Snow Fun: 2013

Last Saturday, 12/14, we woke up to several inches of snow.  Uncle Kyle called promptly at 8am ready to meet up to go sleigh riding.  We agreed to meet over at Grandma and Grandpas so Grandma could watch Grant while Jeff, Kyle and I took Tyler, Nathan and Hadley out to play in the snow. 

 

Warning: there are a LOT of photos!

 

Hadley was such an easy subject to photograph in the snow because she didn't attempt to go anywhere.  Luckily, Nathan's snowsuit from last year fit her perfectly.

 

Nathan was busy checking it all out with dad.

I love Hadley's smile in this photo!

It was much easier to pull these three on the sled to our hill then to have them attempt to walk. 

I probably should have been helping get the kiddos ready for their first trip down the hill but I just took photos of the dads. ;)

Ready, set, GO!

 

 

Here is a video of Kyle and Hadley sledding.

 

Tyler preparing to go by himself.

 

 

Time for a snow snack.

Inside for fresh baked cookies!  Thanks, Grandma!

I am not sure why Nathan was upset...

Mmm...cookies!

 

While the kiddos and I were inside warming up and eating, Uncle Kyle built this snowman. 

Little Rascals Christmas Program

Tyler had his school, Little Rascals, Christmas program last Thursday.  It was very chaotic with all the kids and parents in a gym.  The kids were running around and parents were trying to find kids, grandparents, save seats, etc.  It was hilarious. 

 

Tyler before the concert and dressed to impress.  He calls this is "I look like dad outfit."   Jeff has a shirt just like this one that they both have worn to church together before.

Tyler was in the second row and attempted to move his way to the front during the performance.  The kiddos all looked so cute.  The kids in Tyler's class, the Playful Puppies, sang "I'll be Home for Christmas," "The Lights on the Tree" and "We are Christmas Lights." 

 

Aunt Jeanne got some photos at the program too that can be seen on here emissourian.com.  There is also a video here.

 

The video did not focus on the kids as much as the audience's hair in front of me.  I was attempting to watch and record.  Lesson learned.

 

The kids sand LOUDLY and since they were in a long line it turned out to be a bit of a round.  Still very cute. 

Maggie, Kyle and Hadley attended and obviously, Hadley wasn't impressed.  It was past her bedtime in this photo.  Poor girl!  They were able to knock out two family members since Maggie's nephew, Kellen, also performed. 

Daddy kept Nathan entertained. 

Grandma Francis and Matthew chatted after the performance.

Tyler visited with his friends while waiting to see Santa.

This was the line to see Santa and there was a similar line on the other side of the stage. Tyler was fairly patient and very excited.

Here are two of Tyler's amazing teachers: Ms. Sharon (left) and Ms. Ashley (right).

Tyler and Ms. Carla.  He didn't get a photo with Ms. Cheryl.  We are blessed for him to have such amazing teachers!

Ms. Brenda does and exceptional job keeping everything organized at Little Rascals.  Tyler adores her.  He was pretty thrilled to meet Santa.

When Santa asked what he wanted for Christmas Tyler said, "Presents!" 

Santa: "What kind of presents?"

Tyler: "Red and green and blue ones." 

Easy enough!

Getting his present!

Legos! 

I love his sweet excitement!  Christmas is so much more fun with kids.  They radiate the spirit of the season. 



Gingerbread House Decorating Fun!

Red brought the boys a gingerbread house kit one day and so last week we broke it out and had lots of fun. 

 

Dad put together the structure while the boy eagerly checked out the candy options. 

Grant was cooperative but not impressed with the evening activity.   

Nathan was feeling festive.  Tyler wanted to wear his Santa hat so, of course, Nathan was in on it too.  I adore this photo of Nathan.

Cheesy smile!

Eating the candy.

I am pretty sure I am still finding these little candy balls on the floor of the kitchen.

 

Our finished product. 

I don't think we are going to win any contest with this "masterpiece" but we sure had fun.  

One more finishing touch...or lick. ;)

Tyler was guilty of eating plenty of candy too.  

Ta-dah!   

I wonder if this ball tastes good too?

 

I think we created another holiday tradition that will continue next year. 



Bowling Fun!

We have tried to make sure Tyler and Nathan are getting much needed attention since Grant's birth.  A few weeks ago we took them both to see Frozen, the movie, in 3D while Grandma and Grandpa Zick watched Grant.  It was a big treat with popcorn, candy and even a root beer (our kids have probably can probably count the number of sodas they have had on one hand)! 

 

 Last Sunday, after naps, we attempted bowling. Grandma and Grandpa Zick again kept Grant for a few hours between feedings.  Thanks!

 

Tyler was VERY excited.  He was checking out the lanes after selecting his ball with dad. 

We helped Tyler the first few frames of the first game and then the second game he did it all on his own!

Nathan was into it for only a few frames of the first game and didn't play the second game at all - just had a drink and a snack. ;)

 

Nathan did like to see the pins fall down. 

Tyler was always ready for his turn.

 

Nathan and his drink.

Tyler on his own!  He bowled and 83 the second game all by himself and even had a spare.  He will tell you he knocked "them all down and mom won."  I did win.  I love to win! ;)

Tyler has already requested to go bowling again.  The special outings are very well received by Tyler.