Un-trimming the Tree

I realized that I didn't take ANY pictures of our Christmas tree or our family at home during the Christmas season. So, I decided to take some of Sam and Cam helping me take the tree down. This activity is not nearly as fun or festive as putting the tree up. Maybe I need to think of tradition that could make it more enjoyable. Maybe a silly song to sing or yummy treat to eat.   Next year.  It was a pretty tree.

Christmas

Maybe you thought we didn't survive the trip home. Well, we did and it actually wasn't too terrible and so I'm already planning when to go out for the summer. We all had a great vacation and we loved being with our families. We did so many fun things, but here are just a few pictures. One highlight was when Santa visited Grandma Geri's house.  The kids all got to sit on his lap and get a balloon just for them.  Cameron was scared at first but then once he saw the candy canes he was totally willing to talk to Santa.

Unfortunately, I didn't take a good group picture of Christmas Eve, but it was a nice party at Hill and Tom's with Grandpa Arch.  Thanks for the creepy spider.  Eek!

This is Christmas morning after the boys saw what Santa brought them.  It was fun to watch them play with their new things.  We enjoyed breakfast and the homemade eggnog with the Skidmore side of the family, and then opened more presents.  

Here are the Cheney cousins in new PJs.

We went on a sleigh ride the next day.  It was cold and some of the little ones were crying, but it was beautiful and even lightly snowing.  Then we had lunch around a fire and went four wheeling in the snow.  We loved being at Mom and Ennis' Woodland home.

Cam looked so cute in his hat and tie!

The days we spent in Eden were lots of fun.  Skiing was definitely a highlight and we were impressed by how well all the kids did.  We all had fun sledding and playing games.  I tried to track down killer bunnies but amazon is sold out!  I guess I'll have to wait.  

We miss all of you already.  I admit I have been a little blue, so come and visit anytime!

New couch

Here is our new couch and the room we painted--twice.

Ooh-rah!

Today I took the boys out so we would be out of the way for Matt's scout meeting.  First, I thought we would go to McDonalds.  Partly because I like egg McMuffins and partly so the boys could play and run around.  By the time we got on the road I knew we would miss breakfast being served, so I went back home to get a coupon from an expensive coupon book I was coerced into buying last week.   It was a buy two get two entrees free at Silver Diner.  

So then we headed in the other direction for chocolate chip pancakes. We got seated at a too small table and it just got worse from there.  Cameron was AWFUL.  I caught a glimpse at what our plane ride is going to be like and I am SCARED!  But, between the crying and yelling, kicking off shoes, the climbing up the back of the bench to peek over the other side, drinking syrup out of the tiny syrup pitcher, sticking fingers into the tiny syrup pitcher, tipping the cup up so high that a half a gallon of chocolate milk dumps all over, refusing to eat anything much except for graham crackers dipped in ketchup, oh, and throwing binkies onto the gross floor 13 times, the boys had a fun meal.  But to top it off, my coupon didn't work for kids meals.  I may have tried to argue about it because it didn't say that on the coupon, but I just wanted to get out of there at that point.

Why is it that people either have to say  "Are all those yours?"  or else my favorite "Wow, you have your hands full!"  If I have to make one more polite comment back to these people, I might hit someone.  

Even after all that, we did have a great day.  We went to the new Marine Corp Museum and it was very well done.  As we left, the boys were saying things like, "That was the best museum ever!"  and "Let's come here everyday!" and "Thanks Mom for bringing us here!" (Which was my favorite comment of the day.)  I'm sure we'll go back soon.  We didn't get to see it all because of more of Cameron's exciting behavior. 

 

This is the looking up from the center of the building. It is abstractly shaped like the Iwo Jima Memorial.

This floor vibrated and shook when bombs went off in the scene being described.

This big tank was the best part.  There was a fierce battle. 

Seriously, I am so grateful for those who serve our country.  I'm impressed by their courage, discipline, patriotism and strength.  I hope I live with more gratitude for the easy life I get to enjoy.

Bouncy Baby

So, this is how Cameron lets me know he is up from his nap.  I hear a boing, boing, boing and when I open the door he is bouncing away.  He is so happy and full of energy, I wish I felt like that when I got up.  You all know I am NOT a morning person.  I much prefer late quiet nights.  Anyway, this day I tried to catch him in action.  I'll have to try again and take the bumper out first.  Just thought I would share this cute phase.

The Christmas Boxes

This was the first day opening boxes this year, and Cameron's first time.  It was so cute how he shared with his brothers.  

Today the boys got this Christmas book.  When they sat down to read it together I thought they looked precious.  We love the Olivia books!  

So we are counting down the days until we get to come and visit--Yea!  (Except, not yea for the plane ride.) 

Photo Booth

The boys love to play around with Photo Booth on my computer.  Tonight I checked and they had taken 531 pictures of themselves playing around.  As I looked through them I thought some were pretty cute or pretty funny so I made a collage.  

They are getting quite creative.  They took tons of their superman trick which is that they jump and try to be in the air when the camera goes off.  The one in the upper right corner was a successful attempt at that.  I can't believe I am posting a picture of myself like that, but I reminded myself of Edna Mode from Incredibles.  Hope you get a chuckle from these!  

(I think if you click on the picture it will show you a larger version.) 

mmmm...pie

We had a nice Thanksgiving feast with our friends the Frosts and the Kotters. Cameron was enjoying some pumpkin pie with his pile of whipped cream. (Thanks Dad!) But, I think he reached his limit of how much whipped cream he could handle. I thought it was all going to come back up.

I took my camera but I forgot to get it out until we were eating pie, and then I only took a couple of pictures. I guess I was enjoying the day. I have a lot to be thankful for! Good friends and food, great families, our home, our country, my four fantastic boys and my kind husband!

More Harpers Ferry

A few more of the details of this neat town...

Harpers Ferry Again

Oops! I accidently posted before I got a chance to write anything. On Thursday Aaron, Andrea and I (and the little boys) went to a new town and I fell in love. It is a beautiful and cool little town with so many neat buildings, colors, and details. We had fun walking around, taking pictures, enjoying being outside, and we even about got blasted away by two trains. I'll have to post more pictures later. I'll definitely have to go back with Matt next time. I might want to pack my own lunch next time though, it can be difficult to get something to eat there, unless you have plenty of time and cash. We got a good taste of some West Virginia customer service. But, I loved the city so much that I didn't care that I had to eat trail mix for lunch.

Harpers Ferry

Halloween

I love Halloween! We had a great day getting fun food ready for dinner and looking forward to trick or treating. The boys already had plenty of candy from our ward Trunk or Treat but they like going out in our neighborhood. Matt and Aaron took the kids out while RuLynn, Andrea and I finished making the witch fingers and hairy toes. Yum! We also had goblin tongues, witches brew, dinner in a pumpkin, and creepy peepers. The boys all looked SO cute, especially the little ones. The older boys really got into their characters. We loved having visitors too! It was nice to have Andrea there to take some pictures and I appreciated RuLynn helping with keep up with the dishes for the past couple of weeks. Nate was able to go back to school this week which has been great. Thanks for all of your prayers and support!






Nate-Jack Sparrow
Spencer-the Spy
Sam-the Pirate
Cameron-the Lion
Karston-the Skunk