Happy Two!

Itty Bitty turned two on Monday! Two years ago Easton made his arrival. I still cling to thought that Easton is a little baby. But here he is walking around talking to us. And that kid is loud. I guess with all the other boys to compete with he doesn't mind talking at high volume. Easton is a ball of fun. He loves wrestling and running with his brothers. He loves to sit down and cuddle and read. Easton smiles big and it melts me. Easton also knows how to get into trouble. That kid is resourceful. And very strong willed (keeps things interesting). Happy Birthday Easton!




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California (although not sunny this trip)

Last weekend I spent in California with family (from my Dad's side). I got to spend quality time with my Nana, my aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was a wonderful weekend spent with wonderful people. I do not get to see them often, but it feels so comfortable and right to just be with them. I got to spend one on one time with my Nana. She is a woman full of energy and cheer. She makes me laugh and makes me feel loved.

My Nana and I

The cousins that were there. And yes, I am that short.

January

We have had so much going on since the New Year, and no blogging at all. That is always a bad combination. We have had birthdays, performances, games, and a trip too! So I will attempt to give the update.
I have been putting this off for the shear reason of feeling boring. I am not a writer. Words have never been easy for me. I am better at actions, rather than words. So to do a blog has been both fulfilling in knowing that I am documenting our family; and hard because it reminds me just how much I lack in expression of words. My sole reason for doing this blog was to help my children, myself, and Mark keep our memories more vivid of the time we share together. And that is what I remind myself.

Having said all that...on to life as we have known it this past month.


I turned 34 this year. My brother always asks me if I feel wiser on my birthdays. I always answer with a, "No." But I do however feel wiser than when I turned 30 (at least in some aspects). I guess that is good, to know that getting older brings with it life experiences that teach and enrich.


We made a trip up to the Wisconsin Dells for a few days. Our oldest nephew, Ryan, was able to come out for a visit and we had a great time. Ryan will enter the MTC (Missionary Training Center) this week. He will be serving a two year mission in New York for our church. We will not be able to see him while he is gone, so we thought it would be fun to have him go with us. And it definitely was. The kids adore Ryan. Easton would reach for him when we were holding him, and that is HUGE. Easton goes to NO ONE when we are any where near. We are so glad Ryan got to come.







Mason had his first band performance. Though you can't see it, he plays percussion instruments.

Dallin and Mason also had a piano recital. Which we have no pictures of, but we do have it on our video camera. When we got home after the recital we watched the videos of the last recital and it was pretty exciting for the boys to be able to realize just how much they have learned and improved. I think we'll do that every time they have a recital, just so they can see just how far they have come. Dallin and Mason have a lot of talent for the piano, and not to mention a great teacher who is loving, kind, and expects much.


Mixed in with all this was basketball, and a whole lot of it.






We ended the month with a birthday. Happy 6th Birthday Drew! Drew can be very serious at times, but he is also quick to crack a smile. He loves to laugh. Drew knows just when I need a hug. Drew is quiet when in big groups, but can really be loud in familiar surroundings. He takes everything in. He learns quickly and constantly amazes me by what he takes in by simply watching (like reading and tying his shoes). We worked on tying his shoes for about 10 minutes over the holiday break and then never came back to it until last week. I said Drew, we just have to do this. So we sit down and I asked him to show me what he remembered and he tied his shoes. "How did you do that?" I asked. "I don't know, I just did," was his response. Drew is my cuddlier and I love that. We love you Drew!





Thank you public library for all your cake pans to check-out.

A New Year

We celebrated New Year's Eve with my parents and my younger brother and his family. I was so happy they could all make the trek out. Here's a few pictures of our New Year's Eve tradition - a fondue party. First cheese fondue(I finally found a recipe that I love that involves no alcohol), followed by a chocolate fondue. It is fun to stand around the fondue pot and chit chat about the year past and the plans for the year coming.







Notice Mason's legs down there on the floor. I'm not sure what he was doing, but apparently we aren't too concerned.

Drew is not afraid to get covered in chocolate. Easton is playing with our after meal entertainment. Ever played Pit with eight people? So much fun! Definitely not for the faint of heart.


Happy New Year!

A Merry Christmas

Christmas was sweet this year. We just enjoyed. It was time to be together. To romp in snow, to play in our PJs all day, and most importantly to dwell on the Savior Jesus Christ. We have come to really value Christmas at home.


I can only imagine what thoughts were going through Easton's mind as we stuffed and zipped him into his snow bibs, coat, and boots. He did enjoy the snow. It was our first real snow of the year, so it was Easton's first time that he was big enough to really go out and play.

On Dec.23rd all dreams of a white Christmas were granted. The kids had fun with this pic!

Christmas Eve PJs.

Preparing for Santa.

These next ones are from Christmas morning. After presents was our big Christmas breakfast which includes waffles with strawberries and whipped cream (and a whole lot of bacon). Then a day spent playing with new toys. Santa brought a Wii this year, so we all got a chance with the new toys.

Growing up, after all the presents were unwrapped the kids got in the pile of wrapping paper and a picture was taken, the tradition lives on.

A Bakers Dozen

Last night we went out to celebrate our 13th Anniversary! Life has taken us lots of places we didn't expect, but life is good. And I feel blessed to share it all with Mark. Mark, thank you for all the laughs, support, love, and for carrying me when things are hard. Love you!

Hairs Cut

Easton has had lots of haircuts at home. But this was his first experience at a barber. Despite the tears, he sat still and cooperated really well. Perhaps it's the lollipop that kept him from running from the chair?