Boys and Their Toys

The biggest toy they got this year was the Smart Cycle stationary bike that has learning games with it. They got the bike from Mimi Bennett and the games from Grandpa and Ann. They enjoy racing on the bike and learning skills like spelling, counting and reading. They play with Diego, Dora and Sponge Bob. Landon can only go backwards right now, but we are working on that.

The boys got more pieces to their Geo Trax train for Christmas. They love putting the train together in the playroom and then changing it around different ways throughout the day. We have 5 trains and remotes now, one for each member of the family. Our only problem now is keeping them all running. That is alot of batteries. Thank goodness for rechargeable batteries!

Santa Came!

Santa's visit Christmas morning was greeted by excited children at 5 am. We had to get up so early because dad had to leave for work at 6 am. The boys got lots more pieces for their train, Star Wars action figures, books and money. Their stockings were full of candy and toys too. What a way to wake up for 3 anxious boys!

Christmas Came Early This Year!

We celebrated most of Christmas last night at home by eating a wonderful dinner with ham and all the fixin's. Then we opened all of the presents we had here (from everyone but Santa). The first presents to be opened were new "Cars" pajamas for all the boys.
Kaleb really got into the ripping open of the presents.
Cole was so excited about his new snow boots that he stopped opening presents to run upstairs and get socks on so he could try on his new boots.
Landon is well trained and says cheese everytime he sees me with the camera. He really enjoyed to present opening and cleaning up all the wrapping paper afterward.
But the best part of last night was that we got to share it with Meme and Da Gropp. They were here overnight on their way to Boise, ID, which is why we decided to celebrate early. We are looking forward to seeing them again when they come back through on their way home. We are also still looking forward to Santa's arrival and will have more presents to open Christmas morning.

Mr. Snowman

Kaleb and Cole ventured out into the cold today to make a snowman in the backyard. It hasn't snowed for 4 days so I wasn't sure if it would work. But since our backyard is shady the snow there hadn't melted yet. Kaleb was so proud that he could make a big snow ball for the bottom and middle by rolling it on the ground like they do on tv. Then Cole found a carrot for the nose, a hat for his head and rocks for the eyes and mouth. We didn't have a pipe or cole handy like the song says so we improvised. We should be getting more snow within the next couple of days, so we'll see if he stays together until then.

Winter Wonderland

We have been getting snow everyday this week and it is starting to add up.
When I went outside this morning I was overtaken by the beauty of all the whiteness outside and had to take some pictures. I love the snow before it gets all dirty and yucky. The morning snow makes everything clean and new.
The backyard looks especially white because it doesn't get as much sun during the day to melt everything.
Here is a view of Kaleb's school from our backyard. They didn't play outside yesterday at recess becuase of the snow and he was told to bring snow boots today. I'm sure the kids will enjoy getting out in it today. I always enjoy the snow in December but by February I am ready for spring.

Visitors from the North Pole

Cole's preschool went to a local nursery where they had live reindeer for people to see. The kids loved watching the momma, dad and baby reindeer walk around. Some of the kids got to pet the momma but then she got alittle testy so they had to stop.
The dad and baby stayed in the pen where the dad was very protective of the baby.
Landon really enjoyed the field trip too. Luckily Kyle was off that day, so he got to go too.
Inside the nursery there were tons of decorations and a plush set of reindeer with a sleigh. They also had about a million poinsettias. It was all wonderful, but I think Cole's favorite part was riding the school bus back and forth. Go figure!