Broc's Lucky Eleven

December 11th Broc turned 11, how lucky is that? Broc loves his birthday just as much as any kid does. He is so funny though because he doesn't want to be surprised by his presents, he wants to know. For days leading up to his birthday he begs for me to tell him exactly what he is getting or better yet show it to him and then he promises that he will act surprised when I give it to him so no one else will know. (I guess he has patience kind of like his dad..... ha ha). He did pick out his Etnies jacket this year and acted so surprised that Ryan didn't even know he had seen it before (How crazy is that I can't even pick out clothes for my boy-- he is way to particular about how he looks). I don't give in to him on everything, he did have a few surprises and whether he will admit it or not surprises are fun!!!!






It must be because he is the only boy in our house but every birthday this is what his sisters do to him. He is pretty nice about it (maybe it is because they are giving him gifts) but he probably won't be too happy that I put them on the blog for all to see. Broc is not a cake man so for years we have been making brownies w/ powdered sugar. This year watching him blow out the candles was hilarious. Ryan thought they were trick candles, but the funny thing was they weren't and it still took him 3 tries to blow all of them out. This picture is the last time when he finally got them all. (He really put everything he had into it.) I can't believe he is 11 already but I am grateful for the fine young man he is becoming!! We love you Broc!!!!

It must be Christmas time!!

You can tell it is Christmas time when there are 4 gingerbread houses on my countertop. Since the kids were 3 years old Ryan's sister Amy has been making gingerbread houses with all of the nieces and nephews. It is something they all look forward to (even Chantyl, who is now 21). Amy works for months to make all of the gingerbread forms and put the houses together and then everyone brings bags of candy to share and they decorate the houses.

Here is Britnee's house this year. I'm not quite sure of the theme but I do know that the red ball above Santa is a bowling ball just about ready to drop on his head. (Where did she come up with that!)




This next house is Broc's. His theory for decorating houses is to get as much candy on it as possible for treats the next week. And as you can tell from the pictures I really should have taken them sooner before he started eating his masterpiece. (and his sister's houses too)



Shaelyn did a smiley face on her roof this year. This totally fits her since she is such a happy girl. (yes Broc ate the eyes). Apparently I didn't get a picture of her holding her gingerbread house because lately she can't put her phone down. I guess the picture I got most accurately portrays my cute Shae at this stage of her life.



Shalece is so creative and always comes up with a theme for her gingerbread house. This year was my favorite. It's called extreme sports. She has every snow activity you can think of, snowboarding, snow ball fights, skiing, ice skating, snowmen, sledding and even snow angels. Truly a designer house.


Thanks Amy for carrying on such a great tradition. We all love you for all of your hard work!!! And we all look forward to next year.

More Thanksgiving Fun......

The Friday after Thanksgiving Ryan took Shalece, Broc, Britnee & Kamryn out West shooting. It was a first time for Britnee and Kamryn. I don't think they were able to shoot any of the skeets but they had fun with the other targets and when it got too cold they just got in the truck and took about a million silly pictures of each other with my camera!! Broc however is our sharp shooter and he LOVES IT!!! He could have stayed there all afternoon. Shalece also loves to shoot. It was only her 2nd time and this time she tried the 12 gauge. Check out the below pictures, they are in order and it gives you an idea of the kick she got after her 1st shot. I was impressed with how she recovered and got off another shot. Way to go Lece!!













Broc showing Britnee how to load.

{ Thanksgiving }

This year Thanksgiving was with the Koltermann side of the family at my house. It was so great to have Mom & Dad back from their mission. We were all together except for Bryce & Brandi & family who live way to far away (we miss you guys!!!) We also had my Grandpa Davenport there for the day (who is in his 90's ).It was a fun day of lots of yummy food, games, rockband, children playing, football watching, and of course all of the women hunting the ads for the perfect Black Friday deals. (Michele, and Jodi & Mike were the die hards who got up early to get the best deals, Shalece and Troy chose to stay up until 4a.m. at southtown mall and the rest of us slept in and went to a few stores later in the day to see if anything was left.)








Check out Wyatt's masterpiece with the mashed potatos (it kind of looked liked a snowman's head, olive eyes, carrot nose and celery mouth) It didn't last too long though Ryan said no one should mess with the mashed potatos.



The whole gang!!!!!




I just love this picture. My darling niece Brynli was dancing in one of our dress up's and when she was done she would ask Ryan if that dance was good enough. If it was then he would have to dip here to finish off her performance. I don't know for sure how many times she did it but she got dipped everytime. We sure do miss having little girls at our house. Thank goodness my sisters have plenty when we all get together.