years end

we got a lot more snow and a lot of opportunities to play with our new toys

 The boys got more train tracks and Adam is the master builder. he is learning how to have fun sharing with his brothers. he calls the tracks his city becauase he has room for all the shops.

Kyle helped put the trash away. 

 Dad and the boys had fun playing in the snow, they tried to build a snowman but Kyle promptly knocked it down.

 Mom was staying warm inside with Colin but we got a great view!

Grandma and Grandpa Cook came yesterday for the rest of their break. It is so fun to have them here.I hope you all had a great new years eve!

Silent Night

Aside from Advent (which was beautiful this year by the way) we are so excited to start and continue our own traditions this year. It is the our first Christmas just us in our own home. On Christmas eve we opened one gift, PJ's! We put graham crackers out for Santa and the boys went to bed. They were so excited!I think Mom and Dad were even more excited because Mom just couldn't stay asleep!

Christmas morning we had breakfast in Mom and Dads room. A special treat.

Then we came out (tried to be one by one) to see what Santa brought.

The boys found their stockings.

Adam found a CTR ring in his.

Kyle went straight for the chocolate.

The big surprise gift was a new bunk bed! they were immediately excited to sleep on it, even before it was put together

Great Grandma and Grandpa Bassett came by to join in the festivities

All three boys loved their books.

 We took time with each gift and when the boys got curious for more we would move on. it was such a relaxing fun morning.

 Kyle tried out our new sleds inside but something was missing. We opened the blinds and saw snow! and a lot of it! What a great Christmas gift!

 Grandpa, Mom and Dad had fun pulling the boys around and Kyle and Grandma had fun watching from the window

Mom and Dad made quick work of putting the bed together and by snooze time it was ready. We talked about Jesus and why this was a special day. We are so grateful for the gifts that have been given to us from our Savior, and we hope the spirit of giving lasts throughout the year!

Party time!

We had Parties or dinner at Great Grandma and Grandpa Cooks, Bassett and Grandma and Grandpa Gleason, complete with Cousins, gift exchanges and even a pinata! 

Great Grandpa Cook is a real character, and we love it!

waiting for a turn with the pinata 

waiting for the gift exchange

our little raindeer Colin

Kyle wanted to spend time in the snow, so Dad joined him

And they made a tiny snowman!

After some last minute shopping we had dinner at sweet and savory crapes, yummmm

Down time

Mom and Dad (with a lot of help from the boys) met our Scripture reading goals this year, and as a reward we got a Thanksgiving Point membership. We took Grandma Gleason to the dinosaur museum and had a great time.  The favorites were the digging pit and sand waterways. Moms favorite was the Supersaurus. Adam and Kyle liked the T-rex.  Mom asked Kyle if he had a Triceratops on his shirt and he said "no! it's my tops! not your tops!" that kid cracks me up

My oldest is growing into such a handsome boy.

Rub a dub dub, three boys in a tub. Colin has gotten over his panic in the water since his near drowning, and now his favorite thing is splashing his brothers.

lil' monsters

Dad and Mom went to Dads work Christmas party this year and the theme was the Roaring 20's. We didn't get a picture of our whole outfits so you will just have to use your imagination. Dad was in a black suite and shirt with a white tie and a fedora.

 Oh wait I found one

Adam has been a big helper and he has also been practicing his whining skills... to moms annoyance

Doughnuts!

 Colin is such a happy boy and really just wants to be included, that means eating what we eat (that is nutella all over his face) and he even eats some things we don't eat!

 This is the earring this little goober grabbed from off my ear, popped in his mouth and promptly swallowed. He was so pleased with himself.  not so for mom who had to wait till the next day to find it in his diaper.

 I think he would eat it again if we let him

 And now for my middle goober.  Without my knowing, he found every can in the pantry that had a pop top and apparently popped every single top. Then he hid the evidence (dispersed the cans surreptitiously) so when I eventually found them I had no clue how long they had been opened. Good by to my soup supply!

 I really need to learn how to get past his cuteness, he uses it to destroy my anger and my desire to punish.   These events have made me realize that I am not a mom of three boys, but three little monsters. Colin is EE (Earring Eater) Kyle is Punky Monkey and Adam is Whiny Hiney.

 Luckily mom has been able to restrain her monster when dealing with these crazies.

Oh, and it got cold enough to snow again... that means we have been mostly inside the entire day :)