Making Memories

I ended up needing to go to Grand Junction for a work meeting the Monday before Thanksgiving this year.  Scott was out of town so the kids and I went up to Glenwood on Sunday night.  I worked Monday and Tuesday while the kids spent time with Grammy and Grandpa.  Scott came up and met us for Thanksgiving and on Friday we went and cut down a Christmas Tree.

The Denver parade of lights was last weekend.  We stayed the night downtown and met our lovely friends, the Sharkey’s.  The kids loved going to the parade, but I think the loved staying in a hotel more.  We got to stay up late, ride in an elevator, run around the lobby, and go to the pool (what is it about a hotel pool that kids LOVE?). It was such a fun weekend.

Last night I had my company Christmas Party and the kids got to stay at Nana and Papa’s house.  They decorated the tree.  I have to give props to my mother in law for releasing the control of ornament arrangement.  Her tree, which is usually perfectly balance, was extremely bottom heavy with ornaments this year.  Then after Milo’s hockey game we got to take the kids to see Santa in Olde Town.  Music was playing, caramel corn was bought, the sun was shining, and candy canes were passed out.  These all made for a lovely day and made the hour wait enjoyable.  The kids eager anticipation to see Santa stayed in the form of excitement and never evolved into exhaustion.

Through out the week we worked on making Grammy's Christmas cookies.  Milo is as meticulous as grammy and I are when it comes to decorating.  Liesel, not so much.  Maddox just wants to eat the frosting and believes there is no such thing as too many sprinkles.

Some really good memories were made.  I have always like the holiday season and the hopefully nature of the months of November and December.  Now as a parent, I love this time even more.  I love that we are creating family traditions and memories that will last them a lifetime.  With Milo being 7, at an age that I can remember, I know that he will remember this time.  And though, Maddox probably won’t remember it, he will think he does because Milo and Liesel can’t stop talking about fire building, hot tubing and gaming at Grammy and Grandpa’s house,  how fun it is to stay in a hotel with your friends, and the excitement of seeing Santa. 

Here’s to making memories that will last a lifetime.  Happy Holidays.

Our three year old. Maddox is potty trained!  We have no more kids in diapers. 

Look at these two

Maddox with Lilly

I love Liesel in this photo

tired girl

What a beauty

Just waiting for the doctor.  Every time I see this photo I  can't help but giggle. 

Liesel chose to get sushi as a reward after the her 5 year check up

Milo waiting for the doc

Getting our tree. 

We had such a fun week in Glenwood with Grammy and Grandpa over Thanksgiving

The tree fit perfectly (after we cut three feet off of it).

Milo and Liesel with Nya, the new Smith puppy

Liesel sleeping with Heilo,  Miss Jan's dog

Helping Papa on the deck

We had so much fun at the Parade of Lights with the Sharkeys

Watching movies in the hotel room

Checking out the view from the hotel room

Sometimes you just need a nap

Milo and his buddy built this awesome picture frame all by theirselves. 

I don't know why, but I just love taking pictures of my kiddos when they are asleep.  They look so innocent and peaceful.

playing trains at Miss Jan's house

tent time at Miss Jan's 

We have fresh eggs again

Lunch with Nana before we go see Santa

After we got home from seeing Santa, Milo said to me, "Mom,  I pulled on Santa's beard and it was REAL.  I am pretty sure that was the real Santa, not one of his helpers."  

decorating cookies

Liesel with Monkey.  He goes everywhere with us. 

Birthday Season

On October 29, 2017 Liesel turned 5!  Oh Liesel you make us laugh everyday and sometimes make us want to cry.  You are the strongest willed of our three children.  If you want something there is no distracting you or talking you out of it.  You are starting to love school and the  kids in your class are drawn to you.  You love horses, barbies, stuffed animals, and any imagination play.  Your favorite farm animal of ours is Lily, our new barn cat and she loves you too.  Both of your brothers, especially Maddox, love playing with you because you have the best imagination.  You are still struggling with potty training, but I have started to see improvement over the last month.  You have lots to say and are very articulate.  If you could you would wear your long black and white dress every day.  You are full of kisses and hugs and love to have your back scratched.  You know most of your numbers from 1-20 and are starting to learn your alphabet.  You pick up things quickly and are a smart little girl.  Every time you leave the house you insist on bringing a bag full of stuff (toys, chapstick, stuffed animals, etc.).  You are a loving, funny, adorable, and smart little girl.  We wouldn't trade you for the world.  Thanks for keeping us on our toes. 

On October 30, 2017 Milo turned 7!  Milo at this age you love to write, but are not a very big fan of reading. You are very good at math and like science, but your favorite classes are music and gym (if you can't count recess). You love ninjas, hockey, legos, rollerblading, and playing on the school playground.  The friends you talk about the most are Noah, Kesten, Jacob, and Jack.  Your teacher is Ms. Boyer (again).  She moved with you from Kindergarten to First Grade.  You love her!  You have not yet lost a tooth, but one of your front bottom teeth is loose.  You have started to fight less and less with your siblings.  I can tell you are growing up because are starting to help Liesel and Maddox and every once in a while you will even let them win an argument.  You get frustrated pretty easily, but get over quickly.  You are working on growing out your hair.  You don't like jeans and will only wear exercise pants.  You know how to tie your own shoe laces and recently grew into big kid shoes.  You know wear a size 1 in kids shoes.  The first thing most people who haven't seen you since you were little say is "He's so skinny".  Not because you are overly skinny, but because you no longer have all that baby fat.  You are looking more and more grown up everyday. We love who you are and who you are becoming!  Thanks for being you.

On November 4,2017 Maddox turned 3!  Maddox you are growing up too fast. You do a really good job keeping up with your brother and sister.  You are our family clown and will do anything to make people laugh.  You don't take anything too seriously and always lighten a room up.  Out of our three you are the most verbal at this age.  You love tractors, your brother and sister, Paw Patrol, our sandbox and candy.  You still have your pacifiers and are not yet potty trained.  You still take an afternoon nap.  For the most part you are very mellow, but recently you have started to have some pretty amazing fits.  You have learned the art of crying in order to get your way.  You are a rough and tumble little boy and love being physical, wrestling, running, climbing, etc.  Whenever you find a coin on the ground you shout "my lucky day".  You are always the only one still awake at night when we come to your guys' room to turn off lights. You make us laugh everyday and bring so much joy to our lives.  You are amazing and we love you!

Playing at the pumpkin patch with Sloane

One of the kids favorite things is to pull out the air mattress and have slumber party in the living room

reading with Uncle Matthew

Dress up at the Children's Museum

We had a face painter at the kids birthday party 

In line waiting for face painting

With Caroline

Milo just did painting on his arms.  Go Avs!

Happy Birthday Cupcakes

This Girl!

Worker guy

One of the birthday boys.  He looks so big in these photos.

School Halloween party

Ready to trick or treat