Christmas

This was the first Christmas that we have ever spent without our extended family. I was having a hard time with it, I just didn't think it felt much like Christmas. Judd and I had to step up this year and take care of everything that our parents use to do. I made sure to make some of our favorite foods, but we also tried some new things, Judd grilled up some of his pheasants on Christmas eve. We watch the Christmas Story and read the scriptures as a family. It was really nice, our family was able to slow down and share the true meaning of Christmas with our kids. On Christmas day we stayed in our PJs all day except Dax who had to put on his Nike right after he opened them. We took our time opening presents and let the kids play with them all morning. There was no fighting and the kids stayed in the family room all day. I made ham and all the fixing for Christmas dinner. We missed all of the family. It turned out to be a great Christmas with the kids, and I will always remember it.

Hawaii

Judd had a conference in Hawaii and I decided to tag along. It has been 6 years since we last went to Hawaii. We dropped the kids off in Utah on our way there so that I could relax and Judd could go to the conference. Even though it was a vacation of sorts Judd worked out every day. He found the pull-up bar that he used on our honeymoon and put it to good use. They put on a great Christmas Luau. The dancing was better then the food. While Judd was in meetings all day the other spouse and I had lots of fun. I learned to surf, which I still need lots of practice at. I went scuba diving and saw an old boat, lots of turtles, and spotted eagle ray. I even petted and octopus. We also decided to go para-sailing, it was beautiful. Each night I would meet up with Judd and we would go to amazing restaurant. Judd took one day off and a group of us decided to go to the east shore. We had a great time kayaking, boogie-boarding and just playing around with friends. It was a great time. I was able to forget about all of my worrys.

Chase's 1st Hair cut

The night before we left for Utah we took the whole family to top cuts for haircuts. Chase really needed one his hair was curling up around his ears. He was really good for the lady. She even used the shaver. Chase loved the feel everytime she put it up to his head he would lean in and smile.

Annabelle's Dance Class

We signed Annabelle up for Dance at her school this year. It wasn't the best of programs but she still had some fun. There were to many kids in her class so she would act up to get attention or pretend she couldn't do it. I will be finding a new place when the new year begins.

Annabelle's Christmas Program

Annabelle's did a great job on her Christmas program this year. She sang Alligator Stomp, I'm getting Nutting for Christmas, Who comes around on a special night, and Jack and Jill. She was really funny during most of the songs she was really concerned with her hair and with what Chase was doing. But she still knew all the words.

Annabelle's Birthday

It was so hard for Annabelle to wait for her birthday this year. Everyday leading up to her birthday she would ask is today my birthday? and Then ask how many days? She came home from Church the Sunday before her Birthday ready to open her presents because they sang happy birthday to her in Primary. Then on Monday we took cupcakes into her class and they sang Happy Birthday to her. She was so confused all week. When her birthday finally arrived she thought we were teasing her. I took her to the store to pick out her cake and she chose a giant snowman cookie cake that had more icing then cookie. She was so excited to open her presents she got her first Barbie, she had to style it up right away. Now every time she plays with her Barbies she has to give them a bath and do their hair.

Decorating for Christmas

It always takes time to decorate for Christmas but this year was crazy. We couldn't find half of our decoration, we had to buy a new tree and all new lights. Between Judd and I we had to go to the store around ten times to get everything we needed. The kids had lots of fun bringing us Christmas Decorations. Judd decided that he was going to decorate the trees and bushes this year instead of the house it took him two days getting everything wired. But he said it was all worth it when Dax went outsides and saw the light and Yelled "Daddy this is Delightful". After one day our tree was halfway undecorated thanks to Chase but is was still a good Thanksgiving weekend. Lets just hope that it won't take this long to decorate next year.

Happy birthday Poppop

We miss you and hope you are having a wonderful day. Happy birthday.

