Snowboarding

For Christmas, Jacob received money to go snowboarding. This is something he has wanted to do for a very long time. He was so excited to go the day after Christmas. Kelly made the great sacrifice and went along with Jacob! They left early in the morning and did not return until late that night. They both had a little trouble walking around the next day (Jacob had never experienced sore muscles before!), but said it was so much fun!

This is how Jacob said he spent most of his day:

Here are two more pictures from their fun day:

Christmas

We were able to go to my parent's home for Christmas again this year. We had a great time doing all our usual Christmas-y things and spending time with my family. We decorated Gingerbread houses, played in the snow, and went to see the lights at Temple Square.

Laynie spent most of her time sitting in her Grandpa's lap. Anyone who knows Laynie will understand how unusual it is for her to want to be near anyone but me. She spent most of our vacation chasing after him yelling "Bapa!" and asking for "beans" from his jelly bean dispenser.

Part of Laynie's Christmas presents was a bunny from Build a Bear. This was not exactly her favorite gift! She looked distressed the entire time we were in the store and still wants nothing to do with her bunny!

On Christmas Eve the kids performed their annual "Nativity Scene". Jacob was Joseph, Ryan was a wise man, Laynie was an Angel and Kelly was the stable (a good job for him, don't you think?!).

I love the joy and surprise in my children's eyes on Christmas morning. This year was no exception. Ryan kept shouting, "You've got to be kidding me!" and Jacob exclaimed that this was "the best Christmas ever!". Laynie was even happy with her toys and showed us with her trademark wink. What a great Christmas!

December

The month of December was a busy one for us! Jacob marched with his school's Marching Band during the half time of a high school basketball game.

Jacob sang with the Colorado Mormon Chorale during their annual Christmas Concert. I wish I could have taken pictures. Jacob looked so handsome and the choir sounded amazing. This was such a special opportunity for him. The boys also had their school choir concert, which I was so sad to miss. Our Relief Society Christmas Dinner was held on the same night and since I was in charge of that, I thought it best that I attend!

We also went on a tour of the U.S. Mint, and had Kelly's Christmas Work Party at our home.

Jacob did an awesome job in the school Spelling bee. I felt so much pressure just watching him!

Now, on to Christmas!

My Preschoolers

I have to begin this post by saying just how much I love my preschoolers! I am having the best time with them. I was a little apprehensive when I began this school year. I wasn't sure if it would be too overwhelming, but truly, this was one of the best decisions I have ever made! I am lucky to have the cutest, happiest and smartest group of preschoolers. I look forward to each day with them. Here are a few of the things we did together before Christmas Break. (The boys are with us for most of these activities because they tracked off at Thanksgiving.)

One of my preschool parents brought his collection(?) of snakes for the kids to see. It was really amazing. I was so impressed by the preschoolers lack of fear. I was a little scared, but they were not at all! Even Laynie could not keep her hands off the snakes!

We made turkey crackers and held a Thanksgiving Feast. We also went on a field trip to the Hammond's Candy Factory. It is a very short tour, but perfect for 3 and 4 year olds.

The preschoolers made the cutest Gingerbread Houses and had a gift exchange with their preschool friends.

We ate adorable Rudolph cupcakes and they also performed songs for their parents during our Holiday Program. I didn't get any pictures of this because I was way too busy. I wish I had though, they were sooo great!

Thanksgiving

I've done it again. I've put off blogging for so long that now I feel overwhelmed by the task of getting up to date. So, bear with me as I try my best to get caught up with all that we have done over the past 5-6 weeks!

We celebrated Thanksgiving with friends. It is so nice to know that even when you are away from family holidays can still be special. We are blessed with great friends in Colorado!

(The kids were having so much fun that we could never get them to sit still for a picture!)

Barnes and Noble Performance

Jacob, Ryan and their good sport dad performed on their guitars at Barnes and Noble on Saturday. I wish I had known what was going to happen because Jacob had written a whole routine and I missed recording most of it. I guess, maybe, I should let them out of the bedroom when they are practicing, but I just don't think I can handle the noise! Jacob introduced each of them (He was the lead guitarist, of course!) and then started in on challenging Kelly to play different scales on his guitar. Here is what I did record:

Ryan loves to play his bongos. He hasn't quite gotten the idea of a steady beat down, but that doesn't stop him from playing his little heart out! Even though he gets nervous, Ryan told me that the key to performing in front of an audience is to just keep your head down and pretend like no one is watching. I am so impressed that both Jacob and Ryan will perform in front of an audience, I could NEVER do that!

Ryan had a bongo solo in this song (notice their hair- they did their own hair "rocker" style for the performance!):

Laynie is 18 months old!

Laynie's newest talent, winking!

Laynie is 18 months old. She now weighs 21 pounds, a big accomplishment for her considering her diet consists mostly of milk and Goldfish crackers! The most exciting part about Laynie turning 18 months old is that she can now go to the Nursery while we are at church. And, she has gone to Nursery two weeks in a row! I asked one of the Nursery Leaders how she was doing and he said she is fine as long as someone gives her a little attention. Oh really? Welcome to our life! Laynie follows me around with her step stool in hand so that she doesn't have to miss a moment of what I am up to. Cooking, teaching preschool, reading a book, or helping with homework, she is right there! She is a really smart, funny girl and we love having her in our home.