Christmas 2011

{Christmas 2011}We had a great Christmas! All 4 kids are at such a fun age...especially Abby and Bryson being 5! They were soooo excited when they went to bed. I know they were sneaking around at 4 am peeking at the presents...they didn't open them. But Bryson had picked out his car package and knew it was a car. I guess they finally went back to bed and then we all woke up around 8:30! (I'm sure that won't be the case in the coming years!)

It's crazy how fast the opening of presents goes! We tried to take it slow...but they were just too excited!

I like to have some "special" presents under the tree. This year I made an "I Spy 2011" book for our family....it was a huge hit! They love the pictures and pictures of our ikea stuffed rat hidden on each page!

{Christmas Morning Breakfast}I love this tradition. We set the table the night before to have a fun breakfast with just our little family. I always make something special. This year's menu: eggs, hashbrowns, hot cocoa with whipped cream, cinnamon rolls, fresh OJ, and bacon. Abby was thrilled to get boy/girl bitty twins this year, along with beds and a little doll table and chairs (that she shares with Hallie). I was so excited to give these to her. Other fun things Abby got were: Litebrite, princess barbies, Cat pillow/blanket, Princess pig piggy bank, and a Microphone from Brian that she has been wanting! (she loves to put on shows for us!)

Bryson was THRILLED to get his "red polka-dot" (VW Beetle) car, Batmat Trios, Litebrite, blue jeep, Dog Pillow/Blanket, dog piggy bank, and a Baseball mitt and ball from his dad.

Hallie LOVED her pink polka-dotted pram stroller and couldn't get enough of the two princess babies (Rapunzel & Cinderella), under the tree! She kept talking to her little princess babies and saying "come here Sweetheart." She was kissing them and pushing them around all day! She also got an elephant pillow/blanket.

Logan was so funny! HE loves to open presents...he didn't care who's it was...he wanted to open it! He loved his new train set and trains and couldn't get enough of the cupcake set Hallie opened. He played with the cupcakes for hours. Logan also got a Giraffe pillow/blanket set.

This year Christmas was on a Sunday...which was pretty special. I loved the music at our Sacrament program...even with our crazy 4 little ones. I'm glad we got to go take the Sacrament on Christmas and think of our Savior.

We then were able to visit with my parents after church and Abby and Hallie love the tinkerbell and Rapunzel dresses from my mom. Logan and Bryson got Legos and Trios-they LOVE building things. Later that evening, we went to Orem to see Brian's family. I wish I had pictures...but I was so tired. We had fun visiting with Brian's siblings, parents, nieces and nephews. WE are so blessed to have such amazing families that helped make this Christmas so great!

Christmas Eve

{Christmas Eve 2011}
The night began with a yummy turkey/ham dinner with my family followed by our Nativity with the kids. Abby was so excited to be Mary this year and hold the baby Jesus. Kylie, Lily & Hallie were Angels. Jett, Derek, & Blake were WiseMen. Ethan was Joseph & Logan and Bryson were cows (that's what Bryson told my mom he wanted to be this year when she asked.)

It was chaotic and dysfunctional as usual...but so sweet at the same time. I think this is one of my favorite traditions.

Then it was bed time at home. We put the kids in their Christmas jammies, and we sang songs by the tree. We watched "Joy to the World" (a story of Christ and the Nativity put on by the Church). I loved that Hallie and Logan could point to Jesus during the show and say "Jesus." It was a sweet moment.

We also set up the table for our special Christmas morning breakfast, and set out our cookies and thank yous to Santa and our Elf Franklin. After that, we all went outside and sprinkled reindeer food on the grass (oatmeal). The kids got a kick out of this. They said their good-byes to Franklin (he goes back with Santa to the North Pole and returns again each Thanksgiving). They have loved looking for Franklin each morning and its so cute when Hallie and Logan see him and say "Hi Franklin!"

After Hallie and Logan went to bed, we tracked Santa online with Abby and Bryson and watched a special video he had sent each of them telling the kids they were on the "nice" list. Well I thought it would be funny to send one to Brian saying he was on the "naughty" list....Abby and Bryson were so upset daddy was on the "naughty" list...so we had to fix that. It was hilarious to see Abby and Bryson's expressions when they were watching Santa talk to them and say their names....priceless!

