Garrett's Birthday

My little Garrett turned THREE! I can't believe he is already that big. His birthday was on Sunday so we celebrated on Saturday by a trip to the Children's Museum. Garrett took his friend, Daniel, and Uncle Jeff (Russ' brother) was also in town and it was so fun to have him along. After the museum it was lunch at McDonald's. It was a fun day. Sunday we opened presents, went to church, and had cake and ice cream.

Garrett is so much fun - here are some of the things I love about him:
-He still loves instruments of any kind and loves to play them LOUD
-He doesn't really like to play with any toys... he just destroys and makes messes!
-He will only eat cereal without milk
-He LOVES strawberries and will eat them for any meal
-His favorite character is Frank from the Cars movie
-He loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
-He loves telling jokes and thinks he is so funny
-He loves reading books...he can actually focus on them for a long time
-He is very independent and says, "I can do it my whole self!"

Garrett has a personality that is larger than life, and while some days it drives me crazy, I love how spirited he is. I'm so glad he is a part of our family!

Garrett wanted a guitar cake - it was my first cake using fondant and I think I'm converted (frosting is too hard!)



Loving his new scooter - he calls it his "red scooter from Toys'R'Us"

Fun at the Children's Museum

It's a GIRL!!

We were thrilled to find out that our baby is HEALTHY and growing perfectly and that it is a GIRL!

The boys have told us from the beginning that it was going to be a sister and they were right. We can't wait for little McKenna to arrive!

Now comes the shopping...bows, bracelets, dresses, shoes, cute clothes...oh, she is going to be spoiled (but just because we don't have any girl things, of course!). Can't wait to decorate a nursery with pink!

Drummer Boy

I found Garrett like this....

...ejnoying his new drum set (and the new found freedom of knowing how to undress himself)

Exciting News....

... anticipated arrival June 15, 2011

Snow Much Fun

It has snowed a few times in Indiana and I have been in heaven! I love the snow and especially close to Christmas. It also makes me feel at home, since I have been missing the Utah snow. The first snowfall the neighborhood kids were out playing and came to see if the boys wanted to join them. Cole and Garrett had a wonderful time and I am so thankful for older neighbors that take such good care of them.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!

The neighborhood snow gang


My little snow bunnies




Sledding behind our house -- so much fun!




Hot cocoa after playing in the snow -- the best way to warm up!

Holiday Traditions

Since we will not be going to Utah for the holidays, I decided to start a new family tradition. Each day I have some sort of activity or treat or something in a Christmas tin that the boys get to open. So far we have picked out a Christmas tree, watch "The Grinch" while eating candy canes, visited Conner Prarie to see the Gingerbread houses, had Christmas activity books, make sugar cookies, and my favorite one was to visit a little town called Zionsville to see Santa.

When we went to Zionsville it was snowing huge snowflakes. I was in heaven and felt all full of the Christmas spirit. There is just something wonderful about the snow! Main Street in Zionsville is paved with bricks and there are quaint little shops lining the streets. We visited the shops and then went to find Santa. The kids got to give their Christmas wishes to Santa and got a candy cane in return. While we were waiting for Santa Garrett saw a group with their bells getting ready to perform. So, we had to return to watch the performance. Garrett was in heaven and enjoyed watching the Bell Choir -- it was more exciting for him than seeing Santa. We also got to go on a little train ride and since there was no one else there, Russ and I were able to ride. It was quite a scene to see the two of us in the cars -- we couldn't stop laughing.

We are loving this new tradition and hope the boys will continue to love it as much as we do!

Downtown Zionsville


Family picture by the Christmas tree...


Ho, Ho, Ho - loving Santa


Riding the "train" - doesn't Russ look comfotable?!






HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Fall is in the Air

Fall is my FAVORITE time of year, so here are a few highlights from our Fall festivities:

Cole's First Day of Preschool (complete with sourdough hot cakes!!)




Hoosier Outdoor Experience (it was an experience -- I took the boys alone because Russ was out of town!)





Garrett's new obsession is bells and cymbals - we have a high volume household! (not really a fall activity, but it is at our house - notice the gloves he is wearing; you can only play bells with gloves on, so he always has a pair nearby!)



Tuttle Apple Orchard -- we've been three times!





Cole's first year of soccer with the YMCA -- Go Wizards!!



Hoosier State Park - at the top of the Fire Tower


The Fire Tower -- all 110 feet and 123 steps


Family picture our hike


Cole throwing rocks into Lake Monroe


Dinner at Mother Bear's Pizza on IU campus - great pizza!