Nick's FAVORITE Christmas gift....

All I have to say is it's a PI plate

The fun of playing in the snow

We snow shoed up near Donner Summit/ Castle Peak on monday. We had a fun time. We took Pearl with us, to see how she would handle the snow. She loved it! AND she followed Nick the entire time: all the way up the mountain (on skis) and all the way down after him. Nick said Pearl had the biggest grin on her face as she came down after him.

The Joys of Christmas!

We had a very fun Christmas. We woke up to a White Christmas. Nick says it was the first time in MANY years! It rained all night but by morning it changed into snow and never stopped all day. Nick and I decided to get up early and open our gifts and then show up earlier to his family's house. After we showed up it was nothing but crazy fun. Between Nick and I, we got 7 DVDs, a Dehydrator, a POUND OF HONEY, socks, an awesome bag/purse, and even food storage. Christmas is a lot different when children aren't around but the Haines family sure knows how to make up for it. After everything was unwrapped, every tummy full, we went on a snowy hike. Later, we had Christmas dinner with with Nick's family, grandparents, and aunts. We had homemade Chicken cord on Blue, wild rice pilaf and veggies. We then sat around and sang Christmas songs before we ate the famous Flaming Cake.

Oh yeah, for Christmas eve Nick and I were in charge of the program. So we acted out the Nativity and was quite interesting. So when I get a picture I'll have to post it. You'd laugh.

Our lovely tree!

The Haines only half way through opening gifts.

The Haines's backyard mid-day!

The Happy Couple in the snow!

Which means there's prenty on snow for Nick to ski on.

The flaming cake!

A Full days work and it's only morning.

Because it snowed so much this morning. I decided to shovel the driveway. I'm not use to such a big drive way. Nick had to leave to go do his last final, and I needed to do something. By the time I was done (and hour later), it started to snow again. I just really wanted to clear the 6-8 inches already there. Since it's suppose the snow all day I figured I save Nick and I the trouble of doing it later.

I've dediced when Nick and I get our own house we are going to invest in a SNOW BLOWER!!! Shoveling is a great way to exercise but when you have a really LONG driveway, you start dreaming about what's important:

A SNOW BLOWER!!! It does the hard work for you!!!

It's Snowing!!

Last night was our Messiah performance and it turned out really great. When we were driving home, it started to snow. This morning when I got up I found that it was still snowing! Watching snow fall is so peaceful. I included some pictures, but they aren't even close to what it really looks like.

Thaksgiving in Arizona!

Nick and I went down to Arizona for Thanksgiving and had a blast. On Thanksgiving day it down poured (Thunderstorms!!! I sure miss them)! We were able to spend time with all of siblings and their families.

My cousin had this fun skate board that Nick had to try out.

The whole Nielson Family together. Right now there's Dad and Mom, 8 siblings/spouses and 7 grand kids with 2 more on the way (and no it's not me- it's Heidi and Carrie, Jason's wife).

On Saturday afternoon we took the kids miniature golfing. 5 adults to 5 kids ~ It was a blast!!

Nick was partnered with Haven, Heidi's 2 year old. Nick had fun golfing with Haven. Nick said he should have played left handed to give Jace a chance to get a hole in one. Nick and Haven got a couple holes in one!

Carrie and Carter putting.

Jace and Christian, with Christian trying to get the ball in the hole.

Me and Jaren waiting our turn.

Heidi and Christian. Heidi went back and forth between Haley and Christian.

Christian is such and great big brother. He helped Haven go down the slide. After that she couldn't stop!

Haven going down!!!

Carter followed right after her.

After all the fun miniature golfing, we headed over the the Mesa Temple to look at the lights. I forget how amazing they are. We even had time to pose for a family photo. All of us were wearing warm clothes, except Nick, who loves the cold. I sure love my family on the friendships we have been able to build.

And I couldn't forget my cute little niece, Haley! She's getting so big!

Good Old Elko Nevada

The weekend before thanksgiving, Nick, Natalie and I headed off to Elko Nevada. Nick and Natalie play in an orchestra out there twice a year. They love the winter concert the best: and you'll see why!


These mountains are the Ruby Mountians. It was pretty to see the snow on them.

Nick and Natalie on one of the Mountains we climbed.

OH, Aren't I a cutie! I might be a sailor, but I STILL freeze in the snow!!!


We found a frozen pond, and you know what that means when there's Haines around.

Of course you have to go ice skateing. Natalie went first and then Nick and I followed.

We had a blast spending the morning outside in the Rubys. If you ever get a chance to go to Elko, you'll have to go The Ruby Mountains and hike around. We did wish we took our snow shoes becuase each of us at one point steped in snow that was up to our thighs.