Jesse turns 5

I can't believe this boy is 5 already! It seems like it was yesterday we were looking at this adorable (but very large) bald baby boy trying to decide what we should name him. Jesse is an awesome kid. He's always eager to help with whatever we are doing and he sings me "love songs" that he makes up himself. I love this awesome kid and am honored to be his mother.

My little hikers

Every couple of weeks, I've taken the big kids for a hike while Nate naps. Its been so much fun "exploring the jungle" together.

Jesse's Valentine Box

Jesse had so much fun making his Valentine Box. He made it Valentiney and "boyish", which is something that is very important to him.

The light at the end of the tunnel...

For almost ten years, I've had tiny children in tow, complete with diaper bags and sippy cups. Whenever we go anywhere, there are always things that we can't do because we have such little ones and the littlest one always tuckers out before the rest of us. Public temper tantrums have just been part of my life. I'm not complaining. These are just facts. I love my little ones with their slobbery kisses and funny phrases and their public temper tantrums.

In February, I took the kids to the State Fair and we had so much fun. Nobody tuckered out. The big kids helped with the little kids. There were rides that all the kids could ride and I caught a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. We still had a diaper bag and a stroller, but its getting easier and more fun!! I have a feeling its just going to fly by and some day I will look back and long for my diaper bag and sippy cups. But for now, I will enjoy this glimpse and smile as my little ones are getting bigger.

Christmas 2009

We read and acted out the Nativity Scene with the kids. I love this part of Christmas. The kids are so sweet in remembering our Savior!! Its like the quiet before the storm of Christmas morning.

This year, we pulled off the ultimate surprise for the kids. Santa actually delivered Papa and Nana to us on Christmas morning!! I cannot even describe to you the excitement exhibited by our children. When they all settled down, Jesse asked if Santa brought presents under the tree too.

It always amazes me how quickly we go from perfect presents under the tree to "after the storm hit" the family room.

This was the first year I took the girls to see the Nutcracker Ballet performed by the Moscow Ballet Company. Hopefully we can make it an annual tradition. Although, Elle said she liked the movie better.:)

We sent Elle to a week of Horse Camp for Christmas. She filled her soul with the equine experience!! A week well-spent, then it was back to the real world of second grade.

We took Mom and Dad on a lunch cruise in the bay...

...then to the beach. Nothing says "beach day" like a parka and ear muffs, but they didn't want to waste a minute of sunny Florida time.

We also went to see the manatees at the TECO power plant. There were plenty of them and tons of sharks and rays. The sharks were jumping out of the water!! We stayed for hours and enjoyed the view...

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas in my bathroom. Can you guess what my favorite store is? I do 90% of my Christmas shopping on amazon.com. From my home. Usually while my children sleep. Then its magically delivered to my front door step. Tax-free and shipping-free. Now that's a gift!

We worked on the children's room for our church's Festival of the Nativity. Jarin built this creche so children could dress up and have their pictures taken. The festival was beautiful and truly got us into the spirit of Christmas.

Our friend Matt painted these super cute animals for the Nativity scene. Aren't they adorable?
Our Christmas tree.
Thank you Dora the Explorer. 2 is typically the age where kids cry in fear of the jolly man in the red suit. But this year, Dora has a new movie about Santa and Nate was totally primed and ready to meet the big guy.

Elle's Christmas program

Elle had her second grade Christmas program. She sang and danced her little heart out with her classmates.It was a little too loud for Nate, who listened with fingers in ears.

This is Elle with her friend Victoria after their performance.