Once there was a Snowman, or two

FYI-The following post should be dated January 1st, 2010...I will move it later so it is archived in January.

We were so excited to get enough snow to build a snowman. Isaac and Emma were all over it. They each built their own. I suggested that we build them near each other so they looked like friends...of course Isaac thought that would look like they were married, and therefore would be far too sissy. So they are no where near each other. Which is why there is not a picture with both snowmen (or women) together.

You'll notice a small discrepancy in how my kids treated their snow person.

We had a fun time!

Now Playing **Emma-the dancer**

Emma had her Christmas Showcase the day after her birthday. It was soo fun to watch her perform. She was a little nervous though. When we were going to the dress rehearsal Saturday afternoon she asked if she could quit dance. I was thought to myself...are you kidding me? I asked her multiple times before we signed up if she really wanted to do dance again. She assured me she did, so imagine my surprise when right before her performance she wanted to quit. Luckily I had the sense not to bite her head off and instead asked if maybe she was just a little bit nervous. She said she was. Her words, "I'm uncomfortable with the dance because we struggle with the lines". I assured her that she was going to be just fine and LOVE the performance. Guess who was right?

Doesn't she just have the cutest little hip shake? (Yes, that is Emma and her little friend as the center of attention in the ending pose. I thought that was pretty funny.)

This year she was in two classes. (Luckily, we get to trade with the studio owners.)

These videos aren't the best quality after being uploaded...but hopefully you can spot her!

She was born to be on Stage...She loved every second!

A Very Happy Un-Birthday...

We celebrated Emma's 1/2 birthday this year. Her real birthday falls too close to Christmas and it is always a crazy time of year. So I thought we would have one in the summer instead. The original idea was to do something outdoorsy that would be difficult to do in December...but Emma had other ideas. She wanted to do crafts, most of the activities were done indoors...oh well.

She decided on a polka dot theme...I suggested a few ideas and she really like the polka dot idea. These are the invitations, (two color choices).

We tried to keep the food, decor and activities in harmony with the polka dot theme.

Our first activity was to decorate bags with circle shaped sponges and paint. Here is how Emma's Bag turned out.

After that we made "Button Baubles" for the Girls hair. You can see the buttons all over the table. I sewed on the base button and let the girls pick which ones they wanted and build their own. Emma is modeling the ones she made. I think they turned out pretty well.

After that we made some glass pebble magnets

We also played "Don't eat Pete", had Polka dot snacks, and then painted all their nails with nail polish that changes color in the sun. We had cake and ice cream, opened presents and then let them jump on the trampoline and admire their nails while they changed colors.

I love that a few of the girls wore their polka dot dresses. Emma's dress has polka dots too they are just very tiny. She loved it and had great time!

Happy 1/2 Birthday Emma!

Ski Season 2009

Eric was able to get quite a bit of skiing in this season. There were some Friday ski trips with Tyler, taking Gabe out of school for a day, and a couple more Saturday trips with the kids. I even decided to try it out (I haven't been skiing since before we were married).

Eric-- rippin' it up.

Gabe and Eric skipping out on school and work. Way to set your priorities!

I thought I was going to be a good sport but I enjoyed it so much that we went up again 2 weeks later and I purchased my own season pass! Crazy.

1st day ever for some, 1st day in a looong time for others

Jan. 17th, 2009

Eric was really excited this year to start up skiing again after a long hiatus. He bought himself some gear and hit the slopes with some friends. I think he had been skiing once in our almost 11 years of marriage. He loved it and went a ton this season.

Eric decided that ski school would be the best way to get the kids good at skiing.

They loved it...especially the hot chocolate the ski school provided.

Eric really wants the kids to love skiing so for the first trip out he was shooting for a non miserable experience...he just wants them to WANT to try it again.

Using that criteria the ski trip was a smashing success.

Christmas Morning

Packing up Christmas was a pain but turned out just fine. This photo shows where we set up, Jamie and Jed, Jamie and Kirk, Eric and I, Mindi and Dave, and my Parents all had our Christmases in the big family room so it was quite the sight to see...presents everywhere!

EMMA really liked her music box that was filled with jewelry.

ISAAC loved the rock polisher, he even got a book all about rocks and minerals to go with it.

GABE was super excited about his Ipod! The boys both loved the Nerf dart tag they got to share.

Our little babies slept in so we didn't open their presents until later that morning, so the adults got to go next.

ERIC was thrilled and surprised by his IPhone. I was really happy about my new black skirt and black boots. (even though there are no photos to document it, this photo of the babies and me was all we ended up with.)
When Elijah and Meg finally woke up they were more interested in breakfast than presents so after they were fed they finally got down to business

ELIJAH Loved both his toys, the dump truck was a huge hit and the little radio kept him entertained the whole car trip home.

MEG didn't know quite what to think but she still had a good time!

Everyone who lived nearby had their Christmases at home then made there way to Grandmas when they finished up for more gifts from Grandma and Grandpa.

The kids had quite the stash this year!!

The boys also loved the marble maze from our other Grandma and Grandpa. They had a ton of fun putting it together and even more fun watching the marbles go through it.

What a great Christmas!!

PS--all these pics were taken in the PJ's Grandma and Granpa Gave them, Here are the PJ's from Eric and Me:

Emma's birthday

We Celebrated Emma's birthday with the family, but decided to hold off on the friend party until the after the craze of Christmas...maybe in Feb. or March.





Emma you are such a fun little share-bug. You love anything girly especially painting your nails and playing with makeup. You are a very good little reader. I love all your drawing and coloring. I love you Emma!

Emma's first visit from the Tooth Fairy

Emma lost her first tooth on Dec. 15th--three days before her 6th birthday!!

And the tooth fairy didn't even forget to visit!

Kids Pics by Jacki

My sister is a great photographer and took some real quick photos of my kids for me. I got there late so we were running out of daylight, but she still managed to get at least one good shot of each of my kids. The one of them together was a bust because my little Elijah was crying in every shot.

GABE

ISAAC

EMMA

ELIJAH

MEG

OUR KIDDOS

Jacki made this photocard for me on photoshop...She is so talented and creative! Thanks again Jacki!! I love it! I was trying to get one photo of all the kids and just get a photocard from a store or something, but since the group shots didn't turn out (because of one child that shall remain nameless) I asked Jacki if she could throw something together.

MERRY CHRISTMAS