Dreams do come true

Kevin finally made it to a Dallas Cowboys game in Dallas. I surprised him (kind of) with tickets to a game and a weekend away from the family with his friend Chris.

Cowboys Stadium

A big truck. Can't he do anything without thinking of a big truck???

The lady officials. (Sorry ladies, he thinks he's funny! Wink, wink!)

The "Boys" vs the Chargers
And the real reason he went to the game. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders!!! Whoot Woo!!!

He tells me that he went for the game but I know better. Glad you had a great time, Babe. Sure you will again as you now think that this is an annual event with the boys!!

Acid Burn

While Kevin was filling up an acid container at work one morning he spilt the jar and acid splashed all over his pants and legs. He didn't think that it was necessary to tell me until 4 hours later. While he kept his pants on the acid was burning his skin. He told me that he was not going to worry about going to the doctor and that he would just wash his leg really good when he got home. I wasn't buying that after he told me that his leg was festering and turning yellow. I called and got him into the doc and when he went he had to wear these super hot shorts to have his leg checked. Then he thought that the kids might like to play with them and brought them home. Seriously!?! Tucker thought that they were pretty cool and wanted to wear them to bed :) What is my husband thinking sometimes?

All I want for Cristmas

Dear Santa,
Will you please bring me...
Tucker: "I don't care"
Santa: "How about something AWESOME"
Tucker: "Ya, that works. Something awesome."
Stratton: "A real guitar"
Santa: "A real guitar, huh?"
Stratton: "Ya, that's all" (with a huge smile)

Harley: "I am not going up there."
Me: "Then Santa won't know what to bring you."
Harley: "I don't care, I hate Santa."
Me: "Well that makes it easier for him."

Stratton is the BIG 5

On Tuesday, December 8th Stratton turned the BiG 5. We had a little party for him with some of his friends. He chose a funfitie cake with pink frosting and sprinkles and #5 candle for the cake.

A "few" of his gifts.

The little partiers are Walker, Deric, Ryder, Stratton, Porter and Luke.

Take your best shot BIG GUY...
No DaLeY party is complete without a pinata. (even if it has to be torn open because it kept riping off the rope)
Or birthday spankings. Trust me he is CrAcKiNg up!!

Five FuN facts about Stratty:

Favorite Food: Ramen Noodles

Favorite Friend: Porter and Luke

Favorite Thing to do: Play with somebody

Wants to be: a Cop

Favorite Toy: Briggs's squeaky toy (I say YUCK!!!)

May I Now Introduce VAMPIRE!!!

As many of you know when our children turn 5 my mom takes them to Build-A-Bear Workshop. On Sunday, December 6th, Stratton and I met my mom and Jami (my sister-in-law) at the Gateway to build Stratty's bear.

Here he is trying to decide what to make. Not only do they have the classic bears but they have dogs, cats, moose, frogs, turtles, etc., etc., etc. Almost too many choices! Stratty choose a DOG. He is helping the worker "stuff" his dogie. He also made a wish on a heart that was put into the dog before stitching him up. And he choose a barking sound to put into his foot. (Every time you put his shoes on he barks :))

Once he is all stitched up he gets a bath.
Then he gets dress. My mom is helping him get his underwear on. Yes, they look like real little boy undies. Too cute!!

You can see that he has on a Vampire costume and Stratt is working on his shoes. We are almost done.
And now may I introduce you to Vampire!!!!!! He even has birth certificate.
My mom, Stratt and Vampire.
Vampire is in his cage on our way to lunch.

Eating lunch with Grandma Ana, Jami, Stratton, Vampire and I, where Stratty told us it was best day ever. Super huge thanks to my mom for making turning 5 an adventure. One that all the kids love and will never forget.

Christmas Card Pictures

When we got home from shopping on Friday I had the kids get dressed and ready to get some Christmas pictures. (The girls were here so we had to take advantage of it!) We walked down to the "creek house" and I took a few snaps. They turned out good enough to send to all our family and friends ;)

The next RAY generation

These are some fun pictures off my dad and all the grandkids....
Front step: Gabe, Tucker, Harley, Lizi & Ceci
2nd step: Olivia, Katie & Kevin
3rd step: My Dad, Benji & Colby
Top step: Daesha, Stratton, Shayna, Pablo & Joe

HOLY that's A LOT of KIDS!!!

Being Thankful...

3 months notice, 7 days of stress, 4 days of consecutive cleaning (literally) =

UNFORGETTABLE FAMILY TIME!!

I must admit that when my sister Cathy called me in August and asked if we would host Thanksgiving at our house this year I was a bit overwhelmed, although I knew it would be a good time. I am one that thinks that all things need to be perfect when you are having guest only to realize later, much later, that no one really cares. So me, being me, I went over board with the cleaning and preparing. We had 20 people for dinner. My mom and dad, sister Taya's family and sister Cathy's family. All in all it turned out fantastic. I cooked my 1st turkey!! I was most stressed about the big bird. Did I buy one big enough (21# I would hope so)? What about those that don't love him so why not a ham also!?! That's right, not only did we have turkey we also had ham as well. Dinner really was great. After dinner the guys watched "The Boys", which was on EVERY single TV in the house, and us girls looked through the ads and planned out our attack for Black Friday. After a nice afternoon we decided to hit the town to try to see "A Christmas Carol" only the small kids were tired and so as it turned Cathy and Steve took the older kids to Logan to catch the flick. When they got home they said that they were glad that the small ones didn't go. A bit too scary!!

I must admit that I am one very lucky lucky girl. I have the best family and friends in the world. Although it can be hard at times we are soooo very grateful for their love and understanding. What would we be if we didn't have them? So thanks to everyone! We love you!!!