A Pirate Party

For story time at the library this week they had a pirate Christmas party. A pirate came and read a story, and then the kids made telescopes. It was so funny! Claire would walk around saying "Ahoy Baby." It was so funny. I would try to correct her, but she didn't want to listen to me. Lilly and Heather came with us this week, and they had so much fun. After the library we attempted the mall with 4 kids, but we didn't last long (I don' know how some of you do it!!).



Lilly and Owen looking for other Pirate ships!

Tuckered Out!

This is how Chad and I found the kids yesterday after church. We thought they were being awful quiet.

Snowboarding??

Last week we got a little bit of snow, but the first real snow of the season, and Claire was so excited!! She kept asking me when she could go snowboarding. It was so funny. I kept trying to explain to her that it was sledding, but she didn't care. So, I bundled the kids up, and out they went. They only stayed out there for about 15 minutes, but they had a blast. Claire just loved that Owen could sled with her this year, and was such a nice sister. It is so great when they get along. The tried to go sledding today (we have a lot more snow), but it is so cold that they only lasted a few minutes. I did look out at one point, and Claire was swinging, so she must have enjoyed her time outside.



Claire was so nice and would give Owen a little push when he needed one.

Gingerbread Houses

Last week we went to Chad's parents house for our annual Gingerbread construction project. I have to admit that I wasn't looking forward to it because it is always so messy with the kids. We usually have our house fall down (which it did this year), and it was hard to get the kids to do anything but eat it. It was so much better this time!! The kids had a blast, and we were able to fix our house after a small catastrophe. I am happy to report that our house is still standing, and looks like it might make it to Christmas this year!

Ward Christmas Party

I was asked in church if Grant could be the baby Jesus. I didn't mind, and then I was told that I would have to be Mary and Chad Joseph. I wasn't to excited about that part. Luckily the primary saved me, and just gave our family a narrative part. We had to be a family and Claire would ask questions about the Nativity, and then the primary would sing a song or act out a part. The best part was that all week I tried to get Owen to say a part and he wouldn't. But, when we were using the microphone, he wanted a chance. He finally got it when I wasn't paying attention and said something - it was quite funny.
Santa just walked into the room - Claire happy, Ellie, happy/scared, Owen - not really sure what to think.
Owen wasn't so sure about Santa. Chad had to carry him up on the stage, but after Claire took her turn, he couldn't be left out, or look scared, so he sat on his lap. The best part was that he told Santa he wanted a train. Santa gave him his bag of treats, and Owen got down and dumped the whole thing out. He looked up at me and told me that there wasn't a train in there. He then gave me the bag and wouldn't hold it because there was no train. After that we would ask him if he liked Santa and he would just say that he wanted a train. I don't think he quite understands yet, but hopefully on Christmas morning it will all make sense.
Grant was just tired at this point. It's not that he doesn't like the big guy, he just doesn't care!
Claire loved talking to Santa. She was very excited all day, and wasn't even scared a bit!! A big change from last year. She asked for Princess blocks this year - we'll see what happens.

Can't Get Enough!!

I just thought I would share how cute our little guy is getting. He loves to smile (when he isn't tired or hungry), and is getting so cute!!

We got our Christmas tree up for FHE this week. The kids absolutely had a ball with it, and were so fun to watch. Claire is becoming quite the little tree decorator and makes sure that she tells Owen how everything should be done. They are so much fun to watch this year. Owen gave up on putting ornaments on the tree pretty early on, but Claire lasted until the end. After we got the tree up we put the nativity out and talked about all the people. I just love how much they listen and soak up. They help me to get excited for Christmas.
Owen designated himself as the light tester. He loved to plug them in and make sure they all worked.
Grant loved watching Claire and Owen and loved the lights!

Chad helping Owen reach up high

So proud!!