see it in Keaton first. He was the first one to get after me to get the lights up on the house. (Me being my lazy self) I told him I needed help to do it this year. He then replied "I can help you Dad... I'm a great helper" Although he was more of a supervisor than a helper. It's that excitement for Christmas they feel.
I think the thing that hit me is when I took him out to go Christmas shopping for his mom, He (being 5 and big now!) knew exactly what he wanted... cost didn't matter, it took some convincing from Dad that Mom didn't want the $3,000 item(at least that it wasn't in the budget)... in the end, he has happy with what he picked out. On the way home, he kept telling me how she was going to love it and how he couldn't wait to wrap it. So he(or we because Dad needed to help a little) wrapped it all nice for Mom when we got home.
...I see the spirit of Christmas in him, "It's that feeling of joy you get when you are getting ready to give a gift to someone you love. The gift is something you know they are going to like, and you anticipate how they will feel. You get excited for them and feel that spirit... The gift can be big, small, or even a simple treat or even something of service. It's just that feeling you feel knowing you are helping them or making them feel good."
Keaton has found it and he has helped me start to find it as well... Thanks Keaton!
...I continually learn from my children, how blessed I am.

First Snow this year!

It snowed for the the first time (with a couple of inches) this year and the kids love it. Christmas always seems better went there is snow. I just hope it doesn't melt away between now and Christmas. Brandon and the boys(Keaton and Bridger) Played for hours in it.

Ward Party

We went to our church's christmas party and had a delicious dinner. We sang songs and all the primary kids acted out the 1st Christmas with Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus. Towards the end of the night the kids got to sit on Santa's lap. It was a great evening.

Mason's Basketball Tournament

Mason had his Basketball Tournament, it was a single elimination tournament. Mason's team only has 6 players. During the first game of the tournament they played a team that had twice as many players. At first Mason's team got way ahead but then ran out of steam. The other team caught back up and tied it so it went into overtime. At the end of the over time it was tied again so they went into double over time, this time without a time clock (tournamnet games needed to keep on schedule) Anyway with the next basket wins. The play went up and down the basketball court with no baskets Finaly Mason got a sweet pass from his team mate Trevor and he made the winning basket that advanced them to the next bracket.

They lost the next game but it was sure fun to watch the first one.

Brooklyn's Dance Recital

Saturday Dec.13th Brooklyn had her Dance Recital. She was so beautiful in her outfit and did a great job. From dancing to soccer she is a talented little girl. Her dance was to the song "One step at a time" by Jordan Sparks. She had a lot of fun and wants to do it again.

You sick Twisted Freak! (as per Glenn Beck)

Last Night we went to see Glenn Beck, on his tour for "the Christmas Sweater"
(For those who don't know) Brandon and I enjoy and are faithful listeners of Glenn Beck on his radio show and his TV Show. At any rate, Brandon got us free tickets and it was a great evening. I highly recommend anyone, (if they have a chance) to go see it or read the book. It is about his personal story from his life.
Here's a fuzzy picture (what can you expect from a security guard taking a picture) but Brandon did get to shake his hand and autograph.
Here's a link: Glenn Beck's Web site click here

Santa's Lap (Craft Fair)

Brooklyn played hookie from school and went with me and the boys (along with Grandma and Aunt Becky) to the Christmas craft fair. It's always fun to see the things people make and do for the holidays.
The kids got to visit Santa and Mrs. Clause. Keaton and Bridger were so excited they couldn't stop saying hi and bye to him when we walked by him.

Lighting of the State Christmas Tree

The Christmas Season has begun. The lights are up and music is ringing around town. Last night we went downtown and saw the State lighting of the State Christmas Tree.
The kids each had cookies and hot cocoa, the choir sang christmas carols, and the governer's wife read "twas the night before christmas in Idaho" a children's book. It was a great evening.

Happy Thanksgiving! Turkey Bowl!

Thanksgiving Day was a beautiful thing.
Nice crisp day with beautiful sunshine.
We had a turkey bowl football game with Chris and Shauna's family around noon which was great fun. Keaton played with Grace while Mason, Brooklyn, and even Dad scored touchdowns, it was fun.

We then went to Terin and Becky's house for Dinner. Everything tasted great.

Wonderful food, wonderful family.... there is a lot to be thankful for.

