Steelheads 5 Utah 1

Dad, Lee, and Mom right before my old camera broke

Levi lovin the attention from his true love Jamie

Lee waving at Blue

Slurp

We had another fun night at the Steelheads game last night. I love spending this time with Lee. Just watching him enjoy the game makes my day. He saw the little mighty mites come out and play and he was so excited. He and his sister will be there next year. That is something I can not wait to see. I was going to buy him a Steelheads jersey but for his age they were $90. No thanks! We are going to go skating next week and try out Lee's new hockey skates that he got from Santa. Marki will be trying her hockey skates out as well. She can skate of figure skates so this will be a new adventure for her as well.

Blue Christmas 2008

Christmas this year was extra special year. We had so many great presents and the kids got to rock out with Blue from the Idaho Steelheads. Since Levi just got his first pair of Hockey skates this year it seems only fitting that the Idaho Steelheads would send out a scout to welcome the young lad to the new world of EXTREME ICE HOCKEY. "GUMBONE"

Although Marki clearly was the more brave one as she climbed all over Blue and gave the thumbs up for the day. What a great Christmas Morning.

Marki's first hold up. Don't feed the bears is clear but nothing is said about robbing them.

Thumb's UP Santa. I am going to be extra special this year so I can have another great christmas.

Levi will make a great Blue one day. Although clearly we have some growing to do, don't we buddy. Well there is always the mighty mights. They may need a baby blue (get it, baby blue:)

Thanks for coming to see us on Christmas morning Blue. See you at the next game.

Christmas Day Race

Yesterday my brother and I ran in the Christmas Day race. We had planned on doing a 10k but changed our minds at the last minute to do a 5k instead. After running for a short stint I started to feel sick and had to walk the rest of the race. I was disapointed because I actually have been working out and looking forward to beating my time for the Barber to Boise. I guess I do better after I just have a baby then actually getting ready for a race. We had a blast. There were people singing Chirstmas carols as you went along. Some people dress up as Santa or the grinch. My favorite was the abominable snowman and the guy with a package on his package. That guy had to be freezing. I think this will be one of my favorite races in the future. I may not say that next year when we actually do run the 10k which is uphill. Thanks Damon. I enjoy racing with you. Next time we'll make sure Mark races with us.

Beautiful Ballerina

Me and Lee waiting to see Marki Lyn Dance

Marki peeking through the curtain

Beautiful Ballerina

A job well done. We are so proud of her!!!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

How cute is this!!!

Dancin

Twirling

Merry Christmas everyone!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

The Anderson's and the Benjamin's celebrated Christmas early this year. My dad and step mom flew down from Montana to watch Marki in her recital and we decided to have a family Christmas dinner and open up gifts. My wonderful husband surprised me with a professional camera! It was the most perfect surprise ever!!! I absolutely love it and I am one step closer to starting my own photography business. I still have a lot to learn though. It was such a fun time and I can't wait until February when my dad comes back to visit. Hopefully, if the roads are good, we will be taking a trip to Montana in January. Thank you Dad and Gwen for coming down and for everything. Mark, you have no idea how much I love you. You are the greatest husband and daddy and I have a surprise of my own for you!

Marki's Christmas Recital

Marki had her third recital last night and she danced beautifully. Her ballet dance was "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas" and her tap was to "Gather round the Christmas tree". It is so much fun to watch her dance. I am so proud of her and she just loves dancing on stage. Can't wait to see her next performance!

Happy Birthday Cheyenne!

Last Saturday Marki was invited to her classmate, Cheyenne's, birthday party. She was super excited about this party and couldn't wait to go and pick out a present for her friend. The only wrapping paper we had was boy birthday and christmas so I took some christmas paper and turned it inside out so marki could decorate it. They girls played a ring toss game and what Marki calls pin the tail on the princess. They gave out a barbie and sack full of goodies for prizes and the cake was the most delicious cake ever. We had a blast and we are looking forward to spending more time next Saturday with Cheyenne and her family.

Santa Claus Aint Coming to Town

Depending on how things go tomorrow Santa may have to miss the Benjamin household and try again next year. Marki and Lee have had some trouble listing to me and today, well lets see...Expensive books ripped to shreds, flooded bathroom, breaking toys, breaking christmas ornaments, pouting, screaming, crying, and that's just today! I am sooooooooooo glad it's bedtime. Today was just one of those days that just got worse and worse as the day went on. Marki has not been listing lately and Lee...welcome terrible two's!!! I think I am partly to blame since I usually keep Levi very close while I am cleaning, cooking, changing diapers, ect and I try to give him "little helper jobs" that he so loves, But today was just so hectic. I didn't get my time in with the kids that I usually get and it is apparent they were trying to get my attention. I am going to go to sleep now and pray tomorrow will be a better day and I'll be on top of my game.

O Christmas Tree

We now have our tree up and our house is looking a little more decorated for the holidays. Marki made the top of the tree decoration at school. It is a very colorful santa claus. Now we are ready for my parents to come and visit from Montana. Yahoo!