Super Sledders!

Dave and Grant went sledding this weekend with some neighbors for a church activity. It was Grant's first time truly decked out in his winter get-up. I think he looks dashing!
I think he was pretty pleased with his speed on that last hill! Or maybe he was just pleased with how delicious the hot chocolate was after!
Daddy sporting his Goonies beanie that claims Goonies never say die! A shout out to Sloth...Hey you guys!

Porter, Grant, Sophie and Robby taking a breather after tackling some pretty rugged terrain.

Katelee has had a bit of a cough, so we kept her inside. Good thing she didn't know what she was missing.
When they came home after the activity, we were looking for the camera and Grant said, "Where's the camera?" We looked for a second and he said "Kelsey took it." Kelsey is our neighbor. She is Sophie's mom. I told Grant I didn't think she took it, and he repeated, "Kelsey took it," Clearly exasperated he says, "I don't believe it." Finally, the camera was located, and now Grant is no longer angry with our neighbor. So, the sledding expedition was a success!

Winter seclusion

For many people, January is their least favorite month of the year...the holiday happiness seems to have passed...it is bitter cold out in many parts the country...and according to the paper, the most depressing day of the year is the third Monday in January. I try not to take offense to that since that day has fallen on my birthday a few times that I can remember! As a January born Aquarius, I have to disagree. The snow is beautiful, I love cuddling in a blanket and drinking hot chocolate. But, I do see the challenges that January brings. We are in our house nearly all day everyday. Yesterday we had a play-doh sculpt fest while Katelee slept, we had a cooking experiment, we had music time today, story time, and now I am ready for the "kids entertain themselves while I read a book time"...but that is not so realistic! Anyway, we are making the best of it!

We were in the kitchen being serenaded by Michael Buble when the "How Do You Mend a Broken Heart?" song came on. I was singing it to Grant and he said..." Oh, a broken heart, yea." He leaned in and kissed me and then said, "Chicken nuggets." So, there you go folks. Maybe the cure for the January doldrums, a broken heart, any sort of hardship is chicken nuggets! Or maybe I just discovered that Grant will be an emotional eater like his mommy!

Grant's new phrase that he likes to spout off is, "How dare you mommy!" It is funny, but don't let him know that. He is not supposed to say that anymore. Katelee is just keeping herself busy tearing my house apart. She feels that it is her duty everyday to pull every book off every bookshelf and empty out any drawers. Why do I let her do that? you may ask...because that means I have a few minutes she is not pulling on my leg for me to hold her, and she enjoys it...no harm done. Anyway, best of wishes to everyone for 08!

Christmas Day

We thought we'd share some of our photo highlights from Christmas this year. We had a great time and were so happy to share it with family . We spent Christmas Eve at my parents house, eating, doing a gift exchange, a little program and singing the 12 pains of Christmas. Here are the kids all ready to start the party! It was a bit of a treacherous drive there...snow everywhere! But, it made for a beautiful white Christmas. Whenever we asked Grant what he wanted Santa to bring him, he always said "a fire truck." He was so happy to find that grandma and grandpa had one for him! It was really cute...but it was difficult the next morning because he wouldn't open any of his presents, he only wanted his fire truck. We had to hide it for a little bit to get his attention averted to the other gifts.
After our Christmas party, we came home and put a plate of cookies out for Santa. I thought this would be an appropriate tradition to start with Grant...he would be a good age to show his appreciation to Mr Claus for all of his effort. Well, maybe Grant was not ready because in the morning, he was very, very upset that the cookies were gone. Grant said, "HE ATE ALL MY COOKIES!" We tried to explain that he laid them there to share and say thank you, but that didn't fly. Hopefully next year, he will not be so upset!

The highlight for Grant was his official waste management garbage truck...yes, his occupational aspirations consist of trash disposal. This truck lifts up the dumpster, and even comes with a ball of garbage...the sound is strikingly similar to a life size garbage truck. All day Grant said he was a garbage man and he drove his little fire engine and garbage truck all over. Good job Santa!

Dave's brother Brian came over for our quiche and orange roll coffee cake. We were so happy to spend Christmas morning with him. We lounged around all day and then went to play games with my brother and sisters.

Katelee was just thrilled to get new binkies....and climb through the table chairs while we opened our stuff. She received some adorable clothes. Here she is sporting the hat that goes to her new coat from her Aunt Anna.


We had a great time and are so grateful for the gifts we receive everyday...like love and support from our friends and family! Hope you have all enjoyed your festivities as well!

Happy Holidays

It's that holiday feeling floating around and we are high on Christmas spirit at our house. Everyday Grant wants to whisper in my ear, "Santa Claus comes tonight." I am pretty sure he got that from the song, but he still is anxiously awaiting the big man's arrival. We are enjoying the spirit of love and giving and extra sense of friendliness amidst strangers. We hope you are all savoring the feelings and events and thought we would share a few of our pictures from our freezing venture to see the lights at Temple Square. Dave's dad was in town so we froze his Florida blood and made him walk around with us. With the thought of hot chocolate motivating his stroll, he endured it...and loved it!
Our mismatched glove bandit and mini-eskimo:

Merry Christmas!

The Christmas tree battle...

This has not been our best week. We have been battling a stomach bug for the past few days, but I am happy to report that while the sickness left some battle wounds, we have (almost) overcome it! So now, I can share the fun pictures that we took on Saturday.


We started our weekend festivities with a breakfast with Santa (notice that Grant is in his pajamas.) Grant told Santa that he wanted a fire truck, so we will see if he remembers to bring him that! Katelee was not too fond of Santa, can you blame her?!

After breakfast, I had a baptism to attend and it was agreed that we would decorate our Christmas tree after. Now, Dave and I have had live trees the past Christmases, and while I may be called a Scrooge, or even dare I say, the Grinch...I have been begging for an artificial tree, but to no avail! This year I actually convinced Dave that an artificial tree is a necessity for our family. Some of you may remember the Charlie Brown Christmas tree incident a few years ago, or the lack of a saw that we have, or the near nervous breakdown I have every year stringing up the lights...it has never been a jolly time for our family. I talked to a lady at the baptism who picked up her live tree to have wasps fly out at her and spiders everywhere. I could only picture a flying squirrel next. Needless to say, a serious deliberation took place at our house...and we have an artificial tree!!! Dave said not to plan on it every year, but lets see what happens 2008! While he had a difficult time realizing his days of live Christmas trees may have passed, he has admitted our tree is really pretty! It was pre-lit, so we had a great time decorating!
The kids loved it too as you can tell!

Katelee was doing a jedi impression when we got her up from her nap!

Do you get a box to play in with a live tree?!!! I think not! So, if any of you wish to comment on the artificial vs. live tree dilemma at your house, I am very interested to know what you think!