Monster truck show.

As part of the boy's Christmas present, we took them to the Monster Jam at the Tacoma Dome in early January. Both boys, especially Drew loves monster trucks, so they both were very excited to go. It was pretty much an all day deal since you could get there before the show and go down to the pits to meet the drivers and get some good pics. We did this for an hour or so and then headed out for an early lunch at the Ram brewery in town. We headed back for the show and settled in for the main event. We had heard that it was very loud, but it was MUCH louder than we expected. Thank god we brought ear muffs for the boys and ear plugs for us. The quad racers and motor cross guys were really fun to watch, but the Monster Jam and of course the cotton candy were definitely the highlight!

Noah and Grave Digger.

pics with some of the quad racers. These guys are nuts!

Drew in a quarter midget car. They had a few races with these during the show, which was really fun to watch. Noah was very impressed and now wants to start racing them. We are thinking of getting him started in the next year or so since they usually start them around age 5 or 6 and can go up to age 16. Apparently it's safer than little league. Who knew?

after lunch we enjoyed the sunshine for a bit before we headed back to the smoky dome full of exhaust fumes.

New Year's.

Even though we were all a little spent after all the birthday and Christmas celebrations, Orlin and I, (mostly I ) decided it would be fun to host a little New Year's party in our shop. We used to host New Year's parties quite a bit before kids and even when Noah was young, but then after Drew we kind of took a break for awhile. Over the last several months Orlin had gotten our shop all buttoned up with new doors and windows and even had a cozy fire place installed so we could enjoy some heat while we are out there. Once this all was done, I thought to myself "this would be a perfect place for a New Years party"! The best part is my house would stay clean and the mess could stay outside! So after a little convincing, we decided to go for it and invited family, some of our close friends and a few co workers of WWC. I made a couple types of chili and Orlin, Mr. mixologist, whipped up a couple of yummy batches of cocktails with some Rye whiskey and one with Peabody vodka. Both were a hit and most everyone brought an appetizer to share, so we had lots of yummy food and great drinks. We even had a beer pong table thanks to my friend Bri. We all had a great time and rang in the new year as we watched the countdown and fireworks on the TV inside. It was a late night of fun and beer pong, but thankfully we got to sleep in since my parents took the boys overnight. I think this may have to be an annual tradition now since it went so well. Hopefully Orlin feels the same way. ;)

the kiddos enjoying some little poppers before they headed out with Grandma and Boppa. I made Orlin string the white light up on the rafters for a little added ambiance. He must really like them because they are still up. ;)

Jaclyn and Tyler. Jaclyn took one for the team and was the dd for the evening since she's carrying a sweet baby girl that we get to meet end of June.



Uncle Ty showing Drew how to shoot his little popper gun.

my family minus my hubby.

there he is. We are looking quite matchy, matchy here.

the kids were having a ball making a mess with all the poppers.

Kiersten and her Mom Karisa. They are our old neighbors and have been some of our dearest friends for over 10 years. Karisa also works at WWC as well.

Bri and Drew.

nephew Tanner and his buddy.

Dave, Annie and Ty. Seriously Annie?!?

she really thinks she owns the place. Miss Mandy does love to snuggle her though.

beer pong time.

Corey in the back, Branden, and Dave watching the game.

Karisa and my sister Jayme realized after a while how unsanitary the game really is with the ball landing on the floor and then going into the cups of beer that you drink. I hadn't really thought about it till they mentioned it. A little dirt never hurt right?

countdown time.

Happy New Year. Notice I had my Happy Birthday glass? I figured since it was now my birthday month, it was appropriate to use.