Mutton Bustin' - NWSS

Our kiddos enjoyed getting involved in Mutton Bustin' last year and have been asking to do it again.  We put them on a list many months in advance and found out at the end of Dec that Karsten got picked to ride at the National Western Stockshow!  What a big deal!  We were super bummed Kasey didn't get picked (and neither did our Woodard kiddos... sigh).  Nonetheless, we had to take the opportunity to let Karsten ride and hope we can get Kasey signed up to another one.

Karsten looks so cute in this pic!  He is so small compared to the other kiddos!  I just Wish we were there to see it!  Oh yeah, that was the other thing about this event.  Karsten's mommy and daddy were literally half way around the world during the event.  More on that later, but since were were in Prague, Gma and Gpa Cannode had to take the boys for us.  Thank Goodness they took such cute pictures!

Um, Wait... "cute pictures"... Um, is that a Sheep ON TOP of my LITTLE BOY!  What Happened?  We may never know exactly as it happened so fast, but what I do know is that Karsten never even cried.  He got up smiling and wanting to go again!  Great job, little buddy! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!

We had to wait to hear how the event went due to the time change.  The only thing we had the next day was one pic on our cell phone... Karsten's dirty arm.  Of course, at that time... we had no idea it was from a sheep hoof!  Karsten was so proud of his 'war wound' and was ecstatic to celebrate with a treat.  If you have ever asked Karsten what his favorite treat is... it isn't ice cream.  "He is more of a Popsicle Man"

New Years Day with family

New Years Day also meant more Christmas celebrations!  YAY! Nothing says "welcome home" like a room full of presents!  Ok, kids... On your mark, get set... GO! 

We were so Thankful to be able to celebrate with Amy's family in ND as well as having Kris' folks to celebrate with upon our return.  We were especially glad at how flexible they were with our celebration date due to our extended trip! No better way to break in 2016 than enjoying the day with family!

Nodak New Years Eve

Not sure where to start explaining this odd (and turns out fantastic) NYE in North Dakota... We were originally scheduled to leave on January 29th, however, due to weather we were kept in ND for a tad longer.  Three extra days to be exact!  I know, that sounds Awesome!  More days with Family!  Um, except that our family was all very busy for the next three days planning for a Woodard wedding!  No Worries!  You can't hold back the Cannodes from having a good time!

Since the Mattsons/Woodards were booked for NYE... we chose to celebrate in style! The kiddos got their coveted McDonalds, while the adults splurged on a tasty fondue; complete with lobster!

The boys were thrilled with their happy meals, but evidently it wasn't enough for Kasey.  He also devoured Amy's artichoke.  I guess I need to start making more than one!

We definitely missed ringing in the new year with our Fargo family, however, we did have quite the successful night.  We rang it in with wonderful memories for our kiddos, a great meal and family movie night to boot!

New Years day was filled with a long travel day home.  Thank goodness our travelers did so well. They were very excited kiddos who were ready to see Gma and Gpa Cannode.  Best part of New Years Day was having our traditional German meal on the table; complete with lucky sauerkraut!  Cheers to 2016 to all our family and friends!

Santa Clause is Coming to Town

Who doesn't love celebrating Christmas in North Dakota? I'm told the closer you are to the North Pole... the better chance of a visit from the Big Guy.  And what do you know?... Look who visited us on Christmas Eve!

The kiddos could hardly believe it!  After church, we were all just sitting around chatting until there was a loud laugh at the door.  Well, not really a laugh... more of a Ho-Ho-Ho!  Santa brought presents for all the kiddos and what do you know... it was just what they wanted!  Not all of us received gifts.  Some of us were on the naughty list.  For several days after Santa's visit.... Karsten would cautiously ask Amy if Daddy, Papa and Ms Barb decided to behave if they could make it to the Nice List next year.  Anything is possible, little buddy... They may make the nice list, but they definitely have to work hard!

One of our favorite traditions is receiving PJs from Gma and Gpa Mattson on Christmas Eve.  This was no exception.  I love how excited they get about receiving pajamas... how long do you think they will continue to be excited about clothes? :)  I hope it lasts awhile. I love watching their faces!

Almost time for bed, but we must make sure to leave cookies for our buddy, Santa!

Some of the kiddos (ahem, Woodards) decided to sleep in a tad on Christmas morning.  That is ok ~ it gave us time to play with our new lego sets that Santa gave us last night!  I'm not sure who was more excited to play... the kiddos or ... daddy reliving his younger days.

If you have ever watched kids open Santa gifts, it can only be explained as 'chaos'.  It was magical!  What fun to see excitement about their toy cars, coloring books and even mouthwash!  yes, you heard me; Santa brought mouthwash and they kids were thrilled!

Opening gifts with the Mattson family is quite the event.  One ... at ... a ... Time. So many great gifts were given out and so many sweet reactions from the recipients.  Was a super fun day.



Whew, that was exhausting!  Not much more to do but relax with family now!  ... in your Christmas PJs of Course! 

ND Winters and Snowy Fun

What says Winter like a vacation in snowy North Dakota!  We were all pretty excited to head home to spend some time with family that we don't see enough.  The boys were so excited for our flight... they even wanted to help carry the bags!  The only reason I could take a pic?  I actually carried nothing but my purse.  It was magical!

First stop? GG's Of Course!  Grandma Myrt moved into a new home since we last visited and we had to see how great it was.  The boys loved it and it didn't take them long to find the Treat Freezer for a yummy Caramel Crispy bar.  We even had a momentous "lost tooth" by Ms B while we were there.  Pretty sure Gpa Bill passed out during that moment.

Next up... the winter sport of all winter sports... Hockey!  We got to watch two of Brody's home games while we were there and were blessed to watch him play halftime at the Fargo Force game!  I'm not sure who was more excited... Brody for his big game or the boys for their first hockey game!  Was fun watching Brody make his hat trick each game.  He did just great and I think we built a foundation for a new passion for the Colorado kids.

Pretty sure they LOVE hockey now... They didn't realize the hockey players had cheerleaders too!

What other winter sports are there? Yes! Snowmobiling at it's finest! Melissa took all four kids around for a bit and when Brooklyn got comfortable... she even drove for a bit.  Kris even got to hit up the four wheeler (one if his favorite year round toys).

One of our favorite joints is Kobes restaurant.  Normally, kids aren't included, but as they have all gotten so good at sitting nicely while eating out ... we decided to invite them on our romantic family night out.  They enjoyed their Japanese soda and of course the cooking show!

Kasey's birthday celebration wouldn't be complete without a way to get the wiggle worms out. What better way than to head to SkyZone!

Was fun watching the kids literally bounce off the walls, learn to play dodgeball and try out their best gymnast moves.  My favorite part was seeing them check out the fitbits that Amy and Gma Sandy let them wear during playtime to see who got more steps.

After burning all that energy, we needed to refuel... at Mexican Village of course!  Happy birthday, little buddy!

What? the birthday is over? No Way!  Cake and present time!!!  How to you spell spoiled???

Did you know when you hit six years old... you no longer blow out candles... Nope; you shoot them out!

More winter activities!  We found the best sledding hill at Mickleson Park.  The park even let you borrow their sleds!  The kids enjoyed every very cold minute on that hill.  Amy and Kris even took a few turns racing each other!  Best part was... all that fresh air meant very tired kiddos!

I think it is safe to say that we killed it when it came to planning winter sports in ND.  Was a great trip and wonderful memories with family.  Just wait till you see how fun Christmas and New Years were in ND in our next post!