Samson the T-rex

We decided to take an adventure to OMSI today, I say adventure because going anywhere on the weekend in Portland is an ADVENTURE! Everything is always crazy busy and crowded with super long lines, that is why I usually go weekday mornings and that includes grocery shopping! Luckily Jim is very patient and willing to battle the crowds and lines for a good family day out and I love him for that! We picked up Sean and made it to OMSI by noon. After waiting in line for 15 min we realized that the year membership was a killer deal. Sean and I decided to go in on it together since you got 2 adult passes, up to 8 children, 2 free guest passes with each visit, free daily plantarium shows and 8 passes to OmniMax. We figured he could bring his dates and use it on his own and I could still use it with Jim, Nikki, Ashton, and Grandma. It worked great and we even got a student discount! Of course there was so much to see that we didn't get to it all, but we did see the T-Rex, Submarine, and the Discovery playground. We all had an awesome time, the boys were perfect! Thank you Sean for coming with us! (The pics are a little out of order sorry...sometimes the pic upload just doesn't like me.)

Mommy and Brody (3 months old on Tuesday!)Preston, Connor, and Mommy cuddling!

It didn't take Preston long to figure out that you had to turn the crank to get the water to come out, it was really fun to watch him figure it all out.

The water exhibit in the playground was a huge hit, they even provide clothing covers and crocs so kids don't get their own shoes wet.

They played so well together and with the hoards of other children, some with great manners others with terrible ones.

Preston and Connor loved the balls and watching the air tunnels shoot the balls out

Sean and Connor...

Good-bye OMSI!

Our Christmas Traditions

This year was a very special year. It was the 1st year in 7 years that we had our 1st Christmas tree(which my dad surprised us with the day after Thanksgiving) and weren't traveling during the holidays! Our tradition is that we have Christmas dinner and open presents at my parents house Christmas Eve. Growing up we always