Collin's a Sunbeam!

To say I fretted a bit about Collin's first day in Primary would be an under-statement. Mostly I worried he was too young to sit for so long, but I also worried because he is such a "don't-mess-with-my-routine" guy, and I was afraid he'd freak.

But guess who didn't bat an eye and did absolutely wonderful when I dropped him off in the Primary room instead of the Nursery?

And yes, I did okay too. No tears from either of us.

And since I serve in senior primary, I even saw him in the hall with his class during "switch time." Somehow, I resisted the urge to run over and give him a big hug and kiss, and I just waved and said hi from a far. 

Go me. I guess I'm growing up too.

Washington Trip

After 16 days on the road, we are all exhausted. We saw LOTS of family and had lots of fun, but it's time to be in our own home, in our own beds, with our own bathrooms.

Saturday, December 17th - Departure drive
First thing in the morning, we drove to St Louis. We got to my parents' home just before noon. That day was filled with Christmas and birthday celebrations.

Sunday, December 18th - Departure flight
We attended Church with my parents in O'Fallon and took naps afterwards. We left for the airport about 4:30 to start our long night. You wouldn't believe the quantity of crap we had to haul: one large suitcase, two car seats, one carry-on with wheels, one duffel bag, 4 winter coats, one boppy, one stroller... and two kids, of course. It was nuts.

First thing when we got to our gate, this old man sat down next to us and yelled at Collin to hush. I knew it was going to be a long night.

The first leg of our trip was to Salt Lake, so there were lots of families with BYU apparel on and young kids. Luckily, the grumpy old guy was in first class and nowhere near us. We were assigned two seats on one side of the aisle and one on the other. Ryan took Brennan on his lap, and I sat with Collin. It was rough. We took off at Brennan's bedtime, and my kids refuse to sleep when being held. Not a good combination when flying. He screamed a lot, and finally after nursing him twice, he fell asleep on the boppy. Collin played on Daddy's phone.

Our layover required us to switch terminals, but we had plenty of time. Unfortunately, Collin was exhausted and refused to walk. At some point during the first leg, Brennan lost both shoes, one sock and spilled baby food all down his front. He looked homeless.

By the time we took off for the second leg, they were both grouchy and fussing (11:30pm our time). Luckily, our three seats were altogether which helped a little. I nursed Brennan, and he refused to sleep. He screamed and screamed, and Collin joined in. It was by far the worst thing I've ever experienced - even worse than child birth.

After standing in the back by the bathrooms for almost an hour, Brennan collapsed in Ryan's arms. Collin watched movie after movie on the DVD player, and as we taxied to the gate (no joke), he fell asleep in my lap (1am Illinois time).

Seeing as both the kids were asleep, we took our sweet time deplaning and were the last ones off. As soon as we exited TSA, Nana and Papa were standing there ready to greet us and help carry our babies and stuff. I've never been so relieved.

Monday, December 19th - First Day
In typical-Brennan fashion, despite going to bed at 1am local time, he was up and screaming at 5am. (Up and screaming - a good summary of the last 2 weeks.) Ryan and I made a pact to alternate mornings getting up with the kids, changing their diapers, and getting them breakfast. He took the first shift. After a lazy pajama morning and nap time for everyone, we headed to the grocery store for diapers and kid-friendly food.

Tuesday, December 20th - Stardust & IKEA
We headed to the Stardust Diner for breakfast. It's the restaurant Ryan's Uncle Tracey owns. They have the best fresh-squeezed orange juice on the planet. I also love their hot chocolate, Denver omelet and country potatoes. The best! Afterwards, we headed to IKEA for a few birthday presents for the C-Man.

Wednesday, December 21st - Collin's birthday!

Side Story: Collin did something amazing this night, and I want to make sure it's documented. Nana bought each grandchild a toddler cot, with handcrafted fleece blanket, fitted sheet and foam pad. Her plan was for all the "older" grandchildren to sleep in a room together, but I doubted Collin would do it. When we got home from Chuck E Cheese, I asked him, "Do you want to sleep downstairs with Mom, Dad and Brennan, or do you want to sleep upstairs with all the other big kids?" He quickly answered he wanted to sleep with the big kids. I got all excited... and super nervous. But we moved his cot upstairs, and he slept in there most of the rest of the nights.

