Dearden Christmas Party

 At the annual Dearden Extended Family Christmas Party, the children received a visit from Santa.  Grandma Dear, with the help of elves (this year Camille), gets each of the children really nice presents.  Carter got a hot wheels racer ramp.

 Serena got a magnetic dress-up doll.

 Aleeya got a little peoples car.

Spencer got a little people helicopter.

Aunt Staci Halloween Party

 Staci's Single Adult Ward put on a Halloween party for friends and family.

Aleeya and Spencer Birthday Time!

  Presents from Dad and Mom, Aleeya was very helpful with the present opening.

 Love fest!

 The Dearden extended family came to help celebrate!

 Spencer and Cousin Esther

 Aleeya going to town, look at that speed!

 Cute jacket from Aunt Staci.

Wow, he gets to open a present by himself!

Raft River!

 This year at Raft River, Idaho- Crystal, Alana, Charolette, Esther and Aunt Staci joined us.

Taylor was on a fifty mile hike with the Young Men, so he was absent this year.

Easter Scavenger Hunt

 Crystal made a scripture scavenger hunt with Easter related themes.

 The girls looking for a clue.

 Spencer and Esther

Aunt Staci making the babies laugh!

Christmas Eve Celebration

This is the only picture I took-Spencer with his cousin, Esther.

It has become tradition to go to the Dearden's for a New Year's Celebration.  Anela serves Hawaiian food and tells about one of her ancestors.  I learned this year that her grandparents always made a big deal about New Year's, so I think it is a nice continuation of tradition that she is the New Year's grandma.  This year they also had fireworks, which Carter loved.  Aleeya watched through the window and Serena hide in the basement, she doesn't like the noise.

Dearden Christmas Party and Nativity

  He just looked so cute I needed a picture.  He spent the day on the counter by me as I got food prepared for our Alan Dearden Christmas party.

 Acting out the Nativity Story.  Taylor read the story, amid Carter storming off and general chaos of many childen, but it is the early years and I am telling myself that one year this will be really spiritual.

 The Shepard, Aleeya, visiting baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph.  Alana, the Angel, looks on.

 Angel telling the Shepards!

 Serena was really excited to be Mary, earlier in the day I had tried to convince her to let her cousin be Mary since our family would have the Joseph and Jesus parts, but she really wanted to play her. 

Aleeya's Third Birthday!

 Aleeya's birthday cake.  It is similar to what Serena had for her third birthday cake.  I had purchased fruit by the foot and spree candy to decorate it with, but while I was in the hospital they got eaten.  Taylor went to the store to get more and couldn't find either, so he bought a ton of different options.  I like the airheads for the bow because it makes it stand out, and the pastel sweet tarts matched the pink icing. 

 Serena can't be kept away from sweets!

 Posing with the cousins before cake!

 Big brother helping to open her new costume jewelry and shoes.

 Granny and Grandpa Dearden, Staci, Stuart and family and Grandma Hoppie all came to celebrate.

Family Birthday Party for C & S

We had a combined birthday party for Carter and Serena with the Dearden's and the Hoppie's. The children were spoiled and loved the attention. We are blessed to have family close by to come and celebrate with us.
Carter focused and excited.
Serena modeling, love her face.

Serena has wanted a fishing pole since Christmas when Carter was given one by Uncle Dave.

Mom (Grandma Hoppie) wrapped the presents for each child in distinct paper, so that they always knew who got to open what.

Serena got some darling dresses.

Aunt Staci gave the kids "Power Broker" lunchboxes.

Aleeya also loving the attention of the Grandma's. (Nice color coordination on their part).

The beautiful birthday children. Carter is seven and Serena is five.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Dearden Family Egg Hunt

Egg hunt with cousins and Aunt Staci and Granny and Grandpa Dearden

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Taylor's Birthday Celebration in Logan!

There are always helpers with presents!
Church shirts are always a hit!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve Party with Dearden's

We were lucky to have the extended Dearden family come and share Christmas Eve with us. We enjoyed time talking and eating. The kids played and Warren brought his Wii so the men were entertained (and Carter).

Aunt Crystal playing with the kids. It is always fun to have cousins over.
Everyone enjoying the loot.
Carter loving his "Ben 10" toys

Grandpa Dearden received a Nook from all of his children.
Aleeya showing off her new tutu. Aunt Crystal made these for Serena and Aleeya. She made a hooded towel with his name on it for Carter.