The Sweet Sound of Silence

We don't hear that sweet sound around here too often.

But when we do we have to take in just how sweet they are.

The Big Boy Bed

Scott finished his latest masterpiece over Christmas break.

Finn is now the proud owner of a big boy bed.  He loves it!

Scott built the bed to match a dresser that he built way back in the day, pre-me!

Finn's most prized possession in his room, a light up train lamp.  He has to go to bed each night with the red warning lights blinking.  I have no idea how that kid ever falls asleep.

For Christmas Grandma and Papa had a plaque made for each of the kids beds.  It reads "May angels watch over this sleeping child".

Christmas Joy

I don't know how another Christmas has come and gone, but it has.  Here are a few pictures from our whirlwind holiday.  

 Leaving cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer:

Opening gifts from mom and dad:

Olivia is obsessed with her dress up clothes.  She loves clip clopping down the hallway in her heels.

Finn muttered "combine combine combine" to himself the entire time he was opening this gift

Santa's annual visit to Gramma and Papa's house:

Putting on a play at Gramma and Papa's house:

Christmas Festivities

We have been living life to the fullest this Christmas break.  Here are a few pictures from our adventures.

Enjoying the spring like weather by catching worms.  But first they needed some gloves.

On Christmas Eve the kids participated in a play at Church.  Olivia and Emmie were angels (very fitting) and Finn was a sheep.  A sheep who lost his way and wouldn't stay on the alter, he spent most of his time running from our pew back up to the alter.

He tired out quickly.

The kids were also lucky enough to go to a play at Circa 21.  Gramma bought them tickets to see "The Most Famous Reindeer of All".

We also kept the tradition alive of driving around to look at Christmas lights in our PJ's with hot cocoa.

Christmas Baking

Enjoy a few pictures from our beloved holiday tradition of baking too many sweets for our little family to eat.

Olivia was very methodical in the placement of her sprinkles.  Each one had a very specific spot.  Needless to say it took forever to decorate these cookies.

Finn was much different.  He preferred to dump a whole bottle of sprinkles on each cookie.  Just my style.

Say it Aint' So

How is it possible that my sweet baby girl is 5?  FIVE!!  I mean really.  It feels like just yesterday that we were in the hospital with her.  I remember everything about that day, what happened in the news, the weather, the sounds of the maternity ward and the sweet sweet smell of my 6 pound baby girl.

Here we are five years later and that sweet smelling baby has turned into a smart, energetic sassy little lady.  I can't believe how fast these years are going.

Olivia at 5:

* You weigh 54 lbs (97th percentile)

* You are 44.5 inches tall (90th percentile)

* You are a great eater, loving pretty much anything I put in front of you.  Of course, anything with sugar will be consumed first.

* You love baking, especially with Gramma.  You have become a pro at cracking eggs.

* You love going to preschool.  You are friends with everyone in your class.  When I pick you up in the afternoon all of your friends come running up to you giving you hugs goodbye.

* You are a pro at writing your name, you can do that on your own.  You can write everything else as long as someone spells the words for you.   Your letter to Santa this year was adorable - filled with everything a princess could want.

* You can count to 100+, only having trouble with the 49 to 50 transition.

* Your favorite colors are pink and purple.  That hasn't changed one bit.

*  You are a very sweet little girl who loves her babies.  You are a great momma to them making sure they are bathed, fed and happy every day.

*  You are in ballet class and love it.  You are very disciplined.  You listen to the teacher very well and follow all of her directions.

*  You have a very sweet heart, you make sure everyone is happy at all times and will love on them if they are sad.

*  You are a princess at heart.  You want to wear dresses at all times, usually with your crown, rings and earrings too.

* You love going to the nail salon to have your fingernails painted.  I think Dad might be in for it in about 10 years.

*  You are incredibly strong willed and will test your boundaries every chance you get.

*  Your future aspirations have changed.  Last year when we asked you it was a Fairy (heck, if we asked you two weeks ago that's what it was).  Now you would like to be either a nurse or doctor.  Thank you kind nurses and Dr. Moen for inspiring a little girl.

Your birthday celebration at Grandma Judy's house.  You will have your birthday party here in late January.

On your birthday you requested to go to Texas Roadhouse so you could sit on the saddle and eat chocolate cake.

Our traditional birthday breakfast.

Christmas Program

We enjoyed our very first Christmas program this year.  The kids were so cute and sang their little hearts out.  Well, at least Olivia did.  Finn sang a few words.

Olivia is in the back row with the red bow.

Finn is fourth from the left.