Unfortunately, Collin inherited my need for sleep and my temperament when tired. It makes for a bad combination when going to bed late and wake up early on a trip.

Thursday, December 22nd - Chore Day
Ryan and I went shopping for stocking stuffers in the morning and started our anniversary celebrations.

Side Story: Collin really enjoyed playing with his cousins, particularly James, who is about 6 months older than him.

One day they were playing good guys and bad guys, and Collin "shot" James (with an empty wrapping paper roll), and he "died."

When James got up, Collin announced, "James is resurrected!" I guess he remembers that Easter lesson.

Friday, December 23rd - Girls' Day!
All the girls headed to the salon for manicures and pedicures. Since I'm a biter, I got a set of acrylics. I haven't had nails since our wedding, and I've missed them. They're great! Afterwards, we headed to Olive Garden for unlimited soup, salad and bread sticks. Delicious! Emily had some coupons she wanted to use, so we headed to Kohl's and Target too. It was a mad-house, and we were gone for seven hours altogether. (Good thing Brennan is almost weaned.)

Saturday, December 24th - Christmas Eve
My grumpy day. I don't really remember all that happened, but I was a grouch this day. Ryan left with his dad to scout out a place to go shooting, and Brennan was a NIGHTMARE all day. Collin's lack of sleep was starting to catch up with him, and my nails were super sore.
Side Story: Aunt Mallory asked Collin one morning how sleeping with all the big kids was going. He accurately described each night: "Weeell, there is a... craziness of talking." He sure can tell it like it is.

Sunday, December 25th - Christmas Day
Collin was moved back into our room to sleep so he could go to bed earlier and sleep better. Unfortunately, Brennan cried all night. Not a successful night of sleeping for any of us. We also ran out of Children's Tylenol. More grouchy Mommy.


Monday, December 26th - Boys' Day
Ryan and the dads went shooting in the morning. They shot skeet, and he got 13 of 15. I never knew he was a crack shot! After crying all night, Brennan cried most of the day too. Teething? Grumpier Mom.


Tuesday, December 27th - Our 8th Anniversary
Fabulous (almost) kid-free day.


Wednesday, December 28th - JJ Jump
That afternoon we headed to an indoor blow-up toy place (Thanks Heather for the info!). It was nap time, so Collin was pretty scared and hesitant at first, but he warmed up to all the people and noise about 30 minutes into it all.

Brennan, as usual, was super daring and willing to do everything, even though he was tired too.

There were slides and a jumping house, and it was super fun (even for Ryan and me!).

Thursday, December 29th - Drive to Seattle
We were awakened in the middle of the night to a barking cough from Brennan. Oh crap. While the cousins packed up and headed home to Idaho, we headed up to Seattle in hopes that Megan would have her baby before we had to head back home. It was a pretty pleasant drive, except that Brennan threw up 7-8 times. Yeah. We think he was just choking on his own phlegm, but it was gross and wet and bad nonetheless. We had a late lunch at Fat Burger (delicious!)

Friday, December 30th - Baby! and drive back
Baby Charlie was born! Megan was induced at 4am, and their first little girl was born at noon. We arrived at the hospital at 2:30, and she was still in the delivery room with numb legs.

We started the long drive home about 3:30pm. There was lots of traffic and rain and B screaming, but no puking so that was good.

Saturday, December 31st - Return flight to St Louis
Synopsis: Brennan screamed then napped. Collin didn't. We had quite a scare during our layover in Salt Lake. the pilot came out to the gate and announced there was a burned-out light bulb whose sealant glue would take two-hours to cure. The offered everyone food vouchers, and everyone scattered. Ryan started walking with Brennan in the stroller to get him to sleep, and I took off Collin's socks and shoes hoping he'd nap in my lap. Not 10 minutes later, the pilot returned and announced that the mechanics had decided the glue didn't need to cure and that pre-boarding would start immediately. I called Ryan, and we boarded. We had to wait for them to round up all the passengers who were all over the airport eating,  but we were only delayed about an hour. Whew. My parents were super flexible and met us and all our crap at the airport with our van. We gratefully crashed at their house for the night.

