Sledding

Prior to our sledding trip today, I had not taken the kids this year because I thought it would be a five person job.  I just remember last year - snow in the boots, crying, lost gloves, crying, tipping over, crying, messy diapers, couldn't climb back up the hill, crying, too cold, crying, etc. Well, as I write this I am still in shock, that we were out there for almost two hours, and not once did anyone cry - not even Allison.  They had the best time!  Cayden did not need any help whatsoever!!  He amazed me!  He climbed the hill, pulling the sled, jumped on, and went for it all by himself - over and over again!  Conner had a great time as well, and always wanted to dive off the sled halfway down the hill so he could roll down the rest of the way.  I was especially nervous since this year the boys are potty trained, but Conner took it upon himself to find a tree, zip down his snowsuit and take care of business.  Fun times!!

Conner taking a rest.

Cayden pushing the tube up the hill.

They slid so far this time, they landed in the park!

If you don't believe how hard Cayden played/worked, just take a look at this sweaty noggin!  Yuck!

Fixin' Stuff

The boys love workin' and fixin' stuff, and one of the best deals I ever got was on this tool bench they love.  (FREE at a yard sale!) Today, Cayden decided to fix the inside of the tool bench, and got stuck.

The cost benefit analysis of a three hour nap

I was feeling pretty lucky this afternoon when I realized Allison had slept for three hours, and I was able to put up our drapes, and visit with a friend.  (Well, I really must give all the credit to Brenda, who hung ALL of them, while I walked around with a screwdriver pretending to help, and occasionally told her when they needed some adjusting. THANKS BRENDA!!)  Then, Allison woke up, and I wondered if the three hour nap was worth it.  She (and her bed) was covered head to toe to hands in the mess from an explosive diaper.  Oh, how I love when my children are on Amoxicillin.  

Here are the new drapes.  After some thought, I think the benefits outweigh the costs - if you can handle the yuck factor.

Is June too late to take down your Christmas tree??

. . . okay, so it is not June yet, but our tree was so dead, and beyond dry that it could have been June.  We actually cut it into pieces to try and contain the mess, and avoid tracking needles all over the house.  In order to remove the ornaments, we had to break some branches that sagged, dried, and petrified around the them.  Now, some of you may see my argument for not putting up a tree when you are going to be gone for over two weeks.  (see earlier post)

Luckily, we convinced Cayden that using the shop-vac is a special treat, and he did a great job cleaning up the mess.

We're Back!

Yes, we are home from two weeks in California!  I have now unpacked our bags, finished 10 loads of laundry, visited the pediatrician (for ALL 3 kids), and have only begun to unpack the loot the kids came home with.  I am seriously debating whether Conner is too old to wrap some of the stuff up for his birthday in two weeks.  I know, this is totally wrong, but seriously, I don't think our house can handle any more toys!  

I promise, there are several posts to come with pictures from our Christmas in California. If only I could find my camera.  I am sure it is packed with the boxes (and boxes, and boxes...) of stuff I have yet to touch.  Until then, here is one from dinner out for dad's birthday. 

My Favorite Girls

New Years day was very special this year because I was able to spend the day with some of my most favorite girlfriends/roommates!! I love you girls and wish we saw each other more!!  It was so fun to see everyone! 

Allie Grace

Allison is growing up way too fast, and I need to write the many milestones during the month of December before I forget . . .

• perfected her crawling skills
  
• overcame her gag reflex eating method
  
• quickly moved to more exciting foods (cheerios, dehydrated apples)
  
• loves her sippy cup
  
• top two teeth came in - this one hit me hard, since the top teeth make her look so much older, so suddenly (her bottom two came in Nov)
  
• pulling up to stand on everything
• said her first word, Mama, and actually knows who she is talking about
  
• crawled up stairs
  
• fell down stairs (I cried!)
• moved into a new car seat (even though she is a petite 16 pounds at nine months and could have stayed in the infant carrier, she hated the carrier, so we made the switch hoping our long drive to CA would be more pleasant)
• spent first night away from Mom & Dad
• got her ears pierced (Keir's idea, I swear!)
• waves hello

Now, if she would only sleep through the night!?!?!?!?  

We absolutely love her!  Here is her first picture with bling.  She prefers her binky sideways and upside down and turns it if we put it in the "correct" way.