Christmas at the Bluff...

We were lucky enough to host for our first Christmas here on the Bluff (thanks to baby Henry's arrival that is about to take place, by the way!). We had Ryker, Hilary and her family for the week and then my parents, Alli's family, and my cousin Avery's family for the Christmas festivities. It was a week full of fun, relaxing, and a wonderful time. I LOVED it. Yes, it was a full house, but I loved every minute of it. The pictures I have are not the best quality, but they are definitely fun memories for me. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, too!

First, we spent a few days just lazing around, enjoying the snow, and making some yummy treats:







We also got to put Uncle Ryker's cool new projector to use. It allows you to watch a show wherever you may choose, like on the ceiling for example:


Then, on Christmas Eve we continued our tradition of acting out a live Nativity. The kiddos are finally getting old enough to understand it and get into it, which is SOOOOO much fun. I don't have pictures of all of the characters because I was behind the curtain for the actual production, but I did snap a couple after the performance of the angel and Mary:




Later that evening, we opened our presents:


And then spent a lot of time on Christmas day enjoying them:













And finally, to top off the day, the men made the feast....which was delicious! Nice work fellas!







And I also want to mention that we were blessed by the presence of these wonderful people for Christmas dinner (sorry it's so blurry, the lighting was not the best). Craig, Sharon, and Kylene, we loved having you here. Thanks for coming!


P.S. I think baby Henry is going to make his arrival some time tonight! Go Alli, go! Can't wait to meet the little guy! HOORAY!!!

Tis the season...

This is what life is all about. I LOVE Christmas, in case you didn't already know that. And so far, this year is proving to be one of the best ever!




















P.S. Uncle Ryker built one heck of a snow man today. Unfortunately he got a little too tall and toppled over. But I did snap a picture of the work in progress:

An early Christmas...

Today we had an early Christmas celebration with C.J.'s side of the family. It was absolutely wonderful. So wonderful, that I simply relaxed the entire day and didn't take a single picture. My dear mother in law hosted the entire family and, once again, spoiled us rotten. We spent the day visiting with good company, eating delicious food, opening fun gifts, playing with said gifts, and generally having an incredibly relaxing and enjoyable time. There were several times throughout the day that I thought to myself that I needed to get my camera out, but I was just too lazy. You know how sometimes it's fun to take pictures and sometimes you just want to sit back and enjoy life without the camera in your hands? Today was definitely the sit back and relax type. But, the day was too good not to document, so I thought I'd at least jot down on here that it actually took place. And I loved it. And I especially love the people that I spent it with!

Onion Soup: A Boy's Best Friend...

Yesterday I bought a pack of onion soup from Costco. And for some strange reason, Silas LOVES it. He totes the thing everywhere, strutting his stuff and acting so proud of himself. This kid will not play with toys. But give him a random household item and he's in Heaven. Man, I love this boy.

You'll also notice his amazing bed head. To say his hair is a bit unruly is an understatement!











And just in case you couldn't tell from these pictures, our baby is officially walking. Everywhere. All the time.

P.S. See Al, all kids have a few "odd" favorite toys!

Owen's Perch...

I think it would be safe to say that Owen's favorite place in our house right now is atop the treadmill. He spends A LOT of time there. It often acts as a spaceship, airplane, boat, gun shooter, stage, etc. This morning he came upstairs while I was cleaning and said, "I'm going to have a PREformance on the treadmill. So, do you wanna come watch?" How could I say no? And I took my camera with me:







I love that boy. A lot.

It just keeps getting better...

I guess you don't really need a sword...

So Oliver and Jack are spending the night. Getting ready for bed, I send all three boys to use the bathroom one last time. I walk into the bathroom when they are done to find urine all over the wall and bathtub. I ask, "Why is there potty all over the bathroom?" Owen responds, "We were just pee fighting, Mom." It will never cease to amaze me what they can make into weapons.

Wintery goodness...

Yesterday, the last patch of snow from the Thanksgiving blizzard melted. I was oh so bummed. And then today, WE GOT DUMPED ON!!!!!! And it's still coming down. Oh, how I love snow!

Christmas Fun in Seattle...