Sunday, January 1st - Church & return drive to Peoria
We went to their sacrament meeting, where my dad spoke about the atonement. Great talk, Dad! Then we started the last and final leg of our long, long trip. The wind was vicious, and Ryan had the wheel turned at almost 11 o'clock just to drive straight. Before we owned our van, it looks like someone broke into the passenger door, and it whistled the WHOLE trip. I had the worst headache, and Brennan screamed a while too.
And we are home. Sixteen days is a long, long time. Thanks to all our family. It was so great to see so many of you. We had a great time, but we're ready to be home now. Love you all!

Our 8th Anniversary

And if you don't think we've had enough festivities this month, Ryan and I celebrated our eighth anniversary too.

... and in the tradition of this year, why celebrate just once?

First Celebration
Last Thursday was Ryan's older sister's 10th anniversary, so we joined her and her husband at the movies.

We all saw the new Sherlock Holmes movie and LOVED IT. Super good. I can't wait to see it again.

Second Celebration
On our actual anniversary, we took the day off from parenting. Thanks, Nana!

In the morning, we headed out on the four-wheelers for some exploring. Unfortunately, we had to share one since one's battery wouldn't stay charged. Then the "good one" broke down, and Ryan had to push it home. Oh well, it was still fun - while it lasted - to hug my babe while speeding around.

In the afternoon, we headed to the movies again. This time we saw the new Mission Impossible movie. I liked it, but Ryan was bored.

Then we headed to dinner at Black Angus. We had a coupon, so we got way too much food: the sampler appetizer platter, each our own steak and sides, and chocolate fudge cake. Delicious!

Flashback (August 2003): After Ryan and I decided we wanted to get married, coincidentally both our parents came to Provo for our older sisters' graduations. We figured they should meet, so we arranged for us all to meet for dinner at - you guessed it - Black Angus. What was planned to be a simple meet-and-greet became a detailed planning of our wedding and reception - dates, times, colors, flowers, dresses, hotel stays, etc. All Ryan and I remember of the dinner is feeling small and insignificant. Most of all we felt silly - We weren't yet engaged!

Happy Eight Years, Babe! Here's to many more. I love you!

Christmas - Takes Two & Three

Christmas - Take Two

Amid Collin's Birthday #2, we squeezed in Christmas #2.

Collin received a double helping of Lincoln Logs, and Brennan got an adorable white polar bear.

And if you are wondering if Collin is confused with all this gift-opening... Last night I was reading to him a book about Clifford's Birthday and he said, "But what did Santa get him for his birthday?" Yep, it's all pretty muddled for the poor kid.

Christmas - Take 3

On Christmas Eve, all the kids opened their new pajamas from Nana. They each got a pair of matching pants and a black shirt with their name on the sleeve.

 They are adorable!

Ella (almost 6) holding Brennan (almost 1), Grant (7) holding Sylvie (7 months), James (3-1/2) and Collin (barely 3)

After all the photos, we ate appetizers and listened to a CD of The Forgotten Carols, while Emily showed the pictures. The kids listened for a while, ha ha.

After we put the kids to bed again and again... and again, it was finally Christmas morning. We had the kids open their stockings before Church.

Inside they found a tie or skirt from Nana, as well as some little toys to play with in sacrament meeting. Each mini-family matched. It was dang cute.

After some serious running around and cleaning up, we headed off in our matching attire.

Like most of you, Church was just a short one-hour meeting, consisting almost entirely of singing by one of the largest ward choirs I've ever seen. Sigh, I could get used to that! We headed home for more photos.

Nana and Papa and all the kiddos after Church

 Mallory, Ryan and Emily

We were sad that Megan couldn't come down from Seattle. She was due with Baby #3 on Christmas Day, but little Charlie has yet to make an appearance. Miss you, Meg!

 Me & Ryan, Mallory, and Dan & Emily

After the photo shoot and a little snack, it was FINALLY time for presents. 

