Ho Ho Ho

Sleepy Babies

Justin and Megan are dedicated to afternoon naps. On Sunday church and naps coincide and the naps usually do not happen. By dinner they are so tired that they can't really even eat very well because they are falling asleep between bites. This Sunday was no exception. Justin was trying to enjoy a sucker but couldn't decide if he should eat it or close his eyes. Fortunately, they are both really pleasant despite the exhaustion. Megan is proof of that.

So Smart

I acquired a My First Signs Baby Einstein video. I put it in the car when we are on one of our many trips to town and the babies are bored. They absolutely love it. The first time I put it in Megan couldn't take her eyes off it and giggles the entire way through. Well, the other morning Megan got up and was toddling around. She was right by Annie and me and very clearly signed and said kiss. Annie and I were so excited and almost in disbelief but she kept saying and signing it. Since then we have noticed her signing milk and blanket, but of course only when she feels like it--she is a year old after all :) She is so smart!

Happy Birthday Emma!

Emma's best friend is Emma. So...she is Emma K. and her friend is Emma P. They were both born on December 3rd in the same hospital. Emma K at 5 in the morning and Emma P and 5 in the evening. Grandma Jo's birthday is December 2nd. So....Friday after school we headed out to celebrate!

Grandma is so sweet about sharing her birthday

The Emmas

Every other year we have a one friend party in lieu of inviting all the friends from school. These parties are my favorite! It is always fun to see what the kids will decide to do. Emma decided to do just what Jake had chosen for his birthday a couple months ago. We went to play at Monkey Bizness and then bless her she substituted Red Robin for McDonalds.

Jake started the day with a tooth to the lip as he landed at the bottom of the slide. He thought a band aid would help and he was right :)

THE ROCK WALL:

Everyone who tried made it all the way to the top!

Annie

Me! So nervous the kids would make it and I would not.

Travis and Emma had a race to the top. Travis had a rough and hilarious start, but came out victorious

Amber

Marc

On the day of Emma's birthday:

Emma moved back into a room of her own sometime this summer. I found the perfect bedspread for her when she moved in but beyond that have not decorated. It was so empty in there it echoed! So, while she was at school Grandma Jo came over and helped me make it a room Emma would love. She got a desk and chair, letters to spell her name created by Kenna, all kinds of wall stickers...well, here is the surprise and the tour:

=

We took a little break mid celebration to go watch Amber receive her honors as the Junior class princess for the Winter Formal. She is so beautiful and looked perfect all dressed up!

We are so blessed to have Emma. She is a very special spirit--always the peacemaker. She has always had a sense of who she is and what is right. She is an example to all of us. Her laughter is SO contagious, she is so smart (currently reading 88 words a minute), she is talented at everything she tries, and loves being a big sister.

Happy birthday Ems, WE LOVE YOU!!!

Diet Coke and Kisses

Megan knows just how to get what she wants.