Kix, Kix EVERYWHERE

This is what happens when I go upstairs for a little time on the computer...

I thought I heard something funny downstairs and boy was I right. Let me just say the Kix were EVERYWHERE and the pictures don't really do it justice.

Sammy was really upset when he was busted making the mess...

but as they say... (sigh)

boys will be boys!

Oh, Say Can You See...

...Joe's Huge American Flag

Joe has always wanted a big framed American flag for his office wall. So my parents gave him this flag for Christmas and he made this beautiful frame for it. Now it hangs proudly on the wall of the office.

With the frame, it's 3 1/2 feet by 5 1/2 feet so it pretty much takes up the whole wall. But it looks amazing!

Once there was a Snowman tall Tall TALL

Joe built a snowman for the kids in the backyard. They decided it was too cold to go out with him so they just watched from the door.

And there's our snowman, er, uh, snowgirl I mean...

Princess Pretty Girl

(named by Kate, of course)

Here are the kids watching Daddy while they stay warm in the house.

and don't worry, we all still had hot chocolate afterward!

Alice Love

Al, Ali Girl, Alzy, Alouisious

Alice has been learning and growing like crazy. She is now 5 ½ months old and is getting more beautiful every day.

Her Christmas gift to us was rolling from her back to her tummy for the first time. We were all pretty excited.

She always has a way of making all your troubles disappear just by smiling at you... and she loves to smile. You can always feel Heavenly Father's love through Alice's beautiful eyes.

She is such a little peacemaker in our home and

WE LOVE OUR SWEET ALICE LOVE.

Samuel Joseph

Sam, Sammy, Sammy Joe, Sambo

Sam is really starting to catch on to the whole talking thing. He is finally losing his German drill sergeant speech and starting to sound like a little boy...well, actually even like a little puppy sometimes (complete with slobbery-sounding puppy kisses). He's learning new words and phrases every day.

Sammy is very energetic and loves to kick and throw balls. He also loves to play with cars, planes and trains. He especially loves Thomas the train and can spot him from just about anywhere.

He likes to play with his big sister and copy what she does and says but he will definitely tell you what he does and does not like.

He really likes going to his Nursery class at church and seems to get along well with the other children. The only reason he'll let me get him ready for church on Sunday is because he knows he'll get to go his "cwass."

Sam has such a funny little personality and is so fun to wrestle, tickle, snuggle and laugh with. We love the light-hearted fun Sammy brings to our family.

WE LOVE OUR SAM!

Sammy kicks left-footed and Joe couldn't be more proud.

Kate Elizabeth

Kate-Kate, Kate-inator, Katester

Our little Kate is not so little anymore. She has learned so much this year and is becoming a very creative artist. Just set her up with markers, crayons or paint, scissors and tape and she'll create a masterpiece...or twenty. Then she "decorates" the house with them.

She is excited to start Primary this new year and is really starting to come out of her shell more all the time.

Kate is also quite the little performer. She can pretend most anything is a stage and always demands an attentive audience. And boy, can she put on a show!

We are so blessed to have Kate as a part of our family. She can put up with Daddy's silliness, she is a great example for her little brother and sister and a big help for Mommy.

WE LOVE OUR KATE!

Kate with her favorite teddy bear, Pinky.

Joe's Christmas Lights

I talked Joe into using only about a fourth of our lights this year to save a little money on the power bill. He also took quite a few strands over to his Grandma Chandler's house to decorate for her too. I know he would have loved to go crazy with a ton more lights but I still think his lights turned out nice and festive. I think the best part is the bush on the front corner... that was done by yours truly. Actually, I think it's all Joe trusts me to do.

Christmas Day

Joe and the kids getting ready to come downstairs to see what Santa left us.

Kate and Sammy enjoyed opening their gifts. Alice enjoyed playing with the paper.

Joe and Alice all tuckered out from a fun-filled morning.

After opening presents at our house, we went to Joe's brother's house to hang out with the Chandler Family. Then we continued on to the Williams' house for a second dinner and time with the family.

Kate and Jared spending time together and Alice with Grandpa Williams.

December Sunset

We had this beautiful sunset early in December. This is the view of it from our front yard.

Snow fun

Kate and Sam with all their gear on and excited to go play in the snow.

Joe built a snow hill in the backyard for the kids to go sliding down. It ended up being even better than taking the kids to a park to go sledding because when the decided they were too cold, they could just come right inside.

Kate's run down Daddy's snow hill.

Sam's turn.

Once they had had enough fun in the snow and were too cold for any more, they decided to come inside. Kate asked if they could have some hot chocolate to warm up. I told her that would be a great idea and that I'd make some. She relpied, "Uh, Mom, do you even know how to make hot chocolate?"

Snowball Fight

Here's Kate and Sam's attempt at a snowball fight. It's not too effective and they need to learn a lot more technique but what can you expect from a 3 year old and a 2 year old?