December Fun and Festivities

Cresche Festival in Payson 

A little shepherd with her sheep at the ward Christmas Party.

At the Mapleton tree lighting ceremony.  She was a big fan of the hot chocolate.

The insanity of making our own Christmas cards.

They turned out pretty cute, though.

We were the recipients of a box left on the porch full anonymously.  It was full of games, goodies, and other fun stuff. It made our day and we hope to someday return the favor to someone else.

There was a gingerbread kit in the big box.  The kids actually stuck some of the candy on the house and didn't eat it immediately.  Christmas miracle!

A sampling of Caroline's artwork of late.

I got to go to the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert with some friends from South Carolina.  It was a fun date! :)

Cute kiddos at church.

Temple Square

Did I mention he likes to climb?

Ben got this balance bike for Christmas and put miles on it within a few days. In the house. 

Matthew's first birthday!

Happy Birthday to this cute little trouble maker!

Height: 29.5 in (30%)

Weight: 21 lbs 10 oz (50%)

This guy still won't walk.  I thought he'd be walking months ago with how much he likes to climb and pull up on things.  Alas, he's showing me that it's his way or NO way.  He gets around pretty quick crawling so I guess he's not in any hurry to walk. 

He still only has two teeth.

Still waking up at least once at night.

Still taking two naps.

Loves a pacifier.

Likes to open the drawer under the oven and climb in.  A bad habit that we're trying to break.

Babbles a lot- but nothing that makes sense.

Is a crazy good eater and I'm pretty sure that at some meals he eats more than Ben and Caroline combined. But he doesn't like green beans or broccoli.  Everything else... bring it on.

He is such a climber! The rocking horse, the couch, stairs, anything he can get a leg up on.

Is still pretty attached to his mama.  He's pretty leery of strangers but does seem to get over it fairly quickly. 

The rest of November

Matthew trying out the big kid slide. 

Soaking up the warmth before winter.

Drinking and driving

A little walk up Hobble Creek Canyon.

He likes to climb.

He's a cowboy.

Jared running up the hill by the lava tubes.

We had a little day trip over Thanksgiving break  to the hot pots and lava tubes with Derek, Haley, Katie, and Michael. 

After our day trip to the lava tubes we made it to Spanish Fork just in time for the parade.

At least the fence keeps Matthew out...

Every time we go to Walmart Caroline wants to give Minnie Mouse a hug.

One of his favorite hang outs.  It's only a problem if the oven is on.

Carolina Ballerina (Read it with an Italian accent- it rhymes)

We did another little ballerina class for Caroline.  She seems to really enjoy it- even though she doesn't always follow instructions very well.

Ben liked it, too.

Matthew at 11 months

This kid is only still when he's sleeping and sometimes I wonder even then.
He loves climbing.
Putting everything in his  mouth.
Still only two teeth.
He's an opportunist who will sneak through any door that opens.
He has recently discovered the joys of unrolling the toilet paper.
He is starting to free stand and let go. 
He's been pretty particular with his food temperature lately.  Must be hot or cold- none of this lukewarm business, and he's also wanting what are having instead of his dinner.
Still not sleeping through the night- and is an exceptionally light sleeper.

The rest of October

Trying on costumes.  This was by far his favorite- even though it was a
little bit small and squished his face a little bit when he tried to lift his head.

Happy Birthday to this handsome man!

Had a fun visit from Latisha.  We were able to go to the Payson Temple,
Tucanos, and to BYU Homecoming Spectacular.  It was a fun whirlwind of a weekend.

How to explain.... nope... no explanation.

We went up the canyon for a preschool field trip.  So beautiful!

Still can't quite  get the hang of this walking business.

Painting pumpkins!

We were all about the stripes this year.

Matthew was having a fun time waking up Ben... Ben was less than happy about it.
It was pretty funny to watch. 

Helping dad cut the grass.

Both boys trying to eat an apple at the same time.  I was a little bit worried for my fingers!

One of Ben's favorite places to play.

A common result of no naps.

At the Bean Museum.

Trick or Treat!
(Matthew was a tiger in the stroller)