Merry Christmas

The Christmas season was great this year. We were actually somewhat organized and had most of our shopping done by Thanksgiving. Then we planned weekly family activities (Clue week, cut down the tree, Christmas movies, etc.), had Siena over for a visit, enjoyed freezing weather and being hit by a bus, read Christmas scriptures for a couple weeks before the big day instead of just the night before, and settled in for two weeks of vacation. A great help was the countdown blocks we received from the Baileys. The kids only fought over changing them a little. Tree came down the day after Christmas and now it's time for a Happy New Year.

During family night we were talking about family heritage. We talked about the various countries our ancestor had come from and mentioned things that we have that help us remember those people. I pointed out a painting on the wall that Grandma Jacquie gave us. It was the first painting she did. I told the kids that some day (in a very long time) when Grandma Jacquie was no longer with us that painting would help younger family members know a little about what (great, great, great) grandma Jacquie liked to do. Ethan then said, "I can't stand to think of Grandma Jacquie dying." It's really sweet to think he loves his grandma so much!

Those Boys

Connor and Jake asked me to make sure the blog was updated with their latest photos. This was after their last soccer game (they won). They both scored in the same game -- a first! Jake probably has the best tan and Connor the best hairdo.

Ethan had a "friend" party for his 8th birthday. The biggest hit was a Lego contest where the kids had 15 minutes to build the best creation. They wanted to do it over and over and over....

The two boys to the right of Ethan also come from a family of 8 children. They currently have chicken pox and we are hoping that Beth, Ethan and Ari have have caught the bug!

Ethan and Beth were baptized on November 8, 2008 by their big brother Connor. Beth waited 3 months until Ethan turned 8 so they could be baptized together. Beth had to go under twice but it all ended well.

Who needs a barber?

Ethan decides he knows best when it comes to bangs.

Jake "The Man" Manning

Jake went through puberty last year and is quite pleased with the result. He asked me to throw out this challenge. He'd like to see if any of his relatives have such can match his manly thatch of chest hair. If you think you do, please send a photo (males only, please).