New Years in Richmond

For New Years, we headed to Richmond to spend a couple days with Jamie & Kristin and their family. Grandma & Grandpa as well as Chase came over to hang out and play games all night! The kids played non stop and had a great time. So much fun that we took very few pics. We got to take them to the Richmond Children's Museum, a zoo/park area that we saw a few animals and the kids got to enjoy climbing on huge rocks and running free, then of course lots of play time together at the house. We love having cousins so close to enjoy!

Boys - Buddies

My Boys are Buddies! They love to play together and instead of coming to me to ask me to play, come to ask where the other can be found. I love their companionship, what they learn from one another, and most of all how crazy and fun they are when they are together!

I love you boys! Never stop appreciating each other!

**This is Ethan's Christmas Hot Wheel Track**

It's Christmas Time!!!

We had a wonderful Christmas!

The boys were thrilled on Christmas morning to have received exactly what they were hoping for from Santa. A wall Hot Wheel track for Ethan, a train for Tanner, and a doll for Sydney. We enjoyed some family time that morning opening our presents from each other and putting everything together.

After we all got ready for church and enjoyed celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. After church my Grandparents and Dad were able to come over and spend some time with us and have a nice lunch together.

Then we were off to Chris's parents for time with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. We had a delicious dinner together and at the end of the day were glad to have family to enjoy!

Love you all and Merry Christmas!

Pictures galore...enjoy!!

A Few Misc December Pics

We headed over to Bedford for a visit to the Elks Lodge "drive thru" light show. Lots of growing up memories for me and it seems after all these years...it hasn't changed much. Same displays, same lights, same randomness. It was fun and the kids enjoyed the fun scenery and Christmas spirit.

I was so excited to get a "so tired I can't even stay awake to eat" shot of Sydney. Pretty sure I have one of both of the boys too. Hopefully that doesn't mean I'm just too distracted that they stay in there too long. :)

We always LOVE making friend and neighbor treats for Christmas. It's so much fun making and delivering the special homemade treats. This year was no different. We went with our classic Cinnamon Rolls that I absolutely LOVE!

Sydney at 7 1/2 months - Sitting up like a champ! Check out that posture!

Love this adorable little girl!

Bounce Bounce Bounce

We've got a brand new kid spot in town!

Bounce About is an indoor bounce house, a big room filled with bouncers. My kids were in heaven! They took off and were gone for hours. Tanner kept right up with the big boys and had the best time bouncing til his little heart was content. Ethan was as adventurous as ever and just loved having so many friends there to play with.

Gingerbread Houses -- Take 2!

So our 2nd attempt to make Gingerbread houses came out a little more "homemade" than last year. Definitely see the kids handiwork and unfortunately our attempt to actually use frosting instead of hot glue to keep it together left us with a less than reliable roof. Next year I really need to be prepared in advance instead of trying to rush through the construction and decorating. I also think I'm going to use graham crackers and candy we actually like to eat instead of the pre-made ones. Best of all we loved the company.

Ethan is a Star!

This Christmas season, Ethan got to be a STAR!

Before preschool let out for the holidays, the kids put on an adorable Christmas program. Ethan was the cutest Red Fox on the block. He even had the ONLY solo speaking part in his class:

"Wake Up Santa, Wake Up!!"

What a proud Mother. He was so excited to be up there singing songs, quoting cute little poems and standing with his best buddy, Bodie (Santa.) It was so fun to have his Great Grandma, Grandpa Joe, and even Nana & Papa were here for his performance. Way to go Ethan!

The same evening we had our Ward Christmas Dinner. After a delicious dinner, the primary kids put on an adorable rendition of the Nativity. Ethan got to star as one of the Wise Men (cute little one in the center.) He loved the chance to be up there with all the kids. He loves feeling like "one of the big kids." Way to go, Ethan!

Basement Play

The home that we're renting from our friends, the Bingham's, has a huge unfinished basement. Half of it is full of storage and there is still room for a super fun "bike rally" play area. My boys love it, as do I! It's the perfect space for them to ride around, play creatively, and get their energy out during the cold winter months. Tanner recently got a new bike that he has gotten ridiculously fast on. He can't quite reach the petals so he rides "Fred Flintstone" style with his legs going so fast you can hardly see them.

Thank goodness for my sister, Kendra, who when visiting in December took pictures of them playing downstairs. I can't believe I still haven't taken pictures of this house. I feel like I never remember to until it's almost time to move again...we are nearing our 2 year mark which means on our ridiculous Moving clock, time to move again!