Christmas 2012

Here are some snapshots of our latest Christmas.  As soon as Tate saw his filled stocking he exclaimed, "I was good!"  Apparently, he was afraid he may have gotten a lump of coal!

Avery opened her small princess dolls and after that, all other presents were a bother to open.  She really didn't care.  In fact, one of her big dolls is up in her closet still in the package and she hasn't even noticed or missed it a month later.

Tate was a great helper of handing out gifts.  Grandpa, as usual, was the one to make sure everything works and filled with batteries, etc.

We were a small group this year with just our family and grandma and grandpa Stoddard at their home, but it was sweet as usual.  Oh how we love the holidays!

Avery Quotes

About a month ago we were at the Hibbert's in LaGrande, Avery was going around the room asking everyone if they had bums.  When she got to Grandma Hibbert, she replied "no" to the query.  Avery was taken aback and followed up with "Let me see!"  Debbie was laughing so hard as Avery tried to lift grandma out of her chair to see the amazing no-bum wonder =)

Today at the river walk with Grandma Stoddard, Avery saw a rock and decided it was the perfect place to lead her imaginary audience in a song, "I am a Child of God".  It was funny, here she is in action.

Tate Quotes

Tate's a funny kid and every once in a while I remember to document things he says, like:

"Wow!  Play-doh can do anything!"   and

"I just knew today was going to be the best day ever!" after Bre gave him a Starburst candy, and finally

"How do you laugh in Spanish?"

Last week after Eric put the kids to bed, he went back in to check on Tate.  He was surprised that the light was on and Tate explained that he was scared so Eric suggested he pray to not be afraid.  Tate asked "How do you pray for that."  As Eric began to explain, anticipating a nice father son moment, Tate quickly interrupted him with, "Dad, I'm trying to go to sleep."  So Eric turned off the light and Tate slept and that was that.

"Don't give me candy yet, mom.  I finished my chicken, but still need to drink all of my water."  said Tate.

"Don't give me candy, mom, I have to finish my chicken." added Avery.

Yes, because I was just waiting for the word to jump up and shower them with candy!  Actually, I did bribe them to eat their lunch, but sometimes a mother's got to do what works to get things done around here =)

 This night, Avery fell asleep first and then Tate joined her and requested I take a picture of them snuggling, lol.

 Avery and Tate sat reading books yesterday morning.  It was a rare quiet moment around here.

 My husband is really smart and now puts Avery to sleep on the couch until Tate is asleep in the bed.  Then, he moves her into Tate's bed.  Bedtime has been much more peaceful around here since that plan's implementation!

 Check out all these birds that landed in our backyard!

 And now some princess dancing with her prince pictures...

In other news, I'm really pregnant.  About 3 weeks until Henry makes his appearance.  As expected, I'm tired and grumpy and even Eric's big t-shirts are barely covering the baby bump.