Christmas 2008

We got to enjoy a snowy Christmas in Grand Lake this year. We had fun with mom and dad keeping it low key mostly hanging around the house socializing, playing and eating! Everyday the boys went out and enjoyed playing in all the snow. They discovered a great sledding hill that kept them busy, and papa even took them out on the snowmobile. Alayna and I went out a little but it was cold. I don't think it got over 20 degrees. Corbin also got all bundled up once. It seemed like he too was enjoying the snow.

White Winter Wonderland in Grand Lake

Coltin going off the jump!!

Coltin and Alayna

Our Snow Angle

Corbin's Update

We had an official 15 month doctor check for Corbin, who remains at the bottom of the chart. He is 18 lbs. and 30 inches. He is healthy, just a slow grower I guess, and even though he's a little guy he is very active! He started climbing onto chairs. In fact I found him sitting in the middle of the kitchen table happy as a clam banging a fork on the table. Of course I freaked out and grabbed him off, before I thought of photographing the moment! Yes, we have a little monkey. He seems fearless. I'm not excited about that, but being brave and tough should help him survive 3 older siblings. I love my little guy so much, and yet I'm also saddened that the two-year-old tantrums have started to show their ugly face. Oh well it is inevitable.

He is starting to communicate better which is so exciting. Besides 'mama', 'dada', 'nini', 'baww' (ball) is a favorite word/object of his. He also has his own version of 'sit down' (di dauw), guess he's heard that one a few times. :) It's cute the way he repeats it over and over to himself. We've also been teaching him animal sounds, mooing seems to be the most fun. He can do a dog, cat, bird, and Everitt just taught him to neigh. It is so fun watching babies grow and learn. I just can't believe that this little one is such a climber.

December Fun

Santa Clause came for a visit on Dec. 13th.

All the kids happily sat on his lap for a picture and candy cane.

Later that day we had a fun little birthday party. Justin and Coltin decorated the cake, and it turned out cute. Only one friend was able to make it, but they all had fun playing and decorating cookies. Coltin Roy Mauler is now 7! Happy Birthday, kiddo.

The Clock Master

Coltin did awesome as the Clock Master in his school program 'Christmas Around the Clock' on 12-13. He had 11 lines, and nailed them all. Other than Santa he was a lead character. Not sure how they choose the parts but he did a great job and I think was adorable in costume.

Christmas Tree Cutting

One of my most loved traditions is cutting our own fresh Christmas tree. Justin and I started the tradition as a newlywed couple, going up to Red Feather Lakes with Tori (our dog) to cut a tree for our first Christmas. I wanted to post that picture, but don't have it as a digital. I know we haven't made it out every year, or even back to the same spot. But this year we did and now each kid has been part of the original tradition. This was also Corbin's first time out in the snow! He liked it, for awhile. It was a great trip. We had nice weather, hot cocoa, and friends to share the fun with.

First Competition

On Nov. 29th the boys got to rope in a real competition. It was so fun and they did real good. Coltin was with the 6/7 yr. olds and there were about 5 kids. He did well but did not place. Everitt was in the 5 yr. old and under group and there were only 3 kids. He was able to place 2nd and win a rope! We are proud of them both. Everitt ended up being quite the star that day as the Loveland Herald Reporter was there taking pics. We knew he could be in the Sunday paper, what we didn't expect was him to take front page! And this is what we saw...

"Five-year-old Everitt Mauler, front, of Johnstown attempts to rope a steer head
dummy during the 5-and-under division of the Junior Looper Roping Contest on
Saturday at The Ranch as part of the Colorado Fall Team Roping Championships. At
rear, from left, are fellow contestants Kennady Myers, 5, of Sheridan, Wyo., and
Chasyn Ystaas, 5, of Nunn."

(This is the web address if you want to look it up and print out one of your own. ;)

http://reporterherald.com/news_story.asp?ID=20125

See the boys in action!

November Fun

November was great as we got to see everyone on both sides of the family. First with a trip out to Utah for an early Thanksgiving. Unfortunately we did not take many pictures. Then we returned home to see Laura and family in from Missouri (we attempted a family photo.) Even Landon and family who live in Arizona were able to visit for a few hours. It was so great to meet the new babies and catch up with everyone. We are so thankful for our wonderful family. You guys are great, we love you.

Joella and Alayna

Corbin gives the best bear hugs ever.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Little Ropers

Everitt
Coltin

The boys have been interested in roping for awhile now, but this fall Justin has spent time teaching and preparing them for competition! They have contests for ages 3/4 and 5/6. They are trying real hard and doing pretty well. There is a competition the end of the month, should be a lot of fun.