Collin opened some cut-able fruit (Velcro) with an accompanying plastic knife and cutting board. It was the hit of the party!

We also got this cute Snowman Kit from Emily. Here's Ryan modeling the hat and scarf. I guess I can finally say I'm looking forward to some decent snowfall in Illinois in order to put it to use. The buttons and eyes are awesome. I'll make sure I get a pic when we use it all.

Brennan got more MegaBloks to add to the ones we have. This was kind of a gift more for me, since every time I build anything I'm frustrated there aren't enough.

Collin also got a set of kitchen tools and mixing bowls. You can also see his new Little People race track in the background. It was also a hit.


After SEVERAL melt-downs from my kids during present-opening, it was finally nap time.

When everyone was up again, it was time for the big Christmas dinner. By my own request (hey, I missed real Thanksgiving dinner, remember?), we enjoyed the most delicious turkey I've ever had. It was by Butterball and seriously amazing. Of course, we also had stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and peas. Here's Brennan enjoying the caramel sweet potatoes, Nana's specialty.

And last but certainly not least, here are the adults of the house. Ryan's grandmother lives just down the road, so she joined us Christmas Eve, at church and Christmas Day.

I'd say it was quite the perfect ending to all our Christmas partying. Oh, and I got a food processor I can't wait to get home and use. Yahoo! Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Third Time's a Charm

Why not celebrate your third birthday three times?

Birthday #1
Collin's first birthday celebration was certainly the simplest. I made him cupcakes with fun-fetti icing which he took to preschool on the last day before Christmas Break. All the kids loved the frosting (who doesn't?), and they sang to him. He was thrilled.

Birthday #2

His second celebration was at his Grandma & Grandpa's house in St Louis. Themed in snowmen, we started with dinner. He had his own special snowman plate filled with ham (his favorite) and a snowman jello jiggler. He meticulously cut it into pieces and placed each one on his spoon - and then ate none of it. Silly boy.

 Then he opened a new set of trains from Ryan and I, and a new stuffed snowman and snowman church outfit from his grandparents.

 After presents was cake time. It had an adorable snowman drawn on it (Thank you, Walmart). Unfortunately, his fear of fire prohibited the lighting of his Three candle, but he obliged us with a pretend-blow for the camera (definitely something to remember and tease him about when he's older).

Birthday #3
His last and correctly-dated party was Sesame Street themed. Breakfast was "yuki" pancakes made by Daddy.

Then he decorated the Christmas tree with his Nana all morning. After lunch, we sang and pretend-blew-out candles on an Elmo cake (Thank you, Albertson's) with a Sesame Street balloon on his chair.

He opened his gifts - a new set of dishes with cooking spoons and vegetables from IKEA and a kid camera.

After nap time, we headed to Chuck E Cheese for pizza and token game-playing. His cousins from Idaho arrived just in time to join the fun and brought with them a new toy Caterpillar truck.

Now what other three-year-old got three birthday parties? Happy 3rd Birthday, Collin! We love you.

PS: I bet his wife is shocked when we tell her on his thirtieth birthday he needs thirty parties. Ha-ha.

December Activities

Back in November, I decided I wanted us to have a Family Home Evening most evenings in December. So I printed a calendar and scheduled something for each night. Of course, life got super busy, and we didn't get to it all, but we got to do lots of fun things nonetheless.

I had originally planned to do each activity in the evenings when Ryan was home from work, but Collin has shortened up his naps considerably, so many of these were a good activity to keep us busy each afternoon before dinner - which every SAHM knows is the longest and hardest part of the day.

So, without further adieu, here are a few things we did:

Christmas Around the World
I emailed a few friends and invited them to our home for a Monday evening. Each family's mom or dad had served a mission overseas, so we ended up having three presentations about Christmas in another country. Ryan taught us about the unimportance of Christmas in Japan, and then we did a traditional New Year's activity of making mocchi. We also learned about Christmas in Germany and the Dominican Republic. I hope to make it a tradition each year to invite different families over and learned about many different countries.

