The Crack...

This morning Talon was asking me if he could go play in the snow with the neighbors. I told him it was too early and that none of the other kids got up at the "crack of dawn" like he and his brothers do. This is what he told me..."Kenyon and Isaac are up. They get up at the same "crack" we do!" He makes me laugh.

This is a picture of Tal with his blanket zipped up into his jammies. He loves to feel soft things on his face and his belly, so he wanted his soft blankie right next to his tummy skin this morning when he got up. It's hard to tell, but there is a bit more of Talon there than usual.

Christmas Tree and Sugar Cookies

This year we decorated the tree for Family Home Evening and let the boys help. I'm sold!! The tree was decorated in about 7 minutes FLAT! Josh took care of the top half and the boys did the bottom. I think it looks pretty good and since it gets re-decorated everyday...no need to be fussy about the way the ornaments went on.

Here are the boys hard at work!

All done! Mollie, Kaleb, Talon, Josh and Coby

Talon and Kaleb...so proud.

Coby, Talon and Kaleb. They were quite excited to put up the tree and help with the decorations.

After we decorated the tree (and put Coby to bed) Talon, Kaleb and I made sugar cookies. You have to have a treat right? They were good helpers and of course, they loved using the cookie cutters.

Kaleb and Talon

Mmmm...enjoying his cookie.

Talon wanted to cut out more cookies than he wanted to eat.

Kaleb was looking for "his" snowman cookie and watching it bake.

There were about 4 snowmen in this batch, so I pointed out which one was his and we watched it bake.

Tal...still cutting out cookies.

Kaleb...still eating cookies...3 at a time!

Nothing better than cookies in milk!

Thanksgiving in the Great Northwest

This year we went to Vancouver, Washington for Thanksgiving. It was so fun! I don't think I've spent Thanksgiving at my Mom and Dad's since before Josh and I were married. We got to see our new cute niece too. That made the trip even more special. She is growing so fast. I'm sad to live so far away where I won't be able to watch her grow. I'll just have to make the most of every trip home. Here are a few pics from the journey...

Kaleb and Talon entertaining themselves during the 16 hour drive. Luckily, the kids are SUPER good in the car.

Coby had enough and went to sleep.

This is a picture of the Columbia River. I'm pretty sure I've never seen it this glassy and beautiful in the gorge before.

I-84...so pretty. Last time we made this drive there was 2' of snow on those trees and all over the road.

Mt. Hood and the Columbia River. The Northwest is so beautiful!

The day after we got there, my Dad wanted to take us (well, Josh and the boys especially) to the airport to watch the fighter jets take off. They leave every morning at about the same time. We can see and hear them from my Mom and Dad's house, but there is nothing like being right there. We were standing about 75 yards from the end of the runway. It was so loud and breath-taking and as they passed us, they tipped their wings. It was absolutely AMAZING!

The boys with their new cousin. Do you think they love her or what?

Bobby, Aunt Idie and Uncle Nazim came from Carson City, NV to have Thanksgiving with us also. It was fun to see them again!

My Mom the crafter and Coby checking out what Nana is doing. Thanks for helping me with my projects Mom (and Dad for the frame).

Coby rearranging the paint drawer.

Me!

My sister Kelly with Frances. Precious baby!

Uncle Josh and Tal

Me and sweet Franny! I love being an Aunt!

Me, Frances and Kelly

While we were in Washington we had our family pictures taken. We hadn't had one with the WHOLE family since before Josh and I had kids. Here are 2 that I have. I'll post a few more when I get the cd.

Had to throw this one in. The kids are so good at entertaining themselves in the car. On the way home, Josh turned around to find the kids with their chicken nuggets between their toes. Silly kids!