Christmas Sunday

Before church this past sunday I made this kids do a little photoshoot in front of our tree in their Christmas get-ups. The boys aren't decked out too much, but I really like Samantha's dress this year. I think it's very elegant and she looked beautiful. Here's some pictures we took. Mind you, this took forever...the boys weren't too into it. It's the best we got!

Cookie Party!

Samantha is one lucky girl. She's able to attend a wonderful preschool with an amazing teacher. This year, like all other years, Samantha's teacher, Ms. Tammy, hosted a Cookie Decorating Party. All the kids, along with their families were invited to come to her house and decorate cookies, make cereal chains for their Christmas trees and play! There was yummy food to nibble on and lots of fun friends. Samantha had a blast! Ms. Tammy also put together stocking for the kids, filled with coloring things, treats, a book, and some other fun stuff. It was a great night!

More Christmas Cheer!

Yesterday for FHE we decided to go to Snowflake Lane, which is held outside, down one of the main street running in front of one of our malls. It's a Christmas celebration held every night with a marching band playing Christmas tunes, a big bear who dances and gives hugs, a snow princess (who we didn't get to meet!) and fun lights and snow that falls from the sky (or buildings, haha!) The drummers give out candy and put on a good show. The kids loved dancing with them and helping them play their drums. Parker even got involved and actually let the Bear pick him up! I was very impressed. We went with our good friends, so we had great company! Here's some pictures of the fun!

Christmas Is Here!

We're in full Christmas mode! The decorations are out, the shopping has started, and the festivities have begun! I love this time of year! We got out all our decorations the day after Thanksgiving and realized, as we started to get stuff out, that our TV was where our tree should be. This turned into a whole rearrangement of our house...again. We like the set-up, so we may just leave it. Anyways, the kids were so excited and were bugging me all day about every little detail. Finally, it was done and they were happy! It looks great! We're decked out inside and out. Jeremy's so good about getting lights up every year. He gets pretty excited. So, here's the set-up...

Samantha did most of the work, while Parker found the train for our village and attempted to hang a few ornaments on the tree. Collin was very excited to see the tree and loved to touch and admire it. We have no tree topper due to our tree being too tall! Sad, but true. I haven't figured out what to do, except bend the top, but that didn't even work!

We've been out to a few Christmas events as well. The first was a Christmas Creche. There were over 500 nativities, with a beautiful choir, refreshments, and some crafts for the kids. It was put on by the church, at one of our Stake Centers, but open to the public. It was so wonderful! The spirit was strong and the atmosphere was just gorgeous. I wish I had pictures.

The second was our traditional visit to Coulon Beach on Lake Washington. Every year they put up a great light display around the park, which they call Clam Lights. It's really pretty and the kids love it. We went on one of the coldest days EVER! Seriously, we've been having some major cold weather, yet so sunny...very deceiving. It was Sunday, so Samantha insisted on wearing her dress. She was freezing. I changed, so I was less freezing, but not by much. We didn't stay long, but long enough to snap a few photos and take a stroll around the dock. Then, it was back home, where we started up our hot chocolate maker and got warm.

It's Official!

Yes, it can really be said...Collin is a roller! He can finally roll over (front to back)! Now I'll quit worrying so much....Now, if I can just get him to stay on his tummy long enough for him to learn to crawl. And, he's lovin' his solids! He's a great eater!

Thankful For Family

This Thanksgiving, I wanted to express how grateful I am for my family. There are so many things to be grateful for in my life, including the gospel, but my family stands out at this time and I couldn't be happier!

This goofy guy makes me laugh daily and brings so much joy into my life. He's an amazing husband, father, priesthood holder, and provider...and so much more. I love you!

Our little girl, Samantha, is growing so fast and is changing daily. I can't believe how mature and smart she is! She makes me so happy and amazes me all the time. I love her sensitivity and the love she has for her friends and family. What a sweet thing!

Our little man, Parker, is such a goofball. He seriously cracks me up! I love his hugs and kisses. He's a crazy boy, but oh so sweet! He brings so much LIFE into our household. I couldn't imagine it without him!

