Story Time

We have a family of bookworms now. Jonathan is just getting really interested in books and Matthew is a natural bookworm, just like his big sister. Who better to read them a book than Grandma Ginia?

That's the same book he was reading with Chris. He loves sliding the pieces in the book.

Reading the 'Cricket book'

Jonathan wanted Grandma to read him a book too.

Milk-drunk baby

Such a sweet face!

Christmas Mittens

We had a visitor just after Thanksgiving...Grandma Ginia! Chris and I had planned to go to a wedding in Santa Barbara this weekend, until we learned that Chris had to be in Fallon, NV on both the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday directly after. So he had a whirlwind trip home from Wednesday night until this (Saturday) morning. Grandma Ginia flew in Friday afternoon and gets to stay with the kids and I until Thursday.

This morning we got up to go to breakfast with Chris and take him to meet his ride back to Fallon. Then we stopped by Michaels and picked up a project for us to work on since the weather was making it clear we'd be inside for the remainder of the day. We even got Grandma to help us out!

While the boys were napping I cut mittens out of felt for us to decorate.

We decorated them with self adhesive felt, some pre-cut and some that I cut out.

It was super easy and the kids loved it. They were able to work on their own with out asking for any help.

Grandma said she wasn't creative, but I caught her!

All the finished mittens

I glued them all to a ribbon to make this garland. They turned out great!

All I Want for Christmas....

Santa's not the only one who's busy this time of year...

Clara's keeping the Tooth Fairy in business around here!

I told her I could feed her some baby food I still have left over from Matthew. She didn't take me up on the offer.

All tucked in and waiting on the Tooth Fairy.

Family Pics

With Chris being home for Thanksgiving, we attempted to get a family pic for our Christmas card. I'm not gonna show the one we used, but here's a runner up, and some great pics of the kids.

I love the way Jonathan's holding onto Matthew's legs as if he's actually holding him up on his shoulders!

We stopped at the park after trying to get a family shot and got some great pics of the kids. Matthew LOVES slides!

She's getting so big, and more adventurous!

She showed me how she's learned to go across the monkey bars.

My little Monkey!

Cheese ball!

More sliding...

...and more!

Going for a spin

So pretty!

Taking it all in

He loved being able to climb on the structures on his own.

Matthew

Happy Thanksgiving

This year we spent Thanksgiving with our friends. Chris was even able to come home for a couple days.

The 2 littlest guys: Matthew and Titan (in his snazzy Christmas sweater)

Courtney

The best babysitter ever: Belle w/ Matthew

Hunter, Hope and Briana

Clara (and Jonathan checking out her plate)

Courtney brought cupcakes for the kids

She said they were turkeys :)

Carrie and I

The Bearcat ladies: Cort, Me, Melissa, Hope, Carrie

Jose and Melissa

Bearcat Ladies: Cort, Carrie, Melissa, Me, Hope, Sarah

After dinner, the table was opened up for playing Spoons!

Note the concentration on our faces! This is serious business!

We had a great time. Great food. Great friends. So much to be thankful for!

At the Ball

How do we celebrate no school for the holiday?

By dancing at the ball.

Someday, Jonathan's wife will be pleased that he had a big sister like Clara to show him how to be the perfect prince!

Holding her dress up!

At least they're not arguing for a change!

Clothes Hamster

Clara: Mom, I know what the real name is for the dirty clothes thing.

Me: What?

Clara: (Proudly) It's called a 'Clothes Hamster'

Me: Very Good!

Thanksgiving Party

Matthew and I got to go hang out with Jonathan for his Thanksgiving party today.

All ready for their 'feast'

My little turkey!

Just like at the 1st Thanksgiving: Cupcakes, cookies, chips, PB&J and Caprisuns!

Singing a song about a turkey

Still singing

Matthew enjoyed being able to explore the classroom a little

Mr. Mischief!

Pouting for my benefit

Jonathan's going home, Jonathan's going home.

God Bless him, we love him, Jonathan's going home!

Coolest turkey hat ever!