Ringing in the New Year

New Years was great. This is my first attempt at using the video feature on my camera, it is short and dark, so hopefully I'll get better. We had a party at the Chavez household with a benefit concert to help with medical bills for the Poore family. They have had a really rough year, medically speaking, and we were hoping to help. It was a small framily party and we still managed to donate about $500 to their family. Casey's band "Hard Eight" and "Angel Street" both played. The kids had fun with the noise makers. All in all it was a very good start to 2009. Hope yours was a good one, too.

Kathy and Colleen mixing up the "bubbly"!

Kristi showing off her dance moves.

Me, Mary, Stacy, Kristi, and Traci and our usual girl pic.

The kids getting in on the fun!

Well the weather outside is frightful....

Another successful Christmas here and gone. Sorry to say, I am glad to have it over, but it was fun while it lasted. I didn't get to bed till 2 am and Dalen talked Kenna into coming in our room at 5 am to see if we were ready to open presents. Being the scrooge that I am, I turned her away and told her I had till 6am when Grandma and Grandpa got here. I laid there and finally decided that in order to have a productive Christmas morning I had better have the coffee ready for Casey and the old folks. So after making the proper morning arrangements and waking Casey and Kenna (Dalen of course was just laying on his bed staring at the door) the festivities began. Of course the stockings were first with Dalen practically throwing everything out on the floor and asking what was next and Kenna savoring every moment, knowing it never lasts long enough. After the presents were opened, Grandma, Kenna, and I retired to the kitchen to fix homemade cinnamon french toast and bacon. The boys were busy playing the new DS games and removing everything from their child (and adult) proof packaging. Grandma and Grandpa headed home to let out Rocco the rat dog and prepare for round 2. So bravely trudging through the horrible weather we made our way next door where we were greeted by puppy licks and a whole new pile of unopened presents. Of course the kids dove in to their stockings (yes they get stockings there too). Then came the "family" gift. The kids began tearing into their parts to find a bunch of Wii games, but we don't have a Wii.......and then began the screaming and jumping. We are now boxing in the living room and moving the furniture to accommodate our new virtual bowling alley. We then packed up our new toys and headed back out into the storm for a little R & R at home. Of course we didn't get any rest with a Wii to play with. So after playing with all the gadgets and some much needed hygiene we headed back out in the snow to visit Aunt Kelli and Uncle Tim and a quick stop at Grandpa Gene and Grandma Chris's before it was back home for dinner. A little more unpackaging and playing then it was finally time to collapse (at 8 pm!!!). Wow do we know how to party or what!!!

Christmas Eve Party at the Hite's...

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the dwelling, there was a big framily party raging, and the decibels swelling.

The Hite family household was ready to rock with the sounds of band noises, gossip and talk.

Ma in the garage with Lucy the dog and John in his usual Crown induced fog.

Traci is sure to keep the house running, so all us degenerates have a place to keep coming.

Kids with their new toys, racing round the Christmas tree, and Kathy's cackle infused with sarcasm and glee.

Gordon can be found in the kitchen with the Mikes, and Kristi in conversation with whomever she likes.
The girls with new boyfriends meet us for the first time, find out having fun still isn't a crime.

With white elephant gift giving, hugs, and kisses galore we hope the next year will be as special as this one before.

The Girls

Kaden, Gage, Weston, and Lucy

Kristi with her favorite gift ever!!!

The gangs all here!

Casey and T-roy

Cute kids in love!

Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!!!

Fight Night

Joel, Andy, Brent, Tammy, and Casey engrosed in pre-fight coverage

So last night was the long awaited return of Oscar De La Hoya. Yes I know it is a little strange to be a girl and enjoy boxing but I love it. We always make a big deal out of the Pay Per View fights. We also pay $2 and draw rounds. If the fighter wins on the round you drew, then you win all the money that was paid for the rounds. Casey and I bought 5 rounds. Needless to say, with De La Hoya throwing in the towel in the end of the 8th round, Kristi won. Which was fitting since she sacrificed her house for the event. Pacquiao was quicker and proved to be the better man last night. As always we had a great turn out and a great time.

Kristi, Me, and Colleen in our gossip circle

Darrin, Angie, and Stacey enjoying the festivities downstairs.

Kathy and I, saying cheese!

Blue Ribbon Winner

Thursday night, Kenna competed in her first 4-H cooking competition. The kids were required to put together a place setting and cook their favorite food that a judge would be tasting. McKenna made our family favorite, Mexi-tot casserole. She made it all by herself. We picked a western theme place setting since it sort of went with the ethnicity of the casserole. They had a blast. She had several friends there that were also competing. She was up against 16 other contestants. Kenna won a blue ribbon and got 98 out of 100 points. She was only marked down for a lack of eye contact with the judge while she was being questioned. It was a great experience and now she is really loving 4-H.

McKenna's place setting

Talking to the judge.

Aspen setting up for the competition.

Megan's place setting, chocolate torte.

The Hooper Aces.


Mexi-Tot Casserole


1 lb ground beef
1 large can of enchilada sauce
1 small can diced green chilies
4 tsp taco seasoning
1 can black beans
frozen tater tots
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease casserole dish with cooking spray. Line bottom of dish with frozen tater tots. Brown beef in large skillet. Drain grease. Add enchilada sauce, drained beans, taco seasoning, and green chilies. Cook on medium heat till bubbly. Pour over tater tots and top with shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 25-30 min.