Christmas is here!

The kids have been bugging us to put up the Christmas lights and Tree. We usually wait until after Thanksgiving but this year we were a couple days before. We Decorated the tree and put up the lights on the house.
Christmas time is a wonderful season I can see why the kids can't wait. Here is a picture of the kids with their festive hats... we are so lucky! Bridger is so cute, he keeps showing us which stocking is his.

Birthday Dinner

Monday the 17th we went out to PF Chang's for my Mom's Birthday. The dinner was great and everyone had a good night out without the kids. Best of all, it was a surprise, my mom didn't know it was happening until she got to the restaurant.
Happy Brithday Mom! Love you, Jill
Check out the fun pictures (Brandon's not in the picture because he's taking it)

McCall... Happy Birthday Chris!

This past weekend we went to McCall to surprise my Brother-in-law Chris for his birthday. His wife Shauna planned everything and I wish I had a shot of his face when he opened the door and saw us. The cabin was right on the lake and had a wonderful view right out the back door.
The dinner was awesome, and the kids favorite part they said was when they went ice skating with their cousins.
Overall it was a great weekend, Thanks Chris and Shauna for the great weekend. (and a Happy Birthday Chris or should I say... Ska-doosh!)


(to enjoy a bigger slideshow of pictures! click here)

Bridger is a big boy!

Believe it or not, Bridger has lost his binki! It is 3 weeks today that he has gone with out his precious binki, so far so good, we've only had some late night episodes of binki withdrawal, but we think he is over it.
Ever since the binki disappeared another important thing disappeared also, can you guess what that is? His daily nap. I was re-thinking my decision after a week but I'm sure it's for the best. Love you lots Bridger!

Happy Halloween

Here they are all dressed looking scary and cute all at the same time.
We went to some friends house for a hay ride and trick-or-treating.
We couldn't have asked for nicer weather.

While trick-or-treating we came across a haunted-house.
Mason was scared, so Keaton held his hand!

Keaton's Fall Soccer

We had Keaton's end of the season soccer party tonight! He had a really fun season playing. As you can see from his facial expressions in the pictures he is having an awesome time. He is such a joy and cracks us up everytime we watch him play.
Nice job Keaton! My little lefty!
For being the youngest on his team he is doing pretty good, he can run with the best of them. Not to mention he loves me to take his picture.

(to enjoy a bigger slideshow of pictures! click here)

Mason's Football, (yep you read that right, Football not Soccer)

This year Mason being the all around kid that he is wanted to try out football instead of soccer. This was a little shock to us since he has played soccer since he was 4 years old. We are so proud of his effort that he put forth in his football season this year. He practiced 5 days a week for 2 and a half hours each day, especially with the grueling conditioning drills at the end of practice. He even got the chance to use his big soccer foot to be the teams kicker.

(to enjoy a bigger slideshow of pictures! click here)

Brooklyn's Soccer Fall 2008

My baby girl is growing up and getting to be quite the good little soccer player. She joined a competitive team this year and is experiencing some good games. Especially since her team is playing against teams a year older than hers. The fall season is almost over (last game on Saturday) and then she'll play indoor league.
My does time fly.
(to enjoy a bigger slideshow of pictures! click here)

Reba and Kelly Concert

Mom's night out! My sister Becky scored some sweet tickets to the Reba and Kelly concert last thursday down at BSU. The seats were facing the stage straight-on and the music sounded great. I wasn't quite sure how they were going to mix country and rock music in a concert but it turned out awesome. Thanks Becky for the night out I had a blast.

Fishin' with Grandpa!

Keaton,Bridger and I all went fishing with my Dad (Papa Pickett) last week.
Mason and Brooklyn then went with him thursday and friday.
One thing is for sure it is always an adventure taking little ones fishing.
I even caught a couple fish, I forgot how fun that is.... we then had a fish fry with the trout that was caught...yum... I love the way my Dad cooks it up.

Pumpkin patch

'Tis the season for Pumpkins.
We went on our Pickett family tradition to go pick some pumpkins.
We all go on a hay ride through the pumpkin patch. Grandma and Grandpa Pickett usually get each of the kids a pumpkin of their choice.

This year they added a little animal petting farm. Everyone enjoyed getting together and not to mention going for pizza afterwards.