My birthday

For my birthday we decided to go to a local farm in Bellbrook where they do a corn maze each year. My kids love to walk through them and my parents have never been to one. It was a huge maze that had four different mazes ranging for one mile to seven miles. The kids got to pick the mazes that we did and Judd led the way. The first maze we did we wouldn't have found our way out without the map. The second maze we let the kids lead since it was smaller. Then we went on the cow ride where they load you up in these barrels and you get pulled around the farm by a tractor. It was lots of fun. By the end of the day we were all tired and ready to leave. We will definitly go back again.

Halloween

This is our first Halloween in Ohio and it has been pretty. The leave are amazing. The kids love to go outside every day and jump in the piles. Our neighborhood had a Halloween party where we all went over to one of there houses and had soups and let the kids play in the back yard. They had a great time. Unfortunately Judd couldn't be there he was busy trying to get water up to my new fridge, the kit we bought didn't work and he had to go back to home depot twice to get all the right parts. It ended up taking 7 hours but at least it is done and he finished in time to take the kids trick or treating. Here in Bellbrook they designate 6 to 8 pm for trick or treating. I was told that our neighborhood was the place to be so I loaded up on candy and took my place on the front porch. I met a lot of the neighbors but we barely had any kids now I don't know what to do with all the candy. The kids went out for an hour but got tried so Judd brought them back where they sat on the couch and listened to Halloween music and didn't move the rest of the night. Chase on the other hand decided that handing out candy wasn't enough fun, so while I was passing out candy he made his escape up the street. Lucky he didn't make it far when a group of trick or treaters stopped him. All in all it was a successful night. At the end of the evening a fire truck pulled up and all of the kids ran over and got candy from the driver. It is great to live in a small town.

The swing set

Judd did it. He started it when his dad was here and then he worked on it whenever he had any time. I think the kids were a big motivation. Everyday the kids would ask dad when he was going to finish the swing set. Judd finished it Thursday at 8:00 pm in the rain. He made the kids get out of bed and go down the slide in their Pajamas. I guess since he put so much work into it he wanted to be there the first time the kids played on it. Dax was so excited when he saw it the next day while he was eating breakfast. When he got home from School he and his friend went straight to the play set and stayed there till dinner. They love their new swing set.

While we were staying at the Hotel we tried to see the site that we were never able to make time for. We went to the wild animal park and had a great time. It is very different then the zoo here the people are in the cages and the animals roam free. A lot of the animala walk right up to your car and will eat out of your hands. Dax and Annabelle loved feeding all of the animals. Chase hated it. He screamed when the zebra stuck his head in our car looking for food. We drove through the park twice and went to the petting zoo. It was a great day.

Dax's Birthday

Dax's birthday this year was the Sunday after we had moved out of the house. It was a sad day to be leaving our first home where we made so many memories. It was a strange site to see it so empty. It didn't seem to faze the kids they were having fun running around the big empty rooms. Then it was off to say goodbye to our ward family. That night we took Dax to his favorite restaurant Texas Roadhouse where he had his favorite dinner and an ice cream ball as big as his head. After we celebrated at the nearest park that had a workout circuit and an old fashion merry-go-round. I can't believe that we lived here five years and I didn't find this park until we are leaving. We didn't have any presents to open or candles to blow out but that all came later at Grandma's house.

Judd's Graduation

This summer has been a busy one for the Robins' family, and it all started with the event that has been in the works for the last 9 years, Judd's Graduation. It fills so good to know that all of those years of sacrifice have finally led us here. Judd has been a changed man he is around a lot more. He has even relaxed enough to have some fun. We spent some time in Utah while Judd was preparing for the boards. Then Started our trip cross country to Dayton Ohio. Judd was even relaxed enough to take in some of the sites along the way. We stopped at the Grand Ole Opry and at the Louisville slugger museum. It was a good trip. We are now settled into our new house and trying to get in a routine. Dax started soccer and 1 st grade. Annabelle is in Preschool. I now teach group fitness at LA fitness and at Urban Active. Judd just got his Boards back and he passed. I had no questions in my mind but I know he feels better knowing. So Life is good here in Ohio. I can't wait to see what is next.