Cole Turns FIVE!

Cole's birthday was so much fun! He just turned FIVE and for some reason that seemed like a big deal to me. Could it really have been five whole years since he was born? Where has the time gone? I am trying to get myself prepared for this fall when he starts Kindergarten and then the next year will be full day first grade and then before I know it he will be leaving on his mission. Can't time just slow down a little?

Cole had a small birthday party with a few friends from the ward. The theme was LEGOS -- his newest obsession. We played "Lego" (aka - Bingo), had a guessing jar full of legos, built legos that the boys got to take home with them, a balloon popping game, and had cake and ice cream. It was simple, laid back, and lot of fun.





Cole is such a special little guy. Each night when I tuck him in (after he's asleep), I can't help but kiss his cheek and try to remember his at each phase. He has always seemed older than his age to me - he must has a mature spirit in his little body. Here are some fun things about Cole:

-He is an adventerous eater and has recently enjoyed shrimp, crab legs, and crepes
-He is an amazing reader - reading on a second grade level (which is great when he can read anything he wants, but bad when he can read everything like things in the newspaper or on the TV that I would rather not have to explain yet...)
-He is "into" Legos and Star Wars (I hate Star Wars, so I think I'm being cursed!)
-He is very affectionate and is always giving hugs and kisses (and got in trouble at school for trying to hold hands with classmates -- he is so tender hearted)
-He has a stubborn streak in him and when he puts his mind to something, you better look out!
-He loves playing his Leapster and computer games (especially starwars.com and pbskids)
-He LOVES playing games -- UNO, Battleship, Yatzee, Jenga, Chutes and Ladders -- and is really good at them too! He beat me at Battleship the other day and usually wins at UNO.

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!!