After much chatting upstairs, Bryson and Abby finally fell asleep...and we were finally able to be Santa's helpers....I felt sneaky! I couldn't wait to see their expressions in the morning!

Merry Christmas

{Merry Christmas 2011}

{Visiting Santa}

For family night, we went to visit Santa at the new Farmington Station. They have the cutest Santa house!

Hallie was not having it...she was scared of Santa...so we got a family picture with Santa instead of the 4 kids...

Abby and Bryson loved Santa this year...(I think they did last year too, but not the first few years)

Abby asked Santa for twin babies and a microphone ("to do shows").

Bryson asked for a "Red Polka-dot Car" (VW beetle car)

Hallie just wanted to get away...although at the end after she calmed down...she kept giving Santa "high-fives."

Logan was slightly cautious...but was ok to sit by Santa as long as we were near.

{Thanksgiving 2011}

{Thanksgiving 2011} We have a lot to be grateful for...

Thanksgiving Dinner...we loved being with my family this year and feasting together!

But the best part is hands-down, Indian Dancing with Grammy Joan. My mom is so fun...she always get the kids dressed up in Indian gear and dancing to her Indian music. They love "Go My Son" & the "Buffalo Hunt." All the adults get a huge kick out of it! Even the little 3 cousins (Lily, Hallie and Logan) got into it this year!

On Thanksgiving night, one of our little family traditions begins...when we get home from Thanksgiving dinner, we have a visitor arrive...FRANKLIN or ELF on the SHELF. Abby and Bryson were anxiously awaiting his arrival. They found him in our tree! And, each year Franklin leaves some Christmas Jammies for the kids to wear all through December. He hid the wrapped up pajamas around the house! All the kids loved finding their package!

{Abby & Bryson-5 Years Old}

{October 29, 2011}

Abby & Bryson are 5! When did this happen, seriously. 5 year olds are so much fun. I feel like once they are 5, you can do so much more...we can go on fun outings, have conversations, teach them a lot of new things, and just truly enjoy quality time. I love how curious they are, how they question everything (sometimes I don't like that:) We love our Abby and Bryson so much. At times I feel like I am a bit harder on them because they are the oldest, and they had to be put on the back burner at times with new babies and now 2 year olds. I am so grateful for what great kids they are! So lucky to have these two!

{ABBY}

5 year stats:

44 inches tall (79%)

38.4 lbs (41%)

Sweet Abby at 5 years old:

loves to help around the house . loves dance, tumbling & ballet . still loves her baby dolls . LOVES to write letters to others (especially her preschool friends) . Loves to go on special dates with mommy and daddy . is reading and doing great . so smart and a great learner . loves preschool . excited for kindergarten next year . adventurous . loves to put on shows (with her ukelele) for her family . loves primary . loves to wear cute outfits . strawberry-blonde and big blue eyes . makes her bed . independent . loves to have playdates with friends . loves turkey wraps, chips & cheese . loves to SING . loves the moving Tangled . loved to play soccer this fall and have a pink uniform #19 . quite a go-getter . best LAUGH ever . shy around people she doesn't know well, but definitely not shy at home . such a sweet girl . great sister . we love her so much and so lucky she is ours

{BRYSON}

5 year stats:

44 inches tall (72%)

39 lbs. (37%)

Bryson at 5 years old:

BEST smile . always up for fun . funny sense of humor and makes us laugh . loves soccer and scored points for his team this fall . still pretty attached to mom and dad, keeps getting better . doesn't want to go to kindergarten next year . loves preschool . drawing dogs . loves playdates with friends . quite a homebody . loves to go on special dates (especially with dad) . dad is his "best guy" . so smart . reading (and such a great little reader) . loves primary . loves all carbs and fruits (all things sweet) . says funny things . still loves dogs and polka-dot cars . gets excited for fun outings . loved going to Lagoon . loved swimming and did a great job at swim lessons . loves to build Legos and Trios . likes movies and snacks . great big brother . so sweet to hallie and logan .
so curious and asks l0ts of questions . such a sweet boy . we love him so much!!!

{Hallie & Logan-2 Years OLD!}

My Babies are 2! It is oh so bittersweet....sweet because they are so cute, so much fun, talking, and add a lot of personality to our home. Bitter because they are growing so fast...too fast. Don't get me wrong, 2 year olds are quite the handfuls...but I'm so glad they are mine. I love kissing them, playing with them, watching them learn and enjoy new things...we all just get a huge kick out of Hallie and Logan.

