Merry Christmas!

I didn't take many pictures this Christmas, but snapped a few to start off the morning.

Many smiles as the kids dug into their stockings!

Straight out of bed, and ready to get things going.

I love our tradition of stockings, Christmas story from the Bible, breakfast, then presents.  Keeps on a slower pace, which I'm thankful for.

Both Cole and the girls got "big" Lego sets this year - Cole got the Lego City Fire Station, and the girls got the Lego Friends Heartlake City Mall.  Both were assembled by the end of the day.  Legos are taking over our house!

Waiting for Christmas

We got the Christmas decorations up shortly after Thanksgiving, but then the kids had to wait, wait, wait...

So they started pulling out old toys to play with and coming up with other activities to pass the days until Christmas came.  We've had these Mega Blocks since Laine was a toddler - glad they are still getting some use!

Christmas Chapel

The night before school let out for Christmas break, the kids participated in the school's Christmas Chapel.  They all looked so nice in their formal uniforms!

Cole did a great job with the ABC's of Christmas.

And he sang "Go Tell It On the Mountain."

Laine got to sing a couple songs with her class.

And Mead sang as well.  It was really fun to see everyone together and to prepare for Christmas through music and singing.

Piano recital

Laine has been taking piano for a year and a half now, and she's making great progress!

Several of her friends have the same teacher, so they got to do their recital together.

Laine doesn't love playing piano in public, but she did a good job with her pieces nonetheless.

I love hearing Laine practice her music at home and am so glad she's learning to play!

Christmas Musical

The kids performed in the Christmas musical at church last weekend.  It was called the S Files, and they did a great job!

Both girls sang lots of songs and had some roles on the platform in groups.

Cole and the younger kids got to sing one song during the musical.  He was so excited!

So glad the kids got to participate in the musical this year!

Thanksgiving with Nan and Pop

My mom and Alex came to visit us for Thanksgiving week - we were so glad they could join us!

We had a good week hanging out, eating yummy food, and playing lots of games.

Until next time!

Thanksgiving Chapel

Mead's class participated in the Thanksgiving Chapel this year - she was an indian, while the kindergarteners were pilgrims.  She did a great job saying her line and singing the songs!

After the chapel we went to Laine's classroom and saw her Egypt project.  She made the pyramids out of clay and added her 20 facts about Egypt.  I love seeing her creativity!

Mead was so thankful that Nan and Pop could come visit and see her in the chapel.

Hanging out with Cole

Cole and I have our mornings together, since he doesn't go to school until lunch time.

So we've had a good time hanging out around the house this fall, on our own or with friends.

And every now and then he gets so tired he just collapses and falls asleep with Daddy!

End of soccer season

Mead had her last soccer game last weekend.  They didn't win many games this year, but Mead still had a good time and learned a lot along the way.  

She regularly asked for a chance to be goalie - during which time I was always nervous for her!  She did great though.

And Mead got lots of playing time on the field.  She's really become more assertive at getting the ball and able to move it up the field fairly well.

It was fun to watch Mead play soccer, and she's already looking forward to playing again sometime!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween comes just a few days after Penny and Cole's birthdays, so the whole week ends up being a big celebration.

This year the kids had "crazy hair day" at school the day before Halloween, so they still had their hair done "special" for the lighting of our pumpkins.

Mead and Cole basically wore their costumes all day for Halloween.  Cole was a super hero, and Mead was a cowgirl.  So cute!

Here's the whole crew that went trick or treating together.

Laine was a pink witch this year.

The kids loved riding in the golf cart and/or being pulled in the trailer around the neighborhood.  Trick or treating in style!

Happy 5th Birthday Cole!

Cole turned 5 last week - he was so excited about his birthday!

We had our traditional cinnamon roll breakfast before the girls had to go to school.

 Then, after dinner, we opened presents and had cake (half of which he shared at school with his classmates earlier that day).

Happy Birthday Cole!  We love you so much, buddy!!

Cole's Birthday Party

Cole turned 5 last week, and he had a birthday party at BounceU with another friend from school who turned 5 a few days before Cole.

The kids had a great time sliding,

Shooting,

and climbing throughout the party.

It was a great group of friends, and Cole loved all the activities!

Mead and Laine had a good time playing too - glad to be a sibling of the birthday boy :-)

Check out the look of determination when Cole was swinging the bat!

Cole and William - double birthday boys!

Kings for a day