Sledding, Oh boys!!!

Adam flies down Mabbutt Hill with Robbie and Mikey.

We get snow here in Yakima, and in the nearby towns, so I've learned to head out early in the season to buy boots, snow pants, gloves (lots of extra pairs because they are always getting lost) and whatever gear we need to fill in the missing pieces from last years left over supply. I don't know how I managed to snap this shot of our two babies with both of them looking my way with out runny noses, tears in their eyes, or goofy expressions, but here they are just sitting and smiling for me.

Christmas Recital

Emily all dressed up for her dance Recital at Dance with Sara dance studio. Outfit dressed up with ivy, bells, ribbons, and tap shoes.

What do you want for Christmas?

When Santa asked Tessa this question, she would have said ribbons and bows if she could talk. When Santa asked me this question, I said, "I have no idea!" Santa replied, "How about a new car?" I said, "Yes--that's exactly what I want!" Two weeks ago, our minivan was rear ended and unrepairable. I'll post some pictures below, but just so you know NO ONE was hurt in the accident.

When Santa asked me what my dream car was, I didn't hesitate to tell him it was "a 2010 Toyota Sienna!" Santa looked at me skeptically and said, "That's your drea

m car? How about a Ford Mustang?" Maybe some day, but for now we ended buying a new minivan to drive around our family of 6--it's not a swagger wagon, but

it'll do much better than this one....Ouch!

I Sure Do Like Them Christmas Cookies

"They're absolutely impossible to resist!"

We made Christmas cookies at home and at a playgroup. Making them with the kids is fun. I always set a few aside for the adults in the family to enjoy free of any special ingredients the kids might sneak in, and free of sprinkles. I learned that Adam does not like sprinkly things on his cookies. Why? They are too crunchy. All that crunch gets in the way of the yummy soft frosted-cookie-goodness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCoGDzKrfXU takes you to a Christmas cookie song by Mr. George Strait.

It IS Christmas Time

For the past week or two, Robbie has asked almost daily, "Is it Christmas time?"

With antlers and hat, Robbie will only answer if you call him Santa. So what's Santa bringing us this year? Lots of JOY!

Snapshots of Tessa

Don't these two look cute sitting together like they are best friends? This is Tessa with her cousin, Rachael. Tessa seems to enjoy "visiting" with new people.

She doesn't do this very often, but occasionally I catch her with her fingers in her mouth, sucking away.

Tessa was very content after trying solid food for the first time at 5 months. Michael helped her with her first bite so I could document the event--got to preserve these memories!

Apple Picking Time

One Fall morning, the kids and I ventured out to pick Fuji apples at a family-owned orchard. My family enjoyed picking apples there once before. I thought it would be no different this time. Tessa was supposed to nap. The boys were to help pick. Tessa did not nap; she fussed and wanted to be held. Michael and Robert did not help much, they complained that it was too cold and wanted to stay in the car. Still, I was there and did not want to leave before getting a few apples. Somehow, I managed to leave there with just over 100 pounds.

The fuji apples are delicious--sweet, crispy, juicy. They still taste fresh, and they've been in our cold garage for a month or so.

I did not think I would do any preserving this fall, but I found the time to do a little here and a little there. With the help of a friend, my mom, and the kids I ended up having some canned food to line the tops of my kitchen cupboard--canned pears, peaches, apple sauce, and vegetable soup. Adam likes to see all the canned food that decorates the kitchen. More next year, I hope!