Merry Christmas

We have been busy with boxes and tape but not wrapping presents.  Our Christmas came early this year!!  We purchased our first house!  

After living with family for over a year Jaren woke up the first morning and asked where Grandma and Grandpa were!  There will be adjustments for everyone. 

 So. . . our visit with Santa didn't quite go as planned.  Kate didn't understand why her brothers were OK with standing and getting their picture taken with a stranger.  Didn't mommy teach us better!

Hope you are all taking time to enjoy this busy magical time of year!

'ello gov'na

Nick has been in London for work. He pointed out that sightseeing isn't what it is cracked up to be when you are alone.

We have a little tradition that started a few years ago when Nick went on a trip out of the country. The boys gave him a red hot wheels car, "to remember us by." To show he was remembering them he sent home pictures with the car. Now before any trip he takes for work they always make sure Dad has a red car!

Next trip I will make sure Nick doesn't go alone so he can enjoy sightseeing!

Owen's Birthday and Cabin fun!

Nicks sister Angela invited us to her in-laws cabin for the weekend which happen to fall on Owen's birthday. It was a really great place located at the end of a cul-de-sac so the kids were able to wander around without worrying about cars.

Love that you can see Kate's teeth in the middle of her bink.

The car ride was really nice. Kate and I got to chat while the boys watched Scooby Doo.

Gary and Ang had decorated the cabin for Owen's party. Owen was really excited.

Owen requested brownies this year for his cake. I decided to spice it up a bit and made them into Lego pieces.

Some families play games when they get together, not the Winwards! They compare feet!

The kids had such a good time exploring and eating.

Kate had fun getting into Haley's popcorn and chip stash!

The boys loved going on quad rides, especially Jaren. He always had a helmet on just in case!

Nick took Kate and I on a ride (yes, we did put a helmet on her). Kate loved it. Whenever Nick went faster Kate would giggle!

We were able to go on a couple walks and enjoy the fresh air and cooler weather.

Safety first!

We had an amazing time. It was a much needed break and the kids loved the freedom they had! Thanks Gary and Ang!! We love you!!

Guess who turned ONE???

My little baby girl is ONE! Can't believe how fast that happened.

All the boys went to Father and Sons the night before Kate's birthday. So us girls decided to have a sleep over at Grandma Falers. Kate started the morning off quite confused when Grandma, Mom, and Aunt Shelly woke her up singing Happy Birthday! She recovered quickly and gave us all smiles!

As a Birthday treat Kate got to say goodbye to her Bottle one last time!

(No more bottles!!!!)

I spent the morning making her Birthday Cake!

My family has a tradition called a CAKE CRAWL.

Basically, to celebrate a child turning one:

You put a sheet down

Put the birthday cake in the middle of the sheet

Then let the birthday kid go and see what happens

My crawl cake was a rocking horse.

We decided to do Friendship Bear for Kate.

Yummy!

Taking her time.

The after math. Corbin is pretending to eat it up.

She actually didn't get too messy, mostly just her hands.

All clean.

Jaren is being a big helper!

Grandma Winward picked the wrapping paper out because the little character on it reminded her of Kate when she wears her piggies!

I love how all my boys are just as interested in Kate's new tea set as she is!

I love that cake played with her birthday card from Great Grandma and Grandpa Hopkins. It even came with money that she bought a book about colors with.

First time drinking milk, she loved it!

Can't wait to use this awesome car seat in a moving car!

Kate had a strange fever this week. (I think it might have been teething related, but you never can tell.) And Grandpa Winward came back from Virginia with a bad cold. So, because of all the sickness only the grandparents actually came to the cake crawl. My sisters and aunt got together the next week for "cupcakes at the park".

Kate is hoping that Callie will hurry and grow up so they can play!

A thank you kiss to Aunt Kelli for the adorable outfit she is wearing!

Here are some of Kate's favorite things to do lately. . .

Practicing the Piano. Start them when there young, right?

Isn't she good. She seems to think so.

Hiding. . . Where's Kate?

There she is!

Playing with her new Tea Set when her brothers aren't around.

Enjoying the Fireplace with her new found mobility.

Sneaking into Owen's Lego box when he leaves it open.

Getting her nails painted with Aunt Haley's help.

Kate has been such a joy to have in our home. It is so fun watching her try new things and test her limits. It is amazing how well she fits into our family. I love it when Nick is wrestling with the boys and Kate crawls right in. And I sure enjoy having another women around!

Father and my THREE Sons

This year look who got to go. . .

Pure joy!

Owen having fun on the tire swing.

Jaren isn't too sure about it, but Corbin seems to be having a great time!

Nick got the boys head lamps! Needless to say, they were a HUGE hit!

Getting ready for the night. It was freezing cold. They were really glad they brought extra blankets.

I love all my boys!