Braden's first playoff game

Braden had his first playoff game today.  He played awesome.  He has been playing center and taking all the face offs.

 The team getting a pep talk from the coach before the game.

 The first drop of the puck.

 The score after the first period.

 The pep talk for the second period.  B is number 10, his shirt is tucked in.

 Another face off.

The score after the second period, they are home, still up. 

 Found Caitlin in the stadium, reading.  

 The hand shake at the end of the game.  Guess what team won?

 My hockey man!!  Love him!

 Yep, the grey team, B's team!  They will play in the finals next Saturday!!

First Reconciliation and Girl Scout Cookies

Caitlin made her first Reconciliation at church.  We were so proud of her!  This is the first step she has to take to do her first Communion, which will be in May.

Caitlin is a Brownie this year.  I am the cookie mom, because I cannot say no.  We picked up the cookies for the troop last weekend. 

Grandpa comes to visit

Grandpa and Grandma came to visit us in January.  The kids had such a great time with them.  Thank goodness it was a beautiful weekend, we were able to spend some time outside.

 B loved showing Grandpa his zipline.  He even got Grandpa to try it!

 Here he goes!

 Caitlin loves to swing on the rope swing and try to catch her brother.

Grandpa started to go up the ladder, then thought again!

 B getting the football set up to kick a field goal, doesn't everyone have a field goal in their back yard?

Grandpa was setting the ball up.

 Grandpa was being brave by holding the football.

 And he scores!!

Merry Christmas!!

Caitlin is preparing for her first reconciliation for church.  She, Braden, and her friend collected cans and took them to a shelter for her service project.  I was super proud of all of them!

Nonie arrived in time for the holidays and the kids were excited.  She and C shared a book together.

The kids love the fire pit. They like to roast marshmellows on it.  When Uncle Face was here, they had fun blowing the fire and watching what happens.  We were forced to take away all the paper from them.

We are very blessed to have a wonderful church that we belong to.  It is a beautiful place at this time of year.  Which makes things nice considereing we have to arrive almost 2 hours early for the 4:00 Mass.

Singing carols before Mass.

 This is C's fourth year of being a Christmas Angel. She is a beautiful one!

 Santa sent the kids messages on Christmas Eve.

 Throwing out Reindeer food.

 Every year there is a wing contest between the Gavin boys.  Last year Uncle Face ate 84 wings.  Unfortunately, because of when Christmas fell we were unable to go to our usual wing place, which you pay one price and have unlimited wings.  So, we made 24 pounds of wings.  Uncle Face took care of many of those, we did not count this year.

 Our family room after Santa arrived.

 C waiting patienly for everyone.

 Both kids waiting patiently to see what Santa brought.

 B was super excited to see his BIG dog.

 Thanks Gracie!  Love my new purse.

Yes!  Now I can find  cool stuff outside.

 Uncle Face getting his annual strange gift, peanut butter this year!

 B and what he calls a "money waister"

 Not sure who gave B this gun?  Daddy?????

 Uncle Brett opening his apple pie.  We did not forget about him this year!

 The Boys and there Eli jerseys!  Go Giants!!

Merry Christmast everyone!  May your 2013 be blessed~