Around here

Jan. 6th - Kellen said, "I'm going to draw seven oh oh for you." (We've taught him 7:00 on his digital clock so he knows when he can get up. Thus, "seven oh oh." And, sure enough he DID draw 7 0 0 all by himself! I haven't taught him how to write any numbers yet!

Tuesday, Jan. 13th - beautiful snowy trees and a blue sky! So beautiful!

We've had lots of pretty snow. In fact, it's snowing right now. Today is the fourth school delay we've had for snow since Jan. 9th. Kevin's school is closed today, too bad Jenna's isn't.

When our kids are tired, there is a fine line between ridiculous/irrational and hilarious behavior. Kellen was verging on the ridiculous on the way home the other night. First, he whined, "My leg hurts." And right after that, "I want a taco." (It was around 7:00 and we had just eaten dinner.) Jenna didn't miss a beat and immediately busted out with a little jingle, "When you're leg's hurting, you gotta eat a taco." We are still laughing about this! Kevin got a video the next day: (See video 1178 in "Kellen 4 years old" folder.)

She seems to be full of compositions lately. Here's one she made up with a little inspiration from a book she recently read: (See video 1180.)

And, not to be left out, Kellen made up his rendition of the "taco" song. (See video 1181.) He did a similar dance in front of the security camera at a certain home improvement store - behind my back, while I was returning something. I sure hope it makes the day of whoever views that security footage!

What we did over Christmas Break

Besides having great Christmas celebrations with the Whitelaws, Keetons, Keathleys, & Floyds, here are a few things that we did:

Friday, Dec. 19th, we used our Sky Zone groupon for an hour of jumping fun!

Sunday afternoon, Dec. 21st, the kids worked on making egg carton ornaments with Mima.

 Kevin made ornaments just like this back in 1982!

Tues. Dec. 30th, Kevin and Kellen built the new Lego set from Grandpa and Grandma. And I worked on laundry, groceries, and unpacking.

And then they wrestled! For dinner, we took advantage of the last Tuesday discount night of 2014 at ITZ.

New Year's Eve, we watched some football, I bought my 2015 calendar, and we finished the last book of the Little House series. That book makes 31 books that I've read (or listened to the audio book) in 2014. In the evening, we had a party with our small group from church. Then, Jenna and I woke up at midnight to watch the fireworks that the AdAmAn club set off from the top of Pikes Peak. And then we stayed up and watched the fireworks that our neighbor was setting off.

We enjoyed a snowy New Year's Day at Papa & Mima's house. Watching the Rose Parade, the snow falling, and football games. Then, we had Garrison's birthday party.

Jan. 2nd - After all the snow on New Year's Day and the days before, the sun came out and it warmed up a little - the perfect day for sledding!

The hill

Jenna's come a long way in her sledding. Not only did she want to sled all by herself . . . (See video 1353 in "Christmas '14" folder.)

but, she also tried going down on her back! (See video 1346.)

It was the perfect day for Kellen to go sledding - no need for a heavy coat or layers! He had a great time, too! (See video 1349.)

And, I even remembered to get in the pictures! It was so much fun!

After the kids got tired of walking up the hill, they stayed out for at least an hour building snow forts.

Kellen refused to put on his snow boots and we told him not to go in the snow with his regular shoes. So, he stood at the very edge of the snow - he could make and throw snow balls and still keep his feet out of the snow. What a stinker! That evening, I had a fun dinner with a friend.

Jan. 3rd - Kevin took the kids for the day while I de-decorated, organized new toys, worked on the blog, and backed up pictures. Then, we went out for a final Christmas lights viewing at a drive-thru display.

The coolest part was driving through these arches. After the lights, I had a fun get together with some church friends.

Sun, Jan. 4th, we went to church then the kids and I caught up on the last two episodes of The Great Christmas Light Fight. Then, Jenna and I went to see the new Annie movie.

Mon, Jan. 5th, Daddy had to go back to work. We had some work to do at home, too - laundry, cleaning rooms, thank you notes, & generally getting things back in order. But, after our work, we went and had some fun. Smoothie treats and playing at Whit's End.

I had to include all of these - so silly! 

Today, Jenna had to go back to school and we miss her!