Christmas Break

The kids' school let out an entire week before Christmas. I loved it! We had so much fun together! We spent a day at Hammond's candy factory. The kids got to watch old fashioned candy canes being made by hand and helped themselves to the bowl of free broken lollipops.

Lila just does whatever she wants. At least she's in the picture!

We met some friends at Monkey Bizness. It's the best indoor playground! This slide is a huge attraction that the two big kids love going down. Quite frankly, it scares me. I've always been a chicken, though. The kids were completely worn out by the time we made it home. Regan even complained of sore muscles the next day! I can't even guess how many times she climbed up that slide.

We did lots and lots of holiday baking. All three kids like to help make and sample anything sweet! (Regan insists on wearing sundresses year round.)

We made lots of toffee this year. Haden was in charge of slicing all the butter into smaller pieces so it would melt faster. He insisted on using his very own cutting board. He gets after me when he catches me using it without asking. He loves this vest and apparently neither of noticed it was on inside out!

We went tubing again with more friends. We got a perfect snowfall and then a beautiful day! It was almost too warm for jackets! (Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE Colorado?)

Clint and Haden built the perfect run. I don't think Haden went down the hill once. He preferred to dig in the snow with his shovel. At least he was happy!

Regan and Kate only have matching coats by coincidence. But they were quite pleased when they discovered it!

Lila and Lexi had a wonderful time eating snow. I'm pretty sure it was Haden who taught them to do that.

We went to several Christmas parties. We got to meet the Grinch at our Ward Christmas party. Haden LOVES that book. I can't count the number of times that I have had to read it to him. But, he wasn't quite sure what to think of meeting the Grinch. None of the kids did!

I don't think Lila ate anything but the Cheetos for dinner that night.
It was a fun party! The kids loved running around and playing with their friends.

It was a wonderful break. I love hanging out with my kids, even if we stay home and do absolutely nothing!

Bass Pro Shop

Clint had heard that Bass Pro Shop puts on quite a good show during Christmas. This year they had pictures with Santa, a carousel, target shooting, electric trains, and race cars. Apparently, you have to get passes to see Santa and they go fast. Luckily, we had a connection who was gracious enough to snag a pass for us so we wouldn't have to wait several hours just to see Santa.

Lila didn't really care for Santa. She was in a bad mood because she missed her nap. Haden loves Santa, so the missed nap was worth it for him.

Lila did cheer up on the carousel!

Clearly we need to work on shooting technique with Regan. She didn't hit much, but had fun trying!

The kids had to test drive every 4 wheeler we passed.

This one was Haden's favorite, also the most expensive.

The kids also love playing on the gators.

My kids all love popcorn and begged for some. Haden is very good at ordering whatever it is he wants and paying for it. (I bribe him with churros from Costco if he's well behaved and patient while I'm shopping, but he has to order them by himself. He does great, but the ornery old guys who inevitably get in line behind him and try to cut ahead of him could use some manners!)

It was a fun day, and we even got out of there without buying anything but popcorn!

Happy Birthday Haden!

My little guy turned 4! He proudly tells people that he is "plain old 4, not 3 1/2 or 4 1/2, just plain old 4!" He requested a firefighter themed birthday party this year. We colored pictures of Fireman Sam until everyone got there, and then we started the obstacle course.

The kids had to dress up as a firefighter,

walk (or crawl) across the bench,

slide down the slide,

climb over the ladder,
drive the "firetruck" to the burning house,

(Sometimes Lila thought they were going too slow.)

and rescue the stuffed bear.

They did their best to pop the balloons we used for the "smoke" in the burning house, but they just didn't weigh enough!

We had a pinata. Even Lila got in on the action. She was rather dangerous!

We sang "Happy Birthday", and each kid got their own firetruck cake,

and their own firetruck. The house was awfully noisy with that many firetrucks blaring their sirens!

After opening presents and an impromptu wrestling match (which always seems to happen if Clint is around when Haden and his friends get together!),

we watched Fireman Sam until parents came. I loved that even though they had the entire couch, they still sat so close to each other! Haden loved his party. It's convenient that all his little friends also love firefighters!

Haden's actual birthday was the following day, Sunday. Since Clint is in meetings all morning and we don't get home from church until 4:30, we didn't really do much except open and assemble his present. Haden even helped!

I love my sweet little boy!

Santa Claus

We got to see lots of different Santa Claus's this year. Regan was never interested in them and would always refuse to sit on his lap if given the option. Haden told this Santa that he would like a jackhammer and a chainsaw for Christmas. He was thrilled when he got off his lap. Evidently, this Santa doesn't have an issue with making promises he can't keep.

Haden had changed his mind by the time we saw this Santa. He told him that instead of the jackhammer and chainsaw, he would be happy with a 4 wheeler. A real 4 wheeler, like his grandpa has. Haden did comment that he was surprised that the 2nd Santa couldn't remember what he had originally asked for and had to be reminded. I wonder how long he will still believe?

This Santa couldn't hear anything over Lila's howling. Nobody really could. Although I have never brought up the topic with Regan, she secretly whispered to me that she knew Santa was just pretend and it was really me who bought all the presents, but not to worry because she promised not to tell Haden.

Haden's Preschool Birthday Party

So, I'm finally back to blogging!!! Our computer died a few days before Christmas. Luckily, all the presents had already been ordered! Clint finally found time and the right part to fix it. Now I get to return the replacement computer. If I ever get the time...

Now to catch up...Haden got to celebrate his birthday at preschool the last day before Christmas break. It was also his favorite teacher aide's last day. (She was so wonderful that she was transferred to the special ed preschool.) We both really miss Ms. Christi!

Haden asked if we could buy some flowers for Ms. Christi. He was very sad that she was leaving. He got teary eyed several times that morning. Poor kid! At least she promised to come visit him.

It was also pajama day. Haden never agrees to wear his pajamas out of the house. It doesn't matter if every other kid in the school is wearing pajamas. He wears jeans and a tshirt to school. Period. Parents were invited to attend. I was personally requested to find a babysitter for Lila even though other kids' siblings came. Yeah, she's that big of a stinker. I think it did make it more special for Haden, though. We were lucky enough for this snowman to come home with us. Haden insisted that he be displayed. He disappeared with the Christmas decorations, but it is only a matter of time before Haden asks what happened to his "favorite snowman ever" and then tears will be shed.

We got to bring the snack. Haden picked sugar cookie gingerbread men. His teacher is a big advocate of encouraging the kids to use their fine motor skills, so we brought the cookies undecorated. Kind of sad for me and Haden. We LOVE decorating cookies!

Haden was so excited to start decorating his little man that he refused to look at the camera. Even though Haden is one of the youngest in the preschool class, he still seems to be the ringleader. I loved watching him interact with all the other kids! He would pretend to be a monster and chase the girls, but then have to switch to a guard and protect the girls from the other "monsters" running around the playground. He does a very good job participating in school and doing what is expected. He's growing up so fast!