MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Birthday ZACHARY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Z! One sweet little wonderful boy joined our family a year ago today. He was even thoughtful enough to break my water a day earlier than my c-section was planned so we could come home on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas morning. His sweet demeanor fills our house with a great spirit and we are so blessed to have him around. He's always good for a smile, a "gimme five," and a snuggle, but his favorite thing in the world is taking a bath. I have few pictures of these awesome moments because he splashes so high and makes such a mess, I fear for my camera!

Thanks for making 2009 extra fun, Baby Z. We love you!

'Twas the Nightmare Before Christmas

Harrison's party was a big hit and I think all the kids had fun. They played "Jack, Jack, Zero," got all dressed up like mummies, had Jack Skellington cupcakes, and watched a little of the movie so mom could transition from one activity to the next. The birthday boy was perfect and gracious, making sure he said thanks to everyone as he opened up their presents.

More family party pictures to come...

Happy Birthday Harrison!

I can't believe it's been four years since this little cutie joined our family. His birthday was actually Saturday and we partied all day. I have oh so many birthday party pictures I will post hopefully later today but I wanted to do a quick little tribute to the birthday boy. Saturday morning, he and Luke bounded down the stairs with excitement that Harry was now four. Luke said, "Mom, Harry comes all the way up to here (putting his hand at about his armpit) now, he is FOUR."

Since he's four now, I thought I would say four of my favorite things about the little guy.
1. He's passionate - this can be good or bad, but when he cares about something, he REALLY cares. This is especially fun when he's in a tickly, silly, or snuggly mood.
2. He looks up to his big brother. I love that these two get along so well. Harry waits for Luke to get home from school and practically has the rest of the day planned out for him.
3. I've posted this before, but the kid will try any food once, and I love that. His favorite food is still "snushi."
4. He's got the FUNNIEST sense of humor. Yesterday I made breakfast for lunch and with his little turkey sausage link on his fork, he exclaimed, "It's.....a......flying sausage!" Another favorite was on the way to the festival of trees, he told his Aunt Emily he was "walking like a dwarf." Where does he get this stuff?

We had a great day Saturday and can't thank his friends and family enough for making it a very special birthday. Happy Birthday Harry, we love you!

December

Last year I was pregnant at this time with Z, about ready to pop and it seemed like there were a million things in December. I remember there were something like 14 family functions in the month on one side alone and I keep wondering how I got everything done last year. Christmas Eve is one week from tomorrow and I feel so unprepared.

I did get my Christmas decorations up around Thanksgiving and I really like how they turned out this year. The funny thing is we don't have any Christmas functions scheduled here; we have a Nightmare Before Christmas party coming up this weekend for Harrison and I saved some Halloween decor to mix with Christmas stuff.

We just haven't had a million things to go to this month but thanks to Jon's sister, Emily who won tickets to the Jazz game on Monday night, we had a fun date night with them. The Jazz played like garbage and lost to the Timberwolves, but sitting lower bowl was nice and one of my highlights was that they now have Red Mango at the Energy Solutions Arena. Yum.

I said "relatively" busy and that's just it. I don't get why I feel so less capable of getting more done when there is less to do. I guess that's it. My mom always said if you wanted to get something done, ask a busy person. I guess I'm just not busy enough. Better go do the mountain of laundry or sink full of dishes. Gotta start somewhere I suppose.

Funny. Thanks from Tom and Amy.

Twilight Years from Tom on Vimeo.

Festival of Trees

Earlier this week Aunt Emily asked me if the boys would like her to take them to the Festival of Trees Saturday. I thought it sounded like fun too, so off we went. The crowds were huge, and a little less than polite at times - something I will never understand is literally pushing people out of your way to make your way through something like this - but oh well. We had fun, thanks for the idea Em!

Here are some highlights...

Santa Clause is Coming...

On Saturday after a barrage of fit-throwing, ungrateful, attitudes from two un-named little boys, I called Santa and told him to fly on by our house this year. It's true. I did it in front of the kids too. They sat there speechless, as I discussed their naughtiness with the big Christmas cheese.

Several days later, I am pleased to report my heart was softened, and we're back on Santa's Christmas Eve schedule.

I should do this every year. The boys have been fabulous the last four days.