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?