XMAS 2010

Well, I have to say this Christmas was good to us. Every year my family is showered with family gatherings, adoration, and, of course, a plethora of presents. Here is a shortened recap of our 4 celebrations! And, it is in reverse order. This is the way the pictures loaded, so this is the way it is posted!

This is actually the day after Christmas. Morgan on her new toy from Uncle Cory and Aunt Jen... she loves it!

Colton and Morgan in the new lounging chairs. Colton graciously gave his up to his baby sister... proud of you little man!

Christmas Day at my parents house...

My nearly 80 year old grandmother, the baby whisperer. She fed Morgan, played with her, and then rocked her to sleep for me. So nice...

Christmas Eve at our casa... yes, Grandma Kathy and Bompa Mike bought them a bounce house. Hours of joy!

Bompa Mike wiht cranky pants up past her bed time.

Uncle Scott and Aunt Rachel

Christmas Eve at Tyler's Dad's House.

Aunt BB... my other baby whisperer. You need one at every gathering ;)

Grandpa Scott

So, the only celebration I do not have pictures of is Tyler's Mom's house. Sandy made tacos, we unwrapped an insane amount of presents, and we played a ton of games. All in all, I would have to say we are very blessed. I am so happy to spend the holidays with all of my family, and enjoy so many wonderful celebrations. Merry, Merry Christmas everyone!

Nightmare Before Christmas

Ashley continues to adore ballet, and we have moved her to a different studio (Starstruck). She participated in the holiday performance, The Nightmare Before Christmas. She has improved tremendously from the previous performance, and, of course, had a blast. I am so proud of her for being so brave in front of all of those people (so close!) and being so independent. Go my little mama!

Backstage getting ready for the 1st show.

Her she is holding her older "buddy". I don't have her permission to put her on my blog, so you just see her arm. But she was the sweetest thing and made Ashley feel super special. She got her ready for all of her dances, gave her snacks, and entertained her. Thank you!

Here she is refueling with a power bar. She had to do the performance not once, not twice, but 3 times! That is a lot for a little lady... so I fueled her up inbetween with power bars!

Wonderful job girl! We are proud of you! Keep up the good work :)

Preschool Christmas Program

And, the Christmas craziness begins. Last week the twins had their Christmas program with their preschool. This year they actually sang the songs (especially during car rides to and from school). Both sets of grandparents came to watch them as well as Scott and Rachel. They felt awfully special to be supported by so many people! Colton was a camel, and Ashley was a donkey in the Holy Cross rendition of the birth of Baby Jesus. Too cute.

After rehearsal was their classroom Christmas party. Here was nicely posing for me.... and....

Here is how they usually are. Colton, my little clown. I love how you always make us all smile. You have a way of making me laugh at my most stressed and frustrated moments. This is one thing I truly love about you my little guy.

Welcome Back

Welcome back ladies. I've missed you.

Lately...

Lately, our new little addition has already begun to change so rapidly! She is rolling, smiling, and continues to be the world's best baby, especially when it comes to sleeping at night! Colton and Ashley still love her to pieces, and are great at helping to entertain her, put her binky in, keep her awake in car rides when necessary, and protecting her. They are such great little people.

And.... Ashley has become a little money maker now that she understands it's true value. She is always asking to do chores to earn money, and here she even bet her dad that she couldn't build a tower that high... well, she did. That's her dollar up top to prove it!

I had to include the Halloween pics just for memories sake. The kids spent a LOT of time plotting what they were going to be for Halloween, I had to put in pictures of what they decided. Tyler carved pumpkins with them twice, because the 1st round we carved way too early and left out... they rotted. He was a trooper and did it again on Halloween. Such a good daddy :).

Tornado

A tornado, or perhaps a washing machine. is what I feel like I'm in some days. Adding number three has definitely added a new definition to the term "multi-tasking". We have now moved from a man to man defense to zone. Luckily things are getting easier, and we are falling into a routine. I just have to remember that some day I will be sitting in my perfectly clean house, with all of my laundry neatly folded and put away, the ironing done, and a perfectly cooked meal ready on time, and I will miss the craziness. I will sleep through every night and not feel a tap at 7 am from Colton. I will miss 3 little voices talking to me. I will miss the constant:

Is this the right foot?
Can I have some milk?
I need a snack.
Tripping over toys or other things left on the floor.
Dirty bottles and binkies.
Can I help cook dinner?
Will you lay with me?

So yes, things are crazy. And I am ready for some more sleep. But I have learned to embrace it because some day it will all be gone...

She's Here!!!!

Hooray!!! She's here!!! After all of my begging and pleading for her to come, and thinking for sure that I wouldn't make it to 39 weeks, we arrived at our scheduled c-section. She came out screaming and perfectly healthy at 7 lbs, 0 oz, 19.5 in long. We are so happy to have her here. I keep telling everyone that she is an absolute dream baby ("world's best"), but maybe I just think she's so easy because there is only one of her...? There is only a picture of Ashley holding her, Colton had a cold and was quarantined away for the 1st week or so. I will post one of him soon since he is healthy now and all too eager to hold baby sister!

4? Already?

My two little people celebrated their 4th birthday. Four? Really? What happened to 1, 2 and 3?

Even though we celebrated 3 weeks early (due to the soon arrival of baby sister), I still can't believe it. They have become such amazing little people in 4 years and I am so blessed to have them.

We partied at My Gym, which was the coolest party: ever. The twins and their friends LOVED it, and the best part of all: I didn't have to set it up, provide entertainment, or clean up.

The wagon parade to the birthday song. They LOVED this!
The whole group! (minus Deegan and Skylar... too little for pictures yet).

Happy 4th Birthday, Colton and Ashley. We love you more than you will ever know...

Back to School

We started school back last week... this summer flew by! The twins love school, especially their teacher Mrs. Seifert. I can't believe how much bigger they are from last year, when their backpacks practically swallowed them. They grow big fast!

Rounding 3rd...

I am now 32 weeks, entering the last stretch of this pregnancy, so close to home. Those of you who know me know that I am not a fan of pregnancy, I only survive it for the final result... my little bundle of joy. So, I am thrilled that I am almost done, and have had zero complications thus far. It has been such a different and MUCH easier pregnancy than the twins, so I truly have no reason to complain. I am just so excited to meet our new baby girl. So, I have posted the obligatory profile pose, just for memories sake, because I know all too well how quickly a newborn becomes a preschooler, and how the memories slide by...

Soccer!

Today was our first day of soccer practice! We LOVED it, and did so well! The kids really enjoyed playing the games and learned some new soccer skills. They are getting so big... I am so proud of them!

After practice they got lollipops for a job well done!

After we got home, it was soooooo hot (100 degrees). So, we blew up our baby pool and cooled off with some ice cold lemonade. Tough life I tell ya.