Musuem of Flight with Connor's class

On Tuesday I went on a field trip with Connor's 6th grade class. It was fun for the kids and I was glad to be able to go. Connor was so sweet. As all the kids went to the back of the bus and I sat in the front(so I wouldn't puke) Connor didn't hesitate to sit by me and talk to me the whole way there. I love that he is so sensitive and that he is not afraid to show he loves me.

These were the kids I was in charge of. Thankfully I didn't lose any of them!:)

This is the whole class:

Connor loved the simulator ride. He would have kept going on it if it weren't $5 a ride.

Mom's 60th Surprise Party!

I've thrown surprise parties before and usually the person I am throwing it for finds out or has suspicions of a party. I could tell by the look on my mom's face when she walked in my door, she had no idea. It was perfect! Mindy and I pulled it off. My mom deserves the best and hopefully she thought it was! Her sister and brother-in-law came from Yakima and then we had some family and friends that live around here. My dad helped by keeping it quiet and getting her here without spilling the beans!

Pictures were taken by Kaylee. She was the photographer for the night. Thanks Kaylee!

She is a little shocked!

Hugs were all around! My mom and her sister Teri!

The party planners!

Mom and Dad! Don't they look so young for 60? I think so!

Doug, Mindy and Shay

Mom opening the personalized water globe we gave her. It has a picture of the grandkids in it with a inscription on the bottom.

My mom and I are very close. I pretty much talk to her everyday. She is always there with helpful advice or to just let me vent about something. She is encouraging and strong. She has to come to almost every single one of my races and it makes me so happy to see her at the finish line. It means a lot to me. I can count on her for anything. If we need help with the kids, she is there. No questions asked! I know she loves me and I love her.

I remember a day not too long ago that she showed up at my house with my dad and sister.My sister sent the kids upstairs and I knew something was wrong. They said they had to tell me something and I knew it was bad. I was scared to death and I didn't even know what it was. My mom then told me she had Leukemia. I felt like my world came crashing down.

After a lot of prayer I really felt like everything was going to be ok. My mom is strong and I knew she would be able to get through this. My mom means so much to me. I didn't want to see her in pain.

I'm happy to say almost 2 years later she is doing very well. She takes medication everyday and goes in for regular checkups. I know she will be around for a very long time!

I love you Mom!

Respect Award

Connor received the award for respect this month. It makes me proud to know that he is being respectful at school.(since it doesn't always happen at home!)
He really is a good boy most of the time. I can't believe he is going to Junior High in the fall. Crazy!

Not a good picture but had to note his friend Ellie(far left). I think he will marry her someday. They have been in the same class for 4 years. They have always been friends and I think it's cute. One day Connor forgot his lunch and Ellie came to the rescue and shared hers. I thought that was so sweet!:)

Good Job Connor!

December!

December has been a busy month for the Elwell's. I'm sure your has too. It's catch up time of just a few of the things we did.

Brooke is being silly by the newly decorated tree.
Shaylyn(my niece) was baptized on December 11th. She was excited and well prepared for the day!

We got our Christmas tree a little late since we were in San Diego and believe it or not, it is still up as of today.(the 27th) I usually take it down the day after. Maybe because we didn't get it the day after Thanksgiving like normal so I am not tired of it yet....or I just don't have the energy to pack everything up. Such a pain!

We all went over to the Grendell's for our 5th annual cookie decorating party. It was fun for the kids and they made some great cookies.(except Connor..he made a cookie that looked liked it had been puked on.)

Brooke and Andrew. I told Andrew to put his arm around Brooke and he blushed. It was so cute!:)

We went ice skating with the Todd family. It was fun but a lot of work. It was hard to keep myself up and Brooke need help staying up too.

Soila (my friend and running partner)

Kaylee and her BFF Ashley!

Cierra and Fawnie

Jessica and Fawnie

Kaylee had an orchestra concert at Stahl. She did very well. It is amazing how good she is getting and she really enjoys it too. What a beautiful girl she is.

Grandma and Grandpa came to watch too along with her dad and Stacy.

Sean and I went to Bellevue for a night and it was simply amazing. It really was the best time we have had in a long time. I loved EVERY minute of it! Happy Anniversary to us!:)

We went to Gold Cinemas where you can watch a movie in comfort. The food was great and I was so comfy watching the movie. We saw the Little Fockers. It was cute.

Christmas Eve in new jammies. The kids were all excited and ready for Santa to come. We spent the night at Grandma and Grandpas like always and enjoyed yummy food, great company and lots and lots of presents.

Waiting for Santa! (The believers)

coming downstairs to check out the loot!

and plenty of loot there was!

If you don't already know, Kaylee is a major Justin Beiber fan and she loved this of course. I hate it! It has already scared my about 10 times as I go into her room. Will I ever get use to it? probably not. (it is a full size cardboard cut out and it looks surprisingly real)

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas! I am looking forward to the new year where I have already set some pretty big New Years resolutions and I am excited to accomplish them. Bring on 2011!