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. 

 

 



O Christmas Tree

We continued the tradition started last year of choosing and cutting down our Christmas tree.  You can see last year's post here.

 

 

Two little boys in the tree sled this year!  Grant was with me staying warm in the Baby Bjorn.

Nathan wouldn't wear his mittens but we were able to convince him to put his hands in his pockets. 

We had much different weather this year than last year.  Snow on the ground and COLD temps in the 20s.  The boys were troopers.

Our tree was taller than last years - 7.5 feet tall. 

 

Tyler got to help cut it down. 

Starting the haul back to the barn. 

 

Tyler liked to stop occasionally and play in the snow.

So we put him to work.  He really did pull the tree all the way back to the checkout. 

Pull!

Family photo...kinda. 

Grant is under the blanket staying warm.  ;)

 

More photos of our tree coming soon!



Grant photos

I thought I would post some photos of Grant...because he is just too cute not to share! :)

 

This was my attempt at a baby photo shoot.  I am no Jeanne though. 

 

 

I found the hat on Etsy here. 

 

While we were disappointed with the outcome of this past weeks SEC Championship game (our Tigers could have been playing for the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP) we will always love our Tigers! Grant loves them already!

 

He loves to have his hands near his face.  I have had to keep his fingernails diligently trimmed so he doesn't scratch himself too much. 

I just LOVE baby yawns!

Absolutely precious! 

Nathan wanted to give him a little kiss during our photo shoot.

Okay, mom, I am getting cold.  Could we finish up and put some clothes on me please!



Christmas Parade of Lights

The day after Thanksgiving is the Annual Parade of Lights in Downtown Washington and even though Grant was only 2 weeks old, we bundled everyone up and headed downtown. 

 

Tyler was finishing up some french fries while we waited for the parade to start. 

 

Nathan was a bit confused while we waited in the cold for the parade to start.  Grant slept in his car seat until right before the parade started and then I "wore" him for the remainder of the parade to keep us both warm. 

Nathan was fascinated with his mittens.  Also, notice his coat...Jeff bought Nathan a Carhartt version kids coat and bibs.  Every 20 month old needs gear to work on the farm, right?  I do have to admit that Nathan was warm. 

Nathan enjoyed a great view of the parade on top of Popo's shoulders.  We had quite the crew at the parade...about 15-20 family members.  Never a dull moment!

 

We put the camera away during the parade but had a wonderful time and immensely enjoy this holiday tradition. 

 

Another highlight of the night was Tyler getting to play hide and seek with the big boys (Zach and friend, Jonathan) back at Great Aunt Susan's house after the parade!  They kept us all entertained.