Christmas Island

Last night we all bundled up and headed out on the Santa Cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene. We had so much fun getting mittens and hats on and prepping the kids to see Santa. There were so many lights and fun things for the kids to see. As you can tell, Cooper almost couldn't handle himself.

Abby dealt with the excitement in a different way.

This was such a fun experience that I would totally recommend to anyone with little kids. It's not too long, and once you get out to Santa's Island, he reads off the "good" list, which has the names of all the kids on the boat. The kids were so excited to hear their names. What a fun time.

Merry Christmas!

Moments Like These...

I'm trying to learn about the whole "appreciate it while it's here" stage.

I know there will be a day when I miss the cacophony of crying, mystery diapers found by two year olds, (where were they and who put them there?!), the food they sit on and mush on their clothes...you know...that stuff.

But, today I see this picture and I see Steven's face. I saw this happen at our family pictures and I'm proud to say that we were all able to laugh. (Even our beatuimus photographer took it in stride.) So, in all the coming years when we see these family pictures, we'll remember that Daddy had to turn his shirt backwards and inside out, so we could try to capture this stage in our life.

Who Flipped The Crazy Switch?

It's official. She's crazy.

Babigail

Happy 9 Months babydoll!
You are an amazing little girl.

I love that you are exactly like your father.

Harley

The new fun thing around here is climbing.

The not fun thing is putting laundry away...apparently.

My Husband

The telemarketer.

Just kidding.

I'm so proud of Stevie. After his day at work, he comes home and plays with the kids, usually cleans up the kitchen from dinner, leads family scriptures and prayer, (most recently our Christmas story book from Grandma and Grandpa...thanks again!), Steve runs, and then lastly makes time to study Portuguese.

Isn't he cute? What a great guy.

I' m tao orgulhoso de voce boraccho!

Cooper. Oh Cooper.

Cooper's learned some stuff lately.

He no longer feels the need to stay in his bed at nap time or bedtime. He tries to get out of bed even in front of us. If we are lucky enough for him to stay in bed, don't worry, he takes care of it by stripping everything off. I mean everything.

It's cool.

He knows if he's real quiet getting out of bed he can probably hide for a while before we find him. (Shown here behind the shower curtain, standing in cat litter from when he kicked the litter box and gave himself away...)

But, then he has his moments too. He loves to give kisses. A lot.

He loves his family.

He LOVES his sister, even though she may not always be as receptive and pliable as he might like.

He's crazy, but we love him.

How could we not?!