Playing Around

Ethan has recently discovered the joy of having sets of toys. He's accumulated enough Legos and train track to really make playing a lot of fun.

Yesterday he and I played Legoville for about an hour then he played even more with a friend. He's got lots of farmers, a pig, a chicken coop, a garbage man, a postman, and a fireman. He loves to take turns acting like each one.

He's also amassed quite a collection of Thomas The Tank Engine track, cars, engines, and buildings. I got creative and built he and a buddy a huge track. They loved it and busied themselves for a long time carrying cargo from one side to the other.

After all the hard playing I told Ethan he must have a monster of an appetite and handed over Monster Mouths. He got a real kick out of replacing his teeth with the monster teeth. I thought he looked pretty fabulous!

It's so fun to have him grow into a little bit bigger boy with such a great imagination...Keep pretending pal!

Oh My!

Avery says: Pretty!
Mama says: Pretty naughty!
Bubba says: Pretty funny!

What do you say?

Car Show

Bob and I used to go to the car show every year before we had kids. We took Ethan a couple of times and he really liked getting in and out of all the cars, but when Avery came along we just didn't go for some reason. Well last weekend we took advantage of an extra day off and went.

The kids loved getting in and out of all the cars. Ethan loved the trucks and the "fast" cars. Avery didn't want to be left out or left behind so she'd jump right in and remind us to buckle her in...

We all had a great time and picked out a few cars we wouldn't mind having for ourselves.

Living In 3D

The other day Bob and I took the kids to a 3D movie...Ethan remembered seeing another movie in 3D so he was thrilled to wear the groovy glasses. He sat and watched the movie, laughed at lots of funny spots and totally enjoyed himself.

Avery was pretty excited to sit in the big cushy seats and wear her glasses...for about 5 minutes! She loved the previews, but by the time the movie started she was pretty wiggly. It took a couple of bribery treats and a huge bucket of popcorn, but we made it to the end of the movie.

Luckily we went on a Friday at noon to the dollar theater so we really didn't ruin anyone else's movie going experience...next time we'll have to go after nap time!

The Many Faces of Our Little Princess

Avery has been so cute lately. She loves to dress up, dress herself, make messes, make scary faces and just be one cute little girl.
















Don't you just love her?

Washington For New Year's

We love to take a trip to Gram and Papa's. The drive isn't too long and the kids were great as usual. We had a fabulous time getting together with family....

Uncle Ryan and Aunt Hannah hosted a bonfire hot dog roast. It rained nearly the whole time, but we loved it. There's just something about a fire, a dog and a stick that makes it all worth while. Ethan had a blast running around with Harvey and Lane while Samantha entertained Avery in the back of Aunt Nan's car.

We were lucky enough to make a visit to the Elk Feeding Station, complete with a truck ride into the middle of the herd. It was chilly, but we bundled up and were treated to hundreds of elk stampeding past us after what sounded like gun fire then rushing back when they heard the hay wagon coming. It was exciting.

We spent New Year's with Gram, Papa, Uncle Ry and Aunt Hannah playing games, eating, and having lots of fun. The best fireworks were being shot off just across the street.




It was nice to spend so much time with my siblings and the cousins. Ethan spent a whole day at Aunt Nan's and we all spent time at Aunt Emily's too.

It seems like time flies when we're in Washington so we must be having fun!

A Very Merry Christmas

Our little family had a very merry Christmas. We made the most of the season with a family outing to see the lights at Temple Square.









And a family party to remember the real reason we celebrate. The wisemen were adorable!









It was so fun to wake up Christmas morning and take the kids down to see the pile of presents under the tree and catch a glimpse at what Santa left.

Avery wasn't sure what to think at first, but quickly caught on and kept an eye on brother to make sure she opened as many presents as he did.


Ethan loved the whole day. He asked Santa to bring him a Sponge Bob Shaving Kit...and the old guy delivered. He was thrilled with all of his gifts, but the shaving kit was a huge hit!







After all the toys had been unwrapped and played with we went down to Grandma and Granddad's for a huge feast and more gifts!


Christmas was a huge success! We only wish it could last a little longer!