Cookie Time

The cookie tradition carries forth another year. I rolled out the dough, the kids cut it into shapes, and Joseph manned the oven. It was a good team effort, and the results are delicious. I am going to have a hard time sharing these.

Ruthie really enjoyed herself. The boys each specially frosted a cookie just for her.

Reptile Heaven

David has been talking about reptiles for several weeks now. Of all animals, he claims that lizards, especially Chameleons, are his favorite. My neighbor told us about a place called Prehistoric Pets, which has a reptile petting zoo. You can pretty much ask to hold anything and they'll give it to you for as long as you want. This is David's first experience holding a snake.

When we told the employee about David's love for Chameleons, she took us into a side room and gave him special permission to hold this little guy. I have to admit, he was pretty darn cute.

How about a giant lizard for a pet? We were all a little leary about getting too close to this big guy. He was pretty smelly, too.

Okay, this is a mammoth snake- 350 lbs and no, they don't let you hold this one. James, by the way, was the first one to jump in the car when I mentioned a reptile zoo. Once we got there, he kept himself at a safe distance from everything, no matter how much I coaxed.

David's first piano recital

Way to go on those Twinkle A's, David!

New haircut

I don't usually post pictures of myself, but I got brave today and cut my hair off. It's pretty short, but I like it! The kids were pretty upset about it when I got home. David wouldn't speak to me for over an hour. When I finally explained to him that I am the same mommy, just with different hair, he got over it. James has told me several times that he doesn't like it. Ruthie was the only one who thought it was cute. She pointed to my hair, and gave me a big smile and hug.... I guess girls understand these things. We have yet to see what Joseph thinks. This is the shortest my hair has been EVER, so it could be a shock!

one more from James

We finally got our nativity sets out last night. As a result, James decided to be a shepherd today.

When a 3 year old puts on an outfit, it stays on ALL day, regardless of errands, potty-going, or naptime. Our errand today was a trip to Michaels. On the way in:

"Mommy, why did that lady laugh at me?" James asked.

"She didn't laugh. She just smiled because you look so awesome." (I am careful not to use the word CUTE anymore, because according to James only girls are CUTE)

"I am not awesome. "

"Why aren't you awesome?" I asked, thinking that there would be no better compliment for a boy.

"Shepherds are NOT awesome. They are good."

Adam

Today during sacrament

"Mommy, who ate Adam's shirt?" James asks.

"No one did," I replied.

"Well, why isn't he wearing a shirt? " Still suspicious, he adds, "What did the lion do?"

Whatcha doin', James?

Photo shoot

I can't get enough of a baby in a cute dress. Here's my photoshoot attempt:

After about 5 minutes, she was done. The boys also refused to come smile for the camera. Good thing I have Pilot, who was more than happy to step in.

USS Midway

Our Thanksgiving was pretty low-key this year. We journeyed 5 miles to Grandma and Grandpa Larsen's home for turkey and pumpkin pie. David showed up wearing his homemade native american outfit: (notice the bows and arrows)

On Friday, we traveled to San Diego for a tour on the aircraft carrier, the USS Midway. It was fantastic! Here are the kids in the bunkroom for navy recruits.

The ready-room for helicopter pilots:

An officer for the Golden Dragons (same name as David's soccer team)

James was most interested in this area of the ship: the Brig (worst place to stay)

Engine room. Second worst place to be.

Looks like he has a little more growing to do

Group shot: the men chose this backdrop because of the impressive missles to our left.

View of downtown San Diego. It was the most beautiful day, by the way: 70 degrees

David waving goodbye. To tell the truth, I hope to never see my adult sons on one of these.

Saturday was back to reality. Joseph and I spent most of the day painting the exterior of the house, gardening, and cleaning. I am so glad that we have today (Sunday) to rest.

Happy Birthday James!

We celebrated James' birthday yesterday! He is finally 3 years old! We celebrated by taking the kids to Legoland and coming home for birthday cake. What is a 3-year-old James? smart, thoughtful, driven, careful, dramatic, independent, imaginative. James' love are lego minifigures, so that's what he got.... 34 total (when you include those he got from his grandparents) plus a tackle box to keep them organized. He is in heaven.

The only request for his birthday was a dinosaur cake. Orange is his favorite color.

The biggest hit: Star Wars minifigures

Getting ready for church

Before:

After:

Palm springs

This post documents our much needed retreat to Palm Springs a couple weeks ago. Our niece watched the kids while we took two nights off in the desert. It was so wonderful to have some time to ourselves. These pictures are from our 3 mile hike to an oasis.

Spooks

A few randoms:

James and Ruth dressed up for musicmakers. In a group of 12 kids, there were 4 darth vadars. James is third from the left. Ruth is in the tutu.

Crazy hair day.

Smoothy face.

Randoms

Life has picked up speed now that school has started. We are two months into it, and I am still struggling to adjust to our new life of packed days. Unfortunately (fortunately for David) the day begins with most of the focus on getting David out the door. I am also using the mornings to help him practice the piano and attempt to tie his own shoes. Mid morning is pretty low key, but quickly picks back up as soon as David is back home. Then it's time for lunch, homework, house work, dinner, and bedtime. I used to think that life would get simpler once my kids began school. Let me tell you... I WAS WRONG!

Here's a few shots of our latest adventure with piano lessons. We are taking from a Suzuki Method teacher. She is the most hard core teacher I have ever known. For David's yellow personality, however, she is perfect.

I am afraid that I've become a little less social these days, partially because I really relish the moments that I have with the kids together at home. I told James today that he was my buddy, to which he firmly replied, "No mommy, I am David's buddy". This picture is from David's temple FHE. WE all made temples out of paper and rocks.

I love to see these two enjoying each other.

Shoes are Ruth's obsession. I had a soft moment the other day and allowed her to take her nap with her shoes on. Usually I don't allow this because as soon as a shoe comes off, she screams until I slip it back on her little foot. This spells disaster during naptime.

I've never been able to resist a baby in a towel.

Joanna, my best friend from childhood days, showed up at my house for a quick visit a few weeks ago. I hadn't seen her for 5 years. She's proof that some friendships are eternal.

Our latest adventure begins with P and ends with Y : POTTY training. James is sooo excited and sooo determined to wear undies, but just doesn't get it. I cleaned up atleast 10 accidents today to no avail. I am keeping my cool, but honestly, the lowest point of motherhood is when you find yourself swishing out poopy underwear in the toilet. I am giving it two more days. If we still have no success, the potty will disappear again for a few months.