Christmas Eve

We had a great time on Christmas Eve. We had fondue, which didn't turn out quite right. It was pretty thick in one part, and runny on top. It was fun to use the small forks and dip. Brooke read about a cool tradition that another family did. You put a peanut (we used a gummy bear because of the choking hazard with little kids) in one bowl of chocolate pudding, and whoever eats it gets an early present. Brooke was our official winner and got the game Lucky Duck.

After dinner we read about the birth of our Savior in Luke 2. It was good to talk about why we have Christmas. Then we read Christmas books with the kids. The kids got to open their pj's from mom and dad. Avery left Santa a cute little note, with carrots, cookies, and milk.

1st day of church as a family

The boys! We had to hide Liam's undershirt, it had OJ all over the collar.

After 6 tries, that was the best we could get.
Brooke is always looking well!
Liam looks pretty old next to Ethan.

It was our first official day of church as a whole family, and it equalled disaster. Brooke and I stayed up too late watching Transformers (good guy movie), so Brooke and I had a hard time getting out of bed. I left for meetings and came back to find that Liam spilled on his new sweater and that Ethan wasn't feeding until now, 10 minutes before church. I took Liam and went to make sure the sacrament was ready. Because of Ethan's eating schedule Brooke and Avery showed up 15 minutes late, just in time to play their piano duet, and did a great job. Ethan got upset and I took him out. Brooke was supposed to set up the chairs for primary, so I had to go do it with Ethan.

After sacrament I had to get some gift baskets out to families. Brooke was conducting with Ethan. Liam didn't want to be in nursery, I don't know why. Avery took him back to nursery and he wouldn't let go over her so she could get back to class. Brooke was trying to organize the gifts for the teachers and primary kids and feed Ethan. I had Liam come with me to priesthood, then I could tell he wasn't feeling right so I took him home. A fitting ending to very busy first day of sacrament. We did get some good pictures after though.

Getting ready for the holidays

Here are some photos of us before the holidays. We couldn't go to the Tolman's annual gingerbread house making family home evening, but they gave us some left overs to make our own. Ours didn't turn out so good, frosting was a little runny.


Liam had fun getting out the decorations.

Avery and Liam made their own aprons for Christmas. Avery designed her own, she is pretty creative.

The joy of a box!

Oh the joy of a box! It was early Christmas.

The unthinkable

I know I vowed never to put them up, but I was pressured. I had to do it if I wanted peace (not piece, thanks Margaret) in my house.

The Christmas Card!

We spent much of Sunday evening trying to get all three kids to sit still for a Christmas card picture. Liam was by far the hardest to get to sit still. He kept moving and standing and jumping off the chair. We tried to bribe the kid with marshmellows, which worked for a minute, but happened to be when Ethan started crying. We ended up laughing our heads off and finally giving in.

Super Why?

Liam has a new show that he is pretty into - Super Why? This is Liam acting like Super Why?

Better late than never -Thanksgiving

I know it is very late, but we had a nice Thanksgiving at home. It was nice and relaxing after our busy few weeks. Avery was in charge of the decorations and spent all day planning them. It was amazing to see how creative she is. We have a lot to be grateful for.

Getting a bath

Ethan is pretty cute. He loves his bath! Here is a quick video of him getting a bath.

First "Official" Bath

It is a tradition in Brooke's family that the grandma gets to do the first bath. Since Ethan was 4 weeks early Cindy couldn't come out then, so the first "official" bath had to be postponed (yes, he did get cleaned inbetween). Ethan received his first "official" bath from Grandma Marcheschi. Now he is cleansed!

Grandma Marcheschi's visit

It was very nice to have Grandma Marcheschi come and visit us for the week. I don't know what we would have done without all the help. I do know our home would be a complete wreck. It is nice to have Grandma's that can come and help out. Brooke felt like she was back in the hub of what was going on at home and really missed it. Brooke is recovering and getting around. She still can't lift Liam, which means when I'm home I am on Liam duty. Ethan gained a pound in two weeks and was already in the 5% for his age, complete opposite of our other two.

Grandma's Last Good-bye

He is starting to fill out a little bit.

This picture took forever to get. We couldn't get Liam to sit still or put the red blanket away. It was pretty entertaining.

On Grandma Cottle's final night here she was able to get some final baby snuggles before she heads back to Utah. She has been a great help!

Funny Faces!

We were playing around and everyone got to make a funny face. They are pretty good - or - we were in a goofy mood (I tend to think the latter of the two).

More pic's

Here are some more pictures of Ethan's first week. Can you tell we're a little camera happy these days?
I caught Ethan smiling in this one.

Avery and her new glasses.

I was able to sneak in a quick cyclocross bike race on Saturday and won! I guess it helps to have little sleep and be tired.

Liam hiding in Grandma Cottle's bed.
This is one that Avery took while they were playing around.
The proud mamma! Brooke is recovering well. She is slowly starting to feel better after the c-section.

Poor Dad!

I heard a quote the other day, "Assume the best, but prepare for the worst." Because I couldn't tell if I was having an allergy attach or if I had a cold I got to wear a surgical mask over my face for the day. Sometimes you do what you have to and if that is what it takes for Ethan not to get sick, then that is what I will do.

@ the park with Grandma Cottle

Liam likes to fill his boots, yes he is still wearing his boots, up with sand. For days after whenever he puts his boots on he has sandy toes or socks.

My mom took the kids out to the park while I watched Ethan and Brooke got some rest. It is nice to have her here. We are lucky to have such a great park so close to home.