December First

Thanks to my Grandma Hettie, my Christmas loving Grandma who seriously shops for Christmas year round, we get to enjoy the fun tradition of December first gifts. From my Grandma, the gifts usually include ornaments, a fun Christmas decorative item, treats and/or hot chocolate. I've decided to add to the festivities with new PJs for the kids and a new Christmas book, because Christmas stories and attire are so much more fun in December than in January. This year Grandma Hettie also gave the kids new winter/Christmas blankets. The kids had fun snuggling into their beds after such a busy day.

They had been looking forward to opening their fun things, but when the day came it was packed full. There ended up being only about 20 minutes during the whole day when everyone was awake and together. Tom of course had to work, Em had gymnastics, then I had enrichment, so we had to take advantage of our short time together. The kids were so excited to put new ornaments on the tree, and I just love seeing my cute kids dreaming peacefully in new pajamas and soft, fleece blankets.










Abby is getting to really enjoy her bath after which she got to sport a cute gingerbread man as well.

Happy Thanksgiving

We made our way back to the cabin for Thanksgiving this year. I did bring my camera but didn't break it out:( However, when I was taking pictures off I was happy to discover that Emma had taken some for me. She, Ali and Ellie were playing upstairs after our holiday meal, and she decided that it needed to be documented. She's always looking out for me. Thanks, Em.

Ali Marie who is not quite three

Ali is such a joy in our family. Her birthday is coming up soon, and I can hardly believe that she will be three! She can be the sweetest girl, but she's got a mischievous side to her as well. She was a little too quiet the other day, so I went to go check on her. She had decided that one bath wasn't enough and had gotten back in the bath tub to soak her feet.













Then the other night as she was climbing into her booster seat at the table she climbed up and then all the way over the top and down the other side, right onto the tile and right on her head. She got a pretty good bump, as you can see.

Up with the tree

The excitement of the Christmas season has begun!












Is the week before Thanksgiving too early for decorating? Nah.

Snow day

It snowed today and being the amazing girl that she is, Emma went out to shovel the walk.
Truly, she dressed herself in all her snow getup, got out the shovel, and got to work without even asking if she could go outside.
Well, all the kids in the neighborhood must have thought it looked like fun because before we knew it, we had a whole gang out shoveling, playing, and even building a snowman.

















































Emma worked so hard... and this is how I found her later this afternoon when she was supposed to be cleaning her room.














And this is what the kids are currently entertaining themselves doing while I'm typing one handed and feeding Abigail... just for the record.

Afternoon activities...

We decided to let the girls trace and decorate themselves this afternoon. So fun!








































Bentley missed out as he was at school, but got to come home and admire the beauty.















Even Abby had a good time.

Two Months Old

Abigail had her 2 month check up today.
She's currently:
8 lbs. 13 oz. and
23 inches long

Bobcat

You can't tell from the picture, but Bentley has been so excited to receive his Bobcat award. He was so excited to get his uniform, and he is so motivated to complete the achievements and get his Wolf. He is such a handsome scout!!!

Halloween preview

Our ward had a
trunk-or-treat/dinner/carnival
on Saturday night.
The kids loved getting a head start on the candy, and I enjoyed being able to get out after being home so much lately.







This year we have a vampire, a witch, a genie, and a cute little pumpkin.

Baptism Day

Bentley was baptized October 10th, the day after his birthday. It was an especially special day as he had a combined baptism with his cousins, Jacob and Carson. He was excited to have his own scriptures with his name on them and his Grandma Bentley gave him a soft warm blanket with a sweet poem about the Holy Ghost. It was a fun day to watch these handsome boys take a very important step in their lives and to be together as a family.






















Way to go Bentley, we are so proud of you!