Cozy Saturday

The Saturday before Christmas was freezing cold. It was the perfect day to stay inside, bake and watch movies. In the morning, we did playdoh, popcorn and polar express. Luke ventured out and braved the weather with Bryan in the afternoon for a little sledding and skiing down the road. Emma and I started making our gingerbread men and Myles enjoyed a long Winter's nap.

Myles has mastered "the cheese."

The gingerbread were a little more "plump" this year. I guess no one is exempt from those holiday pounds!

The Nutcracker

Emma's dance recital was The Nutcracker this year. We had so much fun getting her ready for her big night. Thanks to the Cramers for watching Luke and Myles. We enjoyed a fun night with our beautiful, snowflake ballerina.

Proud papa. 

School Parties

The kids each had a class party at Pre-K and Kindergarten. Emma's was laid back with popcorn and movie. I helped coordinate Luke's class party of decorating graham cracker houses. Luke loved having both of his parents attend the party. Bryan helped Luke to construct a sledding hill out of gumdrops and frosting. I figured since I hit up every store in Castle Rock in search of gumdrops, I didn't feel guilty with him hoarding a few more. After the graham cracker houses were built and decorated, we played a few games. At one point, his teacher asked me to take over "Pin the heart on the Grinch." Well, in that 2 minutes, a fight broke out with the kids! It was so awkward, especially since all of the parents (including those that were involved) just sat there! Uhhhh...  Fight and all, it was a great time. :)

We love Mrs. Lapp!

Graham Cracker Houses

For FHE, we made the traditional graham cracker houses. We all look forward to this fun night. Myles gave me pretty steep competition for the amount of candy eaten vs. actually placed on the house.

Few things that help this to run smoothly with our family is 1) houses assembled ahead of time with hot glue gun, 2) each kid has their own assortment of candy that can be refilled and 3) ziplock baggies holding the icing are the way to go.

He's mastered "the cheese."

At least I'm looking and it's documented. :)

Disney on Ice

I took Emma on a date to see Disney on Ice. We joined with several other friends. We had a lot of fun together. She was excited to go without her brothers. :) They saved Frozen for last. I loved listening to Emma sing right along with Elsa and Anna. She was a little disappointed we couldn't go on the ice and skate with the characters, but once we were over that it was smooth sailing. Love this sweet and spunky Emma.

Love those curls.

Little stinker didn't want her picture taken...Elizabeth helped me out and snagged one at the end.

Family Date at the Zoo

Continuing on with our Thanksgiving Break, we headed to the zoo as a family. This was the first time that Bryan was able to join us in a loooooong time. The kids loved showing him around and a few of their favorite animals. It was a beautiful, crisp and sunny day.

Myles was tuckered out by the end and fell asleep on Bryan's shoulder. This never happens and was worthy of photo documentation.