Saint Nicholas Day
On December 6th, Collin helped me put carrots and apples in his and Brennan's shoes by the fireplace. A looked up Saint Nicholas on Wikipedia and read to him a couple of the stories that are told of his miracles. Then we pretended that his horses came to eat our treats overnight, and they got toy cars in their shoes the next morning.

Gingerbread Men
I checked out two books from the library and read them to Collin.
"Gingerbread Boy" by Karen Schmidt
"Gingerbread Baby" by Jan Brett
Then we made one giant gingerbread boy and many gingerbread babies. I used this delicious cookie recipe and this one for icing. It worked great.

While they baked, we took turns pretending we were the gingerbread man and the little boy. We hid under the end-tables in the living room, and then pretended to run out of the oven and around and around the house yelling "Run, run, run. You can't catch me. I'm the gingerbread man!"

It was fun to decorate them together too. Collin wanted the man to look like him, so we ended up with yellow curls and blue eyes. So cute.

Other Activities
We also spent an evening decorating our tree, and another delivering cookies to the neighbors and some other friends. Another night we made Christmas cards for family around the country. We made a paper chain to count down the days until we leave for our trip. We watched the Christmas Devotional online and had popcorn. We've driven around and looked at the Christmas decorations in the fancy neighborhoods, and we paid to drive through a light display in East Peoria. On a Saturday, Ryan took Collin shopping to purchase gifts for Brennan because "we buy presents for the people we love to show them how much we love them." We also have watched the "Frosty the Snowman" movie with pizza and popcorn on the evenings Dad hasn't been home. We've done the real Christmas story at least three times (each with differing props and nativities), and we've read a few Christmas classics like 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and the Polar Express.

Hopefully you see something fun you could do with your kids. There were lots more ideas online too; these were just the ones I thought we age-appropriate for my little ones. Enjoy, and have a Merry Christmas!

Christmas - Take One

This is our first full-size Christmas tree. We bought it last January on Clearance (just before Brennan was born), so this is our first year using it. Isn't it a beauty?

We celebrated Christmas last night. Yep, that's what I said. Surprised? Hey, we didn't like waiting when we were little, so why should be make our little ones wait too? Ha-ha. No, really, it just seemed simpler to do it here instead of paying to fly all our presents to and from Nana & Papa's house.

After church yesterday afternoon, we went ahead and got into our Christmas jammies. Here are my attempts to capture the family together. First, Collin with Mommy & Daddy.

Then Brennan with Mommy & Daddy.

Then Mommy & Daddy with two half-kids.

Hey, my arm's only so long. So here's my compromise photo with no Mommy.

Man, are they all handsome or what? Hopefully we'll get some more use out of our pjs... and be able to get someone to get our picture altogether. Those pants were far too much work for this to be their only showcase.

After naps in our new pjs, we watched "Mr. Kruger's Christmas" and made orange rolls.

Then we listened to "The Tape" (aka The True Story of Christmas), a family tradition of mine since as long as I can remember.

This picture doesn't really make sense here, but I wanted to mention our awesome Ward Christmas Party a few weeks ago called "A Night In Bethlehem." We were each supposed to dress up in biblical attire (as we dutifully attempted), but I only got a picture of Collin. Oops. We each had to sign the census when we got there, and then we sat on blankets in the cultural hall because "there was no room in the inn." We were also all given ten "gold" coins to purchase our food with in the Jewish marketplace. The marketplace also had "gold," frankincense, and myrrh as well as a place to learn to play dreidel. After shopping and playing in the market, we watched the youth perform the nativity play. It was great.

Anyway, back to our Christmas, since I had a doctor's appointment first thing this morning, we went ahead and opened presents last night too. Shame on us.

As can be expected, our almost-one-year-old liked the wrapping paper and boxes better than the presents.

What a cutie-pie.

Collin, on the other hand, LOVES his new "Little People Corn Tractor." I don't think there could be a happier little guy.

After our wonderful Christmas, I have to admit we're a little concerned about Collin. We are going to have one confused little three-year-old come Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - Take Two. But that's just how we roll around here. Merry Christmas!

Oh, and don't deny you're jealous about our Take One Christmas. You know you want to do it too.