On Christmas day we went to the Dells and did an indoor water park with all the kids for a few days.

Chloe was enjoying the open door policy to the kitchen. She snuck a few powdered donuts (and so did the rest of us).
The kids were up and ready to go bright and early each morning.

Rugs was our protector for most of the ride there. Much to Breckyn's disappointment, Tim got a fake tattoo. They had a booth down by the water park and it was hard to resist. The boys were begging to get one to match him.

The girls escaped to the spa and enjoyed some quiet time. It was heavenly! We had a great time!

Merry Christmas!

We had a great Christmas filled with family and fun. The kids were so excited I thought they were going to burst! Here's a quick overview of the good stuff.

I set up a tent for Cam so he could have his own special space. All the boys really liked it.
Z loved playing with Coop. He was a smiley little angel.

On Christmas morning I filled Cam full of sugar cereal that his mom never lets him have. He really liked it.

Cam also enjoyed being educated by his older cousins.

This little guy was so happy. He was a burst of sunshine in our house.

We love you Coop!

The boys big request this year was "Hulk Smash Hands." They make Hulk sounds and phrases when you hit them. They were in heaven.

I know these are going to cause problems for me in the future but I couldn't resist.

Em was really into opening and opening and opening. He kept asking for more stuff to open. He was all over the presents this year.

Z got some more make up from Grandma. (thanks a lot mom!)

B was pretty excited about some new silky jammies.

Rugs also received a spiderman hat and matching gloves for playing outside. He's going to be such a stud at recess.

Em got the matching batman hat so they can fight crime outside together.
Here is the face of a girl recently cut off from the candy frenzy of the morning. I think that's how we all feel when it's over. We love Christmas!

Snow clips...

I thought you might enjoy a few clips from our sledding adventures....

Caleb the snowboarding super stud!

Uncle Chris came out and had the kids doing sled "trains" for the rest of the day.

Fearless Chloe wanted to go down all by herself!

We only had one casualty. Rugs hit a tree on the last run of the day. oops!

We've had visitors...

Cass and her kids are here a little early to start off the holiday right. We've been playing with her two little sweeties like mad.

Cam has been loving all the big kid attention from Maddie.

Cooper has the most amazing eyes and oh that smile. He is such a love muffin!We've also been having a little fun too. Everyone has gotten in on the kid fun with all the Nerf guns and wrestling. I think Mom liked it a little too much...
Dad put up a good fight but ultimately Mom took him out! Go Mom!!

Z is enjoying all of her baby time.

Breckyn is in heaven with a baby to love. She is smitten with Coop.

Snow Day!!

On Friday school was called off because we got a foot of snow and it was drifting really badly. We were all excited because it meant one more day added to our Christmas break and it's a day to just have fun. Everyone except Rugby that is....

He started crying when we told him that there was no school. He said, "I won't learn anything today! It was gym day and now I won't get any exercise either!" He was very upset that the snow cut into his educational time.

So, Dad got him started on some jumping jacks....

and push ups to keep him properly exercised. He went at this for about an hour (on his own accord).

Then we headed out to take advantage of the snow.

We were all lovin' life. We love you snow!!!

My little stud muffin...

Each one of the kids have been taking turns playing Rudolph. I've listened to them sing this song to me a bazillion times. (outfit made and provided by Breckyn)

The boys hangin' out and watching a show.

Breckyn has been up to her old tricks. She had me go to the store in search of Christmas foamie stickers so she could craft. She made 21 Christmas cards and a stack of pins and handed them out to people at church. Go Breckyn!

Tim's new toy...

One of the things that made me fall in love with Tim was his fun loving nature. He and his roommates use to "pack heat" (plastic pellet guns from the dollar store) on campus. They would sneak up on each other on campus and all around our apartment building and pelt the crud out of each other. I always thought he was so cute and spontaneous. Anyway, now that he is a dad his skills with a plastic gun has come in quite handy. The kids love to play "guns" with him on daddy nights. I believe he owns one (or two) of everything Nerf makes. This little beauty makes his collection complete.

Tim "packin" heat."

Oh, the possibilities!

His latest victim...
This poor man had his eyes shot out. Does Tim have no mercy?!?!?

Tim in action!

More Programs...

This past week the older kids did all of their programs. I had a lot of footage. (Don't worry I won't make you look at all of it.) Here's the condensed version...Here's the handsome crowd all ready to go.
Z was so stinkin' hammy. It was a hoot to watch.
Breckyn was all about doing everything perfectly. She was very into getting every move just right. I caught her on a quick break for a real smile.

Here's my little dude. This was his first West Side program and he just sung his little guts out. He got so into his moves-- it was awesome!


I tried to tape some of their songs but I didn't have the best seat. They were all really long and a pain to down load. If you want a good show just stop by the house and they will be more than willing to reenact a few numbers for you.

It's early November and Jodi, Tim and I are sitting around talking. Somehow it works into the conversation that there is no way that Tim could fit into Rugby's undershirt. Tim, being the competitive man that he is, went on to prove Jodi wrong.

I think we all thought it would provide a little more coverage than this.

You know what they say, "the tighter the shirt, the more muscular it makes you look..." He's got so many muscles people.

The video gives you the full effect.

Let me just tell you that I'm sure there will be more to come. Tim is never one to turn down a dare.

Updates...

Emerson single handedly finished an entire box of cereal in a few days time so he could cut this out of the back of the box.

Oh, it was so worth it.

Nice work Em!

Z lost another tooth....Rugby is definitely totally going to be a pirate for Halloween next year. (Just in case you were worried about it.)

The boy has skills....