MONSTER

Add caption

Chris: Once upon a time in a dark, scary cave, there was a monster....
Nick and Ben: Giggle, giggle
Chris: And guess what he liked for dinner?!
Nick and Ben: Giggle, giggle
Chris: LITTLE BOYS WITH KETCHUP AND RANCH DRESSING!!!!
Nick and Ben: Erupt with laughter and squeals from under the blanket

MUSIC CONCERT

Nick had his Kindergarten Music Program tonight and we were all able to go watch him belt out his tunes. Even my mom was here to see his performance. He seemed really excited about it but once we got there, he was much more serious. He looked bored/scared out of his mind the entire concert and I could hardly get a smile out of him. In fact, I don't think I did. But he did sing beautifully and managed to perk up a bit when it was time to play his instrument. Nice job, Nick. It was so fun watching you in action!

BIRTHDAY PARTY

My mom came to visit for a week to see our new place and just hang out with us. We were lucky enough to have her here over her birthday! The morning started with our customary breakfast in a highly decorated kitchen. She loved it!  We dropped ben off at preschool then spent the morning doing girl stuff...pedicures, shopping and lunch. It was so fun! We really had a good time together. That night we celebrated with takeout BBQ from one of Kansas City's best restaurants and had a fancy cake made just for her. The kids had a blast celebrating and I think mom loved all the special attention. Happy Birthday! 

The rest of the week was spent playing, shopping, talking and eating yummy things. My mom made me her famous "protein pancakes" with pecans and blueberries and now they are my very favorite breakfast!  We also had the chance to do a little crafting and made this cool heart for my front door:

Thanks for the fun visit mom! I love you!

LADYBUG

Missouri has tons of ladybugs! They are everywhere...even in the winter. Today Ben found this little fella in the family room and just laid down on the rug to watch him crawl around.

SHOPPER

Tonight for Young Womens, the girls cleaned out their closets and brought anything and everything they wanted to get rid of/trade with each other. My little Livi ended up not having Activity Day Girls so she was able to join us and do a little shopping of her own. She found some real treasures for both herself and me. She thought this stuff was "just what I needed" and displayed it all for me when we got home.....

SUPERHEROS

Ben wanted to "play" this morning and brought me my identity. I almost sweated to death with this thing on but it sure was fun!

DENTIST

Today was the kids' first visit Dr. Thomas and Ben's first ever trip to the dentist! Chris was able to come with us which was great since all three kiddos were able to be seen at the same time. The office is new and fun and the kids loved it. The best part....NO CAVITIES! Good job kids. Brushing IS over-rated and clearly you can do without it.....

COATS

I love the way little boys look in dress coats! I can't stand it! Thanks to Chris' sister, Annette, for all the nice Sunday hand-me-downs she sends our boys. Both Nick and Ben feel so big knowing they are wearing "Carson and Preston's" blazers, ties, etc. They looked so cute, all ready for church on Sunday!

NICK'S POEM

Nick created this beautiful poem for me in the middle of the night, when he was crying and wanting to get out of bed but I wouldn't let him. I already know that I am a mean mom.....

I love you so much
with all my heart
I want to kiss you on the lips
dear oh dear
We'll play together
and have lots of fun
that's it.

BLOG HEADER 2010

Here's our new blog header for 2010...you've probably seen it a few times.....!

2010

Happy New Year! We had a great New Years with our friends, the Eichmanns, from Omaha. They drove down and spent a couple days partying with the Smiths. This family.....I just can't say enough. We met them in graduate school and have stayed close ever since. Everytime we get together, we have an absolute blast. We tease and laugh and cry and talk until the wee hours of every single night and we still seem to have so much more to say. Their five kids are amazing, too, and the whole bunch gets along beautifully. And none of them even noticed that Ben spent the majority of their visit nude. Now those are some true friends. Thanks for the visit, guys. You know you are welcome at our pad anytime!

Do these boys look like they are a few hours late for bed??

Liv and Elise

                  The Dr. Pepper/Mr. Pibb taste test. No one can fool Chris.

                                       Total rockstars. Check out Ben's face.

         This is how we party....... naked with weapons....