Max's first movie!

Kyle took the kids to the movie theater with some free passes from work. It was Disney's "Monsters Inc" in 3D (a first for all the kids getting to wear those nifty shades), and Max's very first trip to the movie theater! They all got their little concessions pack of popcorn, drink and candy. What a treat!

Happy St. Nicholas Day

We had fun celebrating St. Nicholas Day with Nana & Poppy, the traditional time that they love to bless their families with their Christmas gifts. The kids were super excited when they saw their NEW SLED, and plethora of crafts which has already been keeping them occupied over their two weeks off from school. We are planning a surprise sledding outing up at the family cabin to try it out this winter!

 

 

 

 

 

All I want for Christmas is my TWO FRONT TEETH!

My big girl lost her two front teeth just in time for Christmas! People keep saying the line to that song to her, and she just looks at them confused... I guess she hasn't heard that one before now :) My smart SIL Mara told me to take lots of toothless pictures, because once the big teeth start to come in, the magical moment is gone and she is suddenly going to look much bigger. So here is some cuteness for all to see... Her talking is the very best, sooooo precious and I will love her forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Her new favorite hairstyle :)

 

 

The little shnook is messing around AGAIN with the baby's toys (after repeated discouragement from Mom). She got stuck under there and I left her there to figure it out for herself (well I also ran and got my camera while she was hollering for me). Ha ha ha ha!!! She doesn't look too upset.

Happy Thanksgiving 2012

I'm squeaking in this Thanksgiving wrap-up, before my Christmas deadline in two days :) We had THE MOST wonderful multi-day celebration with my parents and sister's family, all visiting from the north... We had a large and delicious meal on Thanksgiving (Kyle's turkey was the best I have ever had), a Christmas tree cutting outing (complete with live reindeer, a talk with Santa, hot chocolate, and lots of Oregon rain), gift exchange between all the little cousins (since we won't be seeing them over Christmas), and oodles of fun all mixed in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

decompressing in front of the tv... :) wait, why is Marcus watching a show?!?!

 

Swimming with Max & Maddie

This fall, after a failed attempt in the summer to talk Madeline into doing swimming lessons, she announced one day "I'm ready, sign me up"... Tricky girl, waiting until school is in full swing and there are nap schedules to uphold.

 

However, with this sweet-child-o-mine, I know to strike while the iron is hot :) So, I discussed with her kindergarten teacher, and she agreed it would be ok to take her out of school a little early on Mondays so she could squeak into one of the morning lessons.

 

As I was signing her up, I realized because she is still in entry level class, which is for 3-5 year olds, I could also enroll Max in the same class. Those two little snickerdoodles had the time of their lives together ~ learning to be brave, trying new things, and have the comfort of a sibling in the pool.

 

And guess what?!??! This girl who previously would not even put her toe in the pool over the summer actually PASSED the class and is going on to the next level.

 

Like I said, strike while that iron is hot!

 

Max had no fear, but he will be repeating this class again :)

 

 

 

Marcus - months four and five

It's not like there are many different captions for this cute baby boy. I just never want to forget his sweetness, his huge smile, his "surprised face", his darling little rosy cheeks. And... even how he still flips his wig occasionally, despite large amounts of kissing from Mom. Love him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Madeline the Cute

My girl is getting glasses! A necessity, and now an adored accessory... Love her stylish ways and precious face. I'm sure glad she can see better, and be happy about wearing her new specs :)