Decemberween

I'm still making my way back in time. Since this blog will eventually be made into a book, it's only fair that I cover the biggies for us.

Isaac's birthday party back in November
He had a bunch of new friends join us on a beautiful day at the neighborhood park for "Boot Camp." It was crazy fun, not just because the kids ran wild through all the games and contests in the obstacle course, but also because it's been a while since Isaac's had so much to-do for a party. I think the presents were the most overwhelming part, but he didn't mind. :)


Again, I love his face when everyone's singing to him! Jared had fun playing while decorating the cake. Isaac may look dirty, but it's his camo paint. I think our birthday present to him that day was not doing his hair. You're welcome, pal!


Isaac's creativity unlockedSchool (pre-K) has been great for Isaac. In addition to his learning things I thought I'd already taught him, he's finally doing crafty things there! I'm not too keen on keeping every scrap of paper he comes home with, but we try to take a picture with him each week holding his creations. These are from December. If you look closely, you'll notice the gingerbread man has four arms and a strange candy loincloth...and Rudolph's nose is green and his mouth is tied closed with a bow.


Getting excited about Christmas

Grandma Toni did the Twelve Cards of Christmas for the boys, which they loved. Each one had a different message and usually was accompanied by a certain special something.


Isaac's not the only one coming home with crafts (thank you, Nursery)!


And nobody can pull off Christmas socks that are 8 times too big for him like Noah!

The Night Before Christmas
Too bad we didn't get digital copies of our awesome rendition of the nativity with the Smiths (Noah was the best little sheepie), but we had a lot of fun with them. Then we came home and opened the traditional one present each. Noah's was this awesome hat and some crazy light up shoes that he couldn't stop running around in and exclaiming about. He was so very happy. He even slept in them.


Isaac had to set up his new racetrack right away. We had a lot of fun playing before bed. Needless to say, it was a late night.

Christmas Morning
Yes- we had one, too!



Noah and the shoes

We again got spoilt for Christmas! Nothing unusual about these pictures--except that we're in a new place with an extra babe. Just good times, good memories, and fun stuff.




Isaac and his new hat as well as a CTR ring


It was also fun to see Ellie dig in. (You all know you love my pajamas in every picture...almost as good as Jared's argyles with basketball shorts...).


Noah had to put on his new uniform immediately.

Noah got this awesome Curious George collection with CD and Isaac was in heaven! This is what we found the next morning instead of the usual shouting and pretending. It was silent, except the CD player.

An Interview, a Song, and Some Clapping

The Best Gift We Got

Well, here it is, folks. You've been waiting for it. It's time to report on our awesome week with Noelle (Dec 25 -Jan 1)!

She brought many gifts! Among them was a bag of hand-me-downs for Ellie (thank goodness--that girl was growing out of everything). And, of course, some fantastic costumes from Aunt Bobbie, which are used almost daily around here.






We had us a good old time with Aunt Noelle. She even volunteered to take the camera (and most all the pictures) to nearly every event! Which is why she's not in all of them....

Family Night at the gymnastics gym was fun. We live in an exceptionally social/fun ward where the fun never seems to end. One guy is a gymnastics coach, so about 10 families from church were there, some people showing off, some people learning something new, and every person having a great time. Everybody got to learn to do a back flip (except Noelle already knew how). I've always been afraid to do a back flip.






I love that Ellie even poked her head out for this picture with her aunt. She reminds me so much of Baby Noey a quarter of a century ago! The guys were excited to have matching uniforms (like Dad's) after Santa came. Then they started "training" with Noelle each night. What better person could you find?! She's capable, she's upbeat, and she's creative.


Sea World was the next adventure. Noelle was our excuse to go!



Take a look at my half a face: that Shamu is one WILD kiddie ride!



There were lots of things to see/ride, but we really put a lot into watching some of the many shows. We most enjoyed the dolphin show, the Sesame Street show, and the 3D Polar Express. Since it was the week after Christmas when the memory of the holiday seems like a blur, having Sea World be full to the brim of all things Christmasy was, for me, the perfect remedy! Christmas did not have to be over! Especially since, with Noelle visiting, the celebrating had just begun!



Remember the Alamo? What a cool place to actually go and visit!


It was a little boring holding our place so we could fit into the next tour discussion room, which was really fascinating and totally worth the wait. But, meanwhile, our kids entertained the Japanese tourists and we even played "finger swords."

"Come and take it!" I like that line. No wonder Texans have so much pride.



We didn't get photo documentation of all the good times with Noelle...the running, the singing, the eating, the movies, the planning, the puzzles and games, the quoting, the cooking, the free-pass-to-the-gym-ing, the volleyball social...but everyone was VERY sad when she had to go. What a dirty trick to have a week go by so quickly!






Thanks for coming, Noelle. What a great gift!

(I have since adjusted to--and recommitted to--doing my own dishes again.)