Oh BIG boy, Collin, is a wonderful baby! From day one, he's been so sweet and loveable. He makes me laugh daily and loves to showoff. He's so smiley and happy. We all adore his chubby cheeks and rolly body! He's so cute!

Thank you family! I love you!

I Finally Pulled The Plug!

I finally did one of the most dreaded things I've been needing to do with my 2 year old the other day....I took Parker's binky away, for good. I've tried in the past, but given in with all the crying and begging that went along with it. BUT, not this time. I told myself I wasn't going to give in and Jeremy has agreed 100%, so there you have it! It hasn't been easy. Tonight was especially hard. His binky is what soothes him to sleep, along with his bear he sleeps with. Without that binky, it's been tough to get him to go to bed. I know the next week or so will be tough, but I figure, he'll get over it and my goal will be a success. So, I know he's way too old for it, but he's so attached! That's why it's taken me so long. It's been one of those things nagging at me in the back of my mind for the past 6 months, at least. Anyways, I'm sure he won't be scarred for life and things will be ok. Right???

He's much more handsome without it, don't ya think?

6 Month Check-up

Collin is 6 months now, almost 7. I took him in recently for his 6 month check-up to find out he's an amazing 24 lbs! It's the truth. What 6 month old baby is this big??? Anyways, he's still not rolling over, which is fine for now, but he needs to be soon. If he's not, by 9 months, his doctor says she may have him do physical therapy! For not rolling over? Seriously? Well, this has put me into crazy, "you must roll over!" moods. I've been giving him a ton of floor time, hoping it helps. One thing the doctor suggested was to put him on his boppy for tummy time, thinking he'd use his arms more and eventually use them to roll over. Ya, we'll see. The problem is that since he can sit up now, he HATES to be on the floor lying down. Hates it! Especially tummy time. So, every time I lay him down he starts screaming within 5 minutes, or less. What a stinker. Wish me (him) luck! Here's some pictures I've taken of him on his tummy the past few days.

Hanging out with the Bro.

Not so bad, right?

Still ok with things...

Yikes!

October In A Nutshell...Part 2

Well, we've now made it to Halloween Eve. We went to my brother and sister -in-law's ward halloween party that night. We went last year and the kids really enjoyed it. It was full of carnival games, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, and dancing. Fun for all!

Sam got these lovely teeth from the fishing pond.

Parker attempting a throw at the bean bag toss.

For those of you who pay attention to small details and remember...Parker is wearing last year's costume. He has this cool Superman one that he, himself picked out and he refused to wear it! He wanted to be a dragon...again. If I only would have known. It was way too small and kind of looked silly, but what do you do? It's just a costume, right???

Taylee and Sam being cute, as always.

On Halloween we woke up and went to the firestation that's just down the street from us. They were having a "Haunted Firehouse". The actual firestation was haunted, while the garage part was full of activities for the kids. Face painting, pumpkin carving, and food. Parker LOVES fire trucks and stations, so it was really fun for him. And, no, the kids did not go in the haunted part. Just peeking in was enough for them.

Collin before we headed out to the firestation. Notice his cute bottom teeth!

It was finally time for trick-or-treating! The kids were so excited! First, we went to some houses in our neighborhood that we've been eyeing all month. They had lots of fun decorations and spooky things going on. We had to check it out! I took them out while Jeremy stayed home in his pirate costume and gave out candy to the kids who came by. After our neighborhood we went to our ward's trunk-or-treat. It was fun. A little too dark, with lots of kids = chaos. Oh well. Still fun. We decorated the back of our van to be "piratey", if that's a word. We then came home to our stash of candy and got everyone to bed. Jeremy and I stayed up late eating lots of their candy and corn dogs. Wierd, I know. We also watched scary shows on tv. I'd have to say, overall, it was a really fun Halloween. I expected rain, and we had none! Who would've thought!? It was great. I hope everyone had a good holiday!

My garden fairy

Here's the roaring dragon. Scary, huh?

And, our quarterback.

The best I could get of all 3!

Our stroll down the street for CANDY,CANDY, CANDY!

Hanging out in our trunk after a round of trunk-or-treating. I think they were burnt out.

Too much!

Up, way past his bedtime...