Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve. We had Teddi and LaRon over for dinner and we opened presents from our Smith cousins (thank you!!) and then we acted out Luke 2. (Pictures coming soon.) Next, we frosted cookies for Santa and put oats and water out for the reindeer. So very excited for Santa't arrival!!

Famous Spencer

So, on Tuesday evening we decided to make a fun project that I had seen on a fun website. The website is created by Nathan's boss's daughter-in-law and I just love it. We had to make a few adjustments due to what we had on hand, but the outcome was cute and the kids had a great time making it. We took a picture and sent it to Nathan's boss and then I left a comment on the website telling her how much we enjoyed her idea. Well, now Spencer is posted on the website and we want everyone to check him out on No Fuss Fabulous!!

We LOVE Santa!

On Wednesday, we decided to go say goodbye to Santa one last time before he returned to the North Pole to prepare for his big night. As you can see...We LOVE Santa!!



(Benj has this silly smile right now. He looks like he's not happy, but he really is!)

More Sledding

We had so much fun sledding on Monday that we decided to do it again on Tuesday. This time though we called our friends, The Ball's and asked if we could do it at their house. For the past three winters, we have gone sledding at the Ball's and know that it is SUPER fun for everyone!! Being pulled behind a golf cart around 30 acres with six inches of snow...even Benjamin LOVED it!!

The BEST Christmas Present

I received the BEST Christmas present a little early...Nathan couldn't fly into PDX this morning...so, he GETS to work from home this whole week! What a wonderful present!!! A dream come true!!! We feel so blessed!! He took a little break and went sledding with us. Everyone loved it, but Benj. Oh well, maybe next year.





I didn't take one pictures of Andrew because he spent his time learning how to "snowboard". I'll have to post a video of him. He's doing really well!!

Spencer's Preschool Program

Today was Spencer's Preschool Christmas Program. He sang songs, played instruments and had a speaking part. He did GREAT!!!!! I was so pleased! He also got to see Santa. It was a wonderful preschool program - we love Miss Becky!!!

Sarah's Biography

Sarah presented her class biography today. The assignment was given more than a month ago. She had to chose a famous person and then read several biography books on that person. Then, she was to find important facts about that person and write the facts on index cards. She then needed to take those facts and make them sound as if she was the famous person. She was to gather props, make a poster and a costume to look like this person. She chose Laura Ingalls Wilder. She did an AMAZING job giving her presentation as she was very confident, spoke clear and looked up often from her notes. Her teacher was proud of her and I was especially proud of her!!!! Way to go, Sarah!!

THE Christmas Photo

As promised, here is our family Christmas photo. I'm so happy that we got one picture where no one has tears in their eyes and everyone has pants on. YEAH!!! Thanks again, Dawna!!! We really appreciate you!!!

Santa and Reindeer

Just posting a few pictures of the kids getting to see Santa this past weekend and a short and cold visit to see Santa's reindeer. We didn't do "THE" picture with Santa at this time because we wanted Benjamin to have time to warm up to him. When he sees a picture of Santa, Benj says, "Ho, HO, Ho". I love it!! We hope you are all having a wonderful Holiday Season!!!







(Benj is asleep in the car.)

Catching Up

Wow, do I have some catching up to do. So, here it goes.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving week. I loved having my family here and the cousins couldn't get enough of playing together. I took NO pictures during our fun filled week and I thought my sister, Jayna did a great job describing our Thanksgiving, so if you want to read about it, please click here.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving we got together with Nathan's family to have an Indian dinner and to watch the videos they took while Nathan and his Dad were in India. Nathan's dad got all the grandkids turbans and saris, so the cousins had fun dressing up in them. They had some very interesting experiences and I will try to post some pictures soon of Nathan's trip. (Here is just one of him at the Taj Mahal.)



I LOVE December for so many reasons. I especially love what we do with our advent calendar.

Every day, up until December 25 we do something together as a family. Some of the fun activities we have done so far are...opening a new ornament to put on our Christmas tree,

going to Sarah's piano recital,


(I didn't get Sarah introducing herself and saying that she would be playing, Grumpy Old Troll and Classic Dance.), listening to a storyteller tell the story of "How the Grinch stole Christmas", making reindeer candy canes, picking out a live Christmas tree, going to Powell's Sweet Shop

and decorating a gingerbread house.



Stay tuned for more fun times with our four cute kids!!

Christmas Pictures

My very good friend, Dawna took pictures of our family for our Christmas card. We had some very sad boys that didn't want to have pants on for pictures and who wouldn't be without their blankie. Dispite so much sadness, Dawna was able to get a picture of our family that I am happy to put on our Christmas card. Thank you so much, Dawna!!! (I'm not showing "the one" yet - just the sad ones and maybe a few happy ones.)