What is he doing?

Any guesses?

Shopping!  I was working on making our Christmas stockings, so he was doing some Christmas shopping and wanted to make sure I didn't see the computer screen.  He cracks me up!

Christmas, Christmas-time is here!

The sounds around our house as of late is mostly Shelby singing Jingle Bells or Away In The Manger.  We are enjoying this time of year.

We aren't sure where Shelby learned about Santa Claus, but she did tell me that he is REAL!  We got a good laugh and tried to explain who St. Nicholas was and where the idea of Santa came from.  I think she got it...maybe.  The good thing is that she can "read" a book we have about the true meaning of Christmas ~ the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!  We are glad she understands that part - it is more important than her thinking Santa is real.

We attended the BP Christmas Party and had a nice time.  Shelby was dancing like CRAZY (recall Elaine on Seinfeld!?).  There were lots of kids and the girls had fun with them.  Unfortunately we forgot to bring our camera to the party.  Here are some before pictures:

Shelby took this picture of Josh and I!  She did great!  Notice the coloring difference from the first two pictures.  We bought a new camera and the first two pictures are taken with it - big difference!

We hope you are enjoying this time of year!  I am trying to use every teachable moment with my girls and I hope you are doing the same with those in your life.

VIvian's ONE-year stats

We have a little girl!  Here are Vivian's one-year stats:

Weight: 20 pounds 9 ounces (25%)

Height: 28.5 inches (25%-50%)

Head: 46cm

She now officially walks more than she crawls!  We are having a lot of fun watching her grow.  

A Success!

Camping was a success!  Shelby came in this morning just beaming; she was grinning from ear to ear!  After reading a few Christmas books they went to sleep and Shelby told me, "I slept all night!"  She had such a great time and it was well worth the effort.  Josh slept ok, but he will be glad to be back in our bed tonight.  We will definitely be doing that again.

Camping!

Shelby has been so excited to go camping with Josh!!  So tonight is the night!  It is finally cool enough, yes, it is December 1st.  I say that with some sarcasm - it was 75 degrees today!  But it should be cool tonight, like in the 50's, so it is perfect for camping.  Shelby did such a good job helping Josh get everything ready.  They raked all the pokey things up, collected the rocks from some Thanksgiving fun, spread out the tarp and set up the tent.

 Vivian, of course, wanted in on the action.  :)

 Blowing up the air mattress to sleep on.  :)

 Being silly with Daddy while the air mattress blows up.

 The girls has a blast playing in the tent this afternoon and evening.

Here they are heading out.  When they got out to the tent Shelby excitedly exclaimed, "I love this!"  

It is so fun to watch her enjoy things.  LOVE our girls!!!  

Vivian and I will hold the fort down here IN the house tonight.  :)  

More ONE fun

Vivian's ONE!  So that means a forward facing seat for her.  AND a new booster-type seat for Shelby! Smiles all around.

Vivian's present opening for today.  Shelby is a very patient and good helper! 

"Sleeping" with Daddy in the playhut / tent / pretend house.

Vivian's ONE!

Our sweet daughter, Vivian, turns 1 today!  We are very thankful for her.  Here are some pictures from her party last Friday.

 Shelby (3 1/2), Abby (5), Emily (11), Vivian (1), Nathan (8)

Vivian didn't go crazy with her cake.  She ate the chocolate chip smiley face and then some of the cake.  We had a good time with my sister Kim and her family and my parents here.  Vivian loved all the attention at her party, and throughout the week.

Vivian has seven teeth (4 on the top, 3 on the bottom).  She loves playing with Shelby, Mommy and Daddy.  She loves to walk, holding Mommy's hands.  She is getting better at walking on her own for short distances.  She has learned to cry to get our attention when she isn't getting her way when playing with Shelby.  :)  Vivian does well playing on her own.  She still doesn't have a whole lot of hair, but the little bit she does have curls in the back.  Could we have a daughter with curly hair?!?!?  What fun that would be!

Happy Birthday, Vivian!

For Thanksgiving we had a houseful!  Adam, Kim, Emily, Nathan, Abby, my mom and my dad all came to Sanderson for a few days.  We all had a wonderful time playing outside, hiking, riding bikes, shooting, playing outside, opening presents, eating, playing outside, laughing, playing Pit, and more playing outside!  It truly was wonderful.  

We used my mom's camera for all the picture taking and I forgot to get them from her before she left, so once I get those pictures I will post them.  :)

A big THANKS to the Hoelscher's for all your kindness in all the things we borrowed!