James Speak

James: You should name your next baby Nightcrawler.
Me: No.
James: Why not?
Me: I don't think that is a good name for a baby.
James: He can be Little Man when he is a baby and when he grows up, like when he's one you can name him Nightcrawler. You can name him James when he's a baby and Nightcrawler when he grows up.
Me: We already have a baby named James.
James: Huh? Who is it?

Hannah Babble

Hannah is getting fairly good at sign language, but of course only does it when she feels like it. Not necessarily when I need an explanation or clue about what is going on in her head. She has done all the following signs (minus dog) spontaneously at some time or other when she actually wants to communicate something:

Hat (her favorite)
Sleep
Milk
All Done (another favorite)
More
Eat
Binkie
Dance (very impressive)
Bath
Brush Teeth
Light
Cookie
Dog (this one she only does if I do it first and then ask her to do it, but she hasn't actually busted out with it on her own...maybe we need to see more dogs?)


These signs she understands, but I haven't seen her do them:

Blanket
Where
Book
Ball
Change (like a diaper)


We have a lot of other signs we do, but I don't know whether she understands any of the others. I am attempting to introduce "Princess" for her name sign, but it's a fairly tricky sign. She's a smart girl though...

One Mom, Three Kids, Sit Down Restaurant...Success

Today between the run to the post office and the run to the library we drove by one of our favorite restaurants, Virgilio's (good Italian pizza). And I thought to myself, "I'm totally crazy, let's go." The kids thought it was a great idea so after stopping at the library (for an hour) we ran back and went in to eat. The kids were wonderful and the food was delicious. We had a great time and every came home happy, full, and relaxed.

Holidays

We had a wonderful Christmas and such a fun visit with family the week after! The Elders came over for Christmas Eve dinner. The kids had a blast Christmas morning and still got too many gifts despite the fact that I only spent $130 on all three...seriously they were totally spoiled. The highlight was probably Hannah ripping the paper and then saying "uh-oh" and ripping some more. The boys loved their craigslist Playmobil 'find of the year' and also had a great time with puzzles, books, cars, dinosaurs, candy...

Next day we drove to Utah and had a wonderful week with family! Love being closer...8 hours in a car is nothing. Played Wii and tons and tons and tons of board/card games. Watched a couple movies, saw some good friends, played more games, ate yummy food, chatted, and relaxed. Loved it.

Ready for a New Year and new fun! Just wait until you see what we have in store for the next 12 months...=]

In no particular order:

After Santa, before children

Putting together Playmobil Race Car

Optimus Prime PJs

Loves this baby!

Playing with the aunts.

Cousin Aubrey and Hannah Mae

Mina & Hannah together again...hair ratio tilting farther in Mina's favor

Pirate Ships and ACCESSORIES

Nativity

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas from Us to You

While most of our friends began sending cards for the first time this year, we decided to not send cards for the first time in years. Because I didn't want to, I'm getting more cheap, and I figure this way you don't have to feel guilty for chucking my beautiful photo card in the trash next week.

You've all seen our lovely family picture, so instead I'll include a photo shoot of the kids Christmas outfits.





Taylor loves only driving 15 minutes to work. He is the EQ Pres.
Kristi started a business, had a little princess, and played knights.
James started preschool and watched Star Wars for the first time.
Matthias was potty trained and started sleeping past 5 am.
Hannah was born. And grew into her role as princess.

Have a great Holiday Season!

Christmas Wet & Dangerous

Before you let your kids open gifts this year read this article. Watch out.

In other news all 3 of our children managed to wet the bed last night...an amazing feat, especially for Hannah who still wears diapers. But she did not want to miss out on the occasion. Three different soaking, three different sheet changings, three baths this morning.

Also we slept by our Christmas tree two nights ago (thankfully not last night) per family tradition and had a great time. We made Almond Roca first...mmm. Then we watched Muppet's Christmas Carol and fell asleep--boys on the couches, parents on their relocated mattress, Hannah in her crib (it's pretty close to the front room...). Most all of us got 10 hours of sleep, the others got 11 & 12. Maybe we should sleep by the tree every night...

Family & Christmas

We just enjoyed a week long visit from Grandpa & Grandma Harvey. The boys had a great time playing. Hannah got very comfortable with her grandparents and is making progress on moving. Us adults stayed up late playing games, talking, eating ice cream, and drinking got chocolate. We even got Blue Bell for the occasion. Made a trip to the Natural History Museum, ate lots of yummy food, and finished several projects around the house.

Moving to Colorado has definitely fulfilled our goal of being closer to family. By year's end we will have enjoyed 11 visits in 2009 with various members of Taylor's family in various places. And 6 such visits with my family. We have loved being close and spending so much time together. And since August with our new house, new branch, and new commute we have been even happier!

In other news, we have been wrapping gifts, making Gingerbread Men, singing carols, playing nativity, reading Christmas stories and having fun! Hope you are enjoying Christmas and family also!