We were able to squeeze in a visit to Santa Claus one Saturday morning before practice for the church Christmas program.
Tyler was SO, SO, SO excited to visit. We did have to scale back his list a bit. We had a talk that Santa had lots of boys and girls to get presents to so he should tell Santa about his top 3 choices rather than his original list of 20+ items. He immediately had his top choices narrowed down. Whew!
Nathan was a bit nervous about Santa this year. No tears but not thrilled about visiting him. He did so but wasn't very talkative. He told Santa he wanted a "tar." He meant guitar. :)
Grant was fine visiting Santa. No smiles but not too concerned either.
I love so much about this photo!
Funny story: We had just walked out of the Santa room to go to the car when Tyler said "Oh, no! I forgot to ask Santa if I was on the naughty or nice list." Thankfully it wasn't very crowded and we were able to turn around and go back in so Tyler could ask Santa this very important question. He was nervous about this one, but luckily Santa told him he was on the nice list! I love the sweet, innocence of Christmas and the excitement it brings. The kids just make the season so much fun!
So much work between the elf on shelf each night, programs, outfits, gifts and parties...but so much fun - it is all worth it! :)
Yes, I know it is the 1st of February and I am just now posting about Christmas. I have been doing two jobs (not just counting real job and mom, either) for the last two months so hopefully as I ease into my new role at work and only have one job, blogging will return to a bit more normal pace. More on the job later...maybe. :)
December 6th we ventured out to pick out our 2014 Christmas tree. We had the date on the calendar for a few weeks as it is one of our favorite traditions. Of course, it rained the day before. No stopping us. Everyone put on their boot and we geared up. It was very fitting for our pack of boys to tramp through the mud before cutting down a tree. :)
Tyler is so good and sweet with Grant.
A full load of adorable boys!
Grant wanted to walk but the ground was pretty tough to maneuver. It was a nice relief for me too because the kid is getting heavy.
Our family Christmas tree 2014!
Tyler got to help saw down the tree. Jeff was smart to have him kneel in the sled so he wasn't completely covered in mud.
Nathan was an excellent observer.
Grant just liked stomping in the mud.
I just think this cabin is so cute.
Tyler tried to put the star on the tree but he is getting SO big, Jeff wasn't able to lift him at the right angle.
So it was Nathan's turn!
The boys, Jeff included, wanted color lights rather than my choice of the white lights so I went out to purchase new LED color lights this year. #overruled
We set up the train to complete the look. The boys LOVE it the train.
We attended the Olde Fashioned Christmas in Downtown Washington on Sunday, November 30th. It was a fun event with lots of things for the kids to do.
The boys loved the sleigh and reindeer.
Jeanne took this family photo of us and then put it in the paper. She was also sweet enough to frame an 8 x 10 photograph for us too! It is already hanging on the wall. We love it!
Roasting marshmallows. Our boys don't love to eat roasted marshmallows but it sure is fun putting things over the fire.
I didn't get photos of the cookie decorating. I had my hands full and messy with icing. It wasn't an idea time to have my camera out. ;) That and the cookies were gone pretty darn fast.
There were arts and crafts.
Dancing to the Christmas music while the boys colored and did crafts.
Story time with the Fair queen court.
There were also carriage rides but the line was really long for those so we just watched.
I may have been putting off this post because it is still hard for me to believe that Grant is already 1! It has been the fastest year of my life. Maybe because we are constantly on the move chasing all three of our little men around, both of us working full time and attempting to keep a household in some form of order. I sure wouldn't change any of it!
I thought I would document Grant enjoying his last bottle. I typically cut the bottle off cold turkey at the first birthday. Grant snuck in a few extra bottles that I blamed on some teething pain. It was probably more mom not being completely prepared to give it up. I feel with the removal of the bottle more of the "baby" part goes away. (sniff, sniff). He did very well though with his transition to the sippy cup and I am happy to report he only had 3 bottles as a 1 year old.
Grandma brought Grant a present to open on his actual birthday. You have to remember that Grant was born on the opening weekend of deer season which is pretty much a national holiday in our family. Soon enough Grant and his brothers will join all the guys at deer camp but this year we spent it at home hanging out while Dad, Uncle Kyle, Popo and the rest of the guys hunted.
Notice that Grant is not opening his own present at ALL. His brothers were so happy to "help" him out. Ha!
Jeff did get this nice 11-pointer on opening morning!
I was glad since he missed last years deer season to spend quality time with Grant and I in the hospital.
Grant did finally get to play with his new toy from Grandma.
We also had some of the extended family over for pizza, cupcakes and ice cream on his actually birthday. It was very low key.
Singing Happy Birthday - Grant wanted to grab the lit candle...then was mad we didn't let him have it. We got him calmed down after the video ended and he devoured the cupcake. :)
The following week was the party!
This was our invite to the party. I love the Very Hungry Caterpillar book so since Grant doesn't really have opinion on the matter (yet!) and he really likes to eat - it was the perfect combo!
We had all the foods from the book. And little labels so hopefully it made sense...and so people didn't think I planned the strangest menu ever. We also had soup, chili and small sandwiches. It was easy and fun!
I made an easy Happy Birthday Grant caterpillar banner.
Caterpillar balloon art and "ONE" decorated the mantle.
Homemade cupcakes and smash cake was supposed to look like a caterpillar with rainbow cupcake papers. I meant to make feet and eyes too but didn't get to all that. Oh, well!
These boys love caterpillar food too!
I think this photo is so sweet.
Tyler singing Happy Birthday to Grant.
Grant had some help on what to do from his older brothers.
Like this!
We are so lucky to have this little man in our lives and be able to say we are his parents.
After a quick bath...it was time to open presents.
And yes I let him open his gifts in just a diaper. You have to remember he is the third child! :)
Mike and Jeanne brought not one sword...but three! Oh joy!
Tyler didn't let me forget that there are lollipops in the book! All the kiddos got one!
Grant's favorite toy might have been the empty (or not so empty at times) cups on the tables. Sad that Grant gets no attention.
Nathan is really deprived of attention too. ;)
We had a great day week celebrating Grant's birthday! It has been so fun to watch him grow even though it has gone WAY too quick!