This time around, its fun to see Hallie & Logan interact with older siblings. They seem to grow even faster since they are always trying to do what Abby and Bryson do. My heart often melts as I see Abby helping or playing with Hallie and Bryson with Logan. I can't imagine not having these 4 kids...even though times get crazy!

Here is what Hallie & Logan are up to at 2 years old!

{HALLIE}

2 year stats:

34 inches tall (55%)

25 lbs. (27%)

24 thing about Hallie at 24 months:

1. Says that is "SO CUTE" (love this!), says "hold you" (when she wants us to hold her), says "help you" (when she needs help)

2. Such a girly girl...loves all thing girls!

3. Has a sassy side and often tells people (her mom) to "go away" or "stop it," even random people at the store!

4. Hops! She is the best hopper! loves to do tricks (sommersaults) and says "watch me mom!"

5. Always talking as we drive in the car...and singing random songs or words.

6. LOVE mac n' cheese, or fettucini (from the olive garden) NOODLES!

7. Loves to play with babies, especially her princess ones.

8. Just gave up binki...but loved it soooo much!

9. Still loves her soft pink blanky (calls it de-de or deeders)

10. Loves to name all of our family members in photos on the wall.

11. Talking so much, says 4 or 5 word sentences sometimes.

12. Quite the little dancer, when music is on, she shakes her little hips.

13. Hallie HOO is her nickname...sometimes just HOO

14. Carries around a little purse and pretends to go to the grocery store and gives us kisses goodbye & also says "love you bye"

15. Sings "Happy Birthday to you" and changes it for each person (Gammy, mommy, Logan, etc.)

16. Loves her Jingle and a tower and takes them to bed with her.

17. So curious and loves to be included in all the activities.

18. Finally goes to nursery without crying....and LOVES it!

19. Loves songs "wheels on the bus, twinkle twinkle, row your boat, etc."

20. Puts tutus on all day long! Loves to run around in puffy tutus!

21. Busy body...always on the move!

22. Gets so excited when daddy or mommy comes home!

23. So smart...loves puzzles, shape sorter, counts to ten, & LOVES books.

24. Sweet, sweet girl...we LOVE so much! She gives lots of kisses, with her pursed up lips and then leans her little head towards us and says "hug hug"

{LOGAN}

2 year stats:

34 inches tall (38%)

26 lbs. (24%)

24 things about Logan at 24 months:

1. When we ask "Where's Logan?" he says "Right Here!"-IT IS SO CUTE!

2. Does a strange elbow dance...love this.

3. Knows tons of words, speaks in sentences...was our earliest to talk, and talks a lot!

4. Picky eater...we keep trying!

5. Gave up the bink at 18 months-with no problem, which was a surprise because he loved it!

6. Many nicknames now-"Logs-a-bogs, Logers-B-Gogers, B-gogs, Gogan, Logs-a-b-goags!" Too many, he just is fun to give nicknames to!

7. Still loves mick and his blanky, (but loves his blanky more)

8. LOVES shows, especially Dora. "Show" was one of his very first words-that should tell you how much he loves them.

9. Has the best laugh, especially when you tickle his neck.

10. Loves LEGOS, and building towers with dad (for a while he would sleep with his Lego towers)

11. He loves books!

12. Logan loves playdoh (in his highchair)

13. His favorite foods are: Danoninos (little yogurts), & Crackers (he is constantly asking for crackers), mini carrots and ranch, smoothies (we hide the good stuff), peanut butter sandwiches, & juice

14. Says "I love you" randomly

15. Tricks us as bed time, keeps asking for things like a hug from dad, mommy, etc. to get out of his crib

16. Has a crib tent...thank heavens for that...he climbed out at 14 months!

17. Comes up and gives me random hugs and loves...such a sweet boy.

18. Loves nursery, came home from nursery wanting to play the games and sing the songs he learned.

19. Loves and requests "ring around the rosies and duck, duck goose"

20. Loves outings, quite the explorer!

21. So smart, counts, know some letters, loves puzzles and the shape sorter, and catches on quickly to things.

22. Does the absolute best sommersault!

23. Gives the sideway glance randomly...it is hilarious!

24. Such a special part of our family! He makes us laugh & makes us so happy!