(to enjoy a bigger slideshow of pictures! click here)

Sara Evans Concert... SWEET!

I went to the Sara Evans concert on Friday with my girlfriends and family. It was at the outdoor amphitheater and was a really fun time. I loved sitting with friends and enjoying the music. Boy, can us girls dance and shake it!



(to enjoy a bigger slideshow of pictures! click here)

Keaton is 5 years old!

It is hard to believe that Keaton is 5. We had a nice party/BBQ in the park with family on Sunday to celebrate and then on Wednesday we took him and a few of his friends to Chuck E. Cheese for games and lunch. Stay sweet Keaton, we love you so much! Thank you for all the big squeezes!

September 11 and "12th"

Usually I leave the bloggin up to Jill, but I just want to intervene here a moment.
Today is September 12th, 7 years ago on September 11th America was attacked.
On September 12th of that same year people acted a little differently than on the 11th. We were nicer to each other, more polite, we gave more hugs and kisses, we appreciated things more. Even if you didn't know someone you were still coming together as a nation.

Now as I look around and you hardly hear or see anything about 9/11 on the news, it amazes me how quickly people forget. We should never forget what occurred on 9/11 and what a tragic day that was.... but we also need to remember how we reacted on 9/12. If we could only be a nation pulling together.... what a difference it would be...
Thanks Jill for letting me post something.
Love, Brandon

Family Reunion

We went to Redfish lake for my family reunion over Labor day weekend and it was beautiful. It was good to see the lake and visit with family. My Mom and Dad, who never ever camp, even went up. They were awesome.
While there we played on the beach, rode bikes, went to the fish hatchery, went fishing, played card games, had s'mores by the camp fires, even sang silly camp fire songs. It was a really fun trip to get all the cousins together. We even had a little deer in our camp that didn't want to leave our camp area, I guess he wanted a s'more.
On the last day when we were leaving, we woke up to snow. What a shock! Snow on September 1st.



(to enjoy a bigger slideshow of pictures! click here)

First Day of School!

I can't believe that the first day of school is already here.
Here is a picture of my girl Brooklyn ready to start the day.
Mason is too cool for Mom to come and take his picture. He's a big seventh grader and too old for that he says... I took the kids to ice cream after the first day of school was over with, it's becoming our new tradition.

Star Singers!

Brooklyn was singing and dancing to music and taught Bridger how to be a super star! It was too cute to watch them play and have fun together.

Boise River Trip!

This summer we have floated the Boise River two times. Summer just isn't complete without a trip down the River.

Our Deacon.

Mason has reached the age of 12. He recently was ordained as a Deacon in the church.
It was a special day, we're proud of him and his choice.

After the ordination at the church we had everyone over for a BBQ.

Play Ball!

Brandon's work had a summer party at the Boise Hawks stadium, They had a BBQ before the game and then we had great seats behind home plate, it was fun. Although Bridger was a little frightened from the big mascot.

Dworshak Lake Trip

This past week we went to Dworshak Lake with the Long Family. (getting there wasn't so fun... it took longer than expected, what a whindy road, sorry Long's for awaking you at 1am while you were snuggled in the motorhome.)

It was a blast, the Long's brought their boat and we did everything in the water from tubing, to skiing, to wake boarding, to knee boarding, or just plain jumping off the boat.... It was fun.

We celebrated Mason's birthday on the 31st and Mason got the honor of being captain of the boat for the day and drove us around the lake and he learned how to knee board.

Back at camp around the camp fire, we enjoyed smores and even found time to have a badminton and horseshoes games it was a great time. Not to mention the late night Pinochle once the kids crashed....probably the funniest thing was the talent show... boy can the Longs sing and dance!

Thanks Long Family... we need to do that again!



(to enjoy a bigger slideshow of pictures! click here)

Mason's Poison Ivy and Scout Camp

This year was Mason's first scout camp at Camp Morrison for a whole week... he had a great time. The week before he went to jump creek falls and got poison ivy all down his legs... what a mess...He broke out up at Camp Morrison without his mom to take care of him so by the time he returned it was infected... after steroids and a couple kinds of cream he has recovered. What a mess! But he didn't mind... He had such a great time! not to mention the care packages and letters he got... they thought he had a girl friend!