Merry Christmas (Eve)

We spent Chrismtas Eve at the Hilton's house. Grandma Heidi made a delicious feast, the uncles entertained my kids and Grandpa Steve planned a lovely devotional. After our tummies were stuffed and our spirits were lifted, we drove through a couple of neighborhoods to see Chrismtmas lights.

When we got home Carter helped me put out some cookies and egg nog for Santa, as well as a handful of carrot sticks for Rudolph. Carter was pretty excited for Santa to come...I am pretty sure he did't fall asleep until after 9:30 pm. He came out of his room at least twice to tell me that he was going listen for Santa so he could come down and say "hi". Here are a few pictures from the evening as well as a picture of Carter sitting on Santa's lap at our church Christmas party a couple of weeks previous.

Kirk playing some dinner prelude music, Grandpa Steve on the guitar during the Christmas devotional, and Carter playing with grandma's vacuum.

Little Tay getting into some mischief and here is a picture of Drew and I.

Carter on Santa's lap...asking for a sled & crane. Carter even brought Santa a "candy bar" (it was really a chocolate chip granola bar) but hey-the thought counts! Very thoughtful, Carter! We didn't push our luck with Tay this year. She wouldn't let us put her down any where Santa.

We hope your Christmas is wonderful! Drew took this entire week off....we can't wait to spend time with him and hopefully we'll be a little productive as well.

Christmas Pictures

Taking pictures of my kids can be very frustrating for me. Carter is easy...he always has a big happy smile ready for the camera. Taylor is a whole other story. It is nearly impossible for her to cooperate for pictures. Here's our attempt at Christmas pictures this year...

We're off to a terrible start...Tay is mad and I forgot to cut the tag off of Carter's new clothes!

The one and only real smile from Tay...she is actually saying "please" for a snack.

Here's our second attempt...after Tay's nap. I think she was even grouchier and here come the fireworks from Carter as well!

Poor Carter. He is always so good for pictures but this time Tay and I have worn him out.

As soon as I took her Christmas dress off and her blanky was in hand...she was a happy girl.

Going Green

Drew and I recycle. We could probably do better at it but I think we are making a good effort. I try to make a conscious effort to talk about taking care of the earth with Carter. I really want my kids to respect what Heavenly Father has given us- our beautiful earth is just one of those things. Setting the example through recycling is something really easy that we feel we can do. A few minutes ago Carter was playing with a large rubber band and it broke. I said "Oh dear. Throw it away." Carter then looked at me and said, "Let's recycle it! Let's turn it into something new....a motorcycle! Ya- I need a motorcycle!" Hmm. I guess I have some more teaching to do.

Carter & Tay at Play

Here is my sweet Tay with such a happy smile. I think she looks like Drew in this picture. She is talking more and more these days but her favorite things to say are "eeeee" (please) and "dah doo" (thank you). It is very cute! I am sure it is only time before she is saying "no" and "mine".

Carter is whipping up something delicious in our pretend kitchen area. It is fun to watch him play with his preschool buddies. The two older kids have really helped his imagination. Their favorite thing to do during play time is pretend they are animals....pets....usually puppies. Taylor even pretends to be a doggy from time to time.

Carter is acting silly (of course!) and Tay's giving him a "you're crazy" look. Hilarious! Most of the time they play together pretty well. I love walking in on Carter trying to "teach" her something. I am glad they are not closer in age...I would really be in trouble! Who knows what Carter would have her doing.

First Snow of the Winter

It finally snowed a couple of weeks ago. It only lasted a couple of days but it did stick! I think Carter was ready to shovel as soon as the sun rose. I promised him that we would go out and play in it as soon as preschool was over. He couldn't wait and put on his snow boots and coat, found a kitchen spoon and some little trucks and went to work on the balcony. Drew got a picture on his camera and I'll have him post it soon. Anyway, as soon as preschool was over we went out to shovel.

Carter would shovel all day if I let him!

Tay didn't last as long outside as Carter did.

But she did like watching the snow fall from inside!

November 2007

This is a little late but I guess that is the story of my life these days. November was a good month but it went very fast. Carter was able to get some good playing in with his friends before it got too cold (not that Virginia is ever too cold!). We spent a quiet Thanksgiving with Drew's parents and youngest brother, Jeff. I also attended two births in November. The first of which was at 3:35 am Thanksgiving morning. Here is a picture of the potato turkeys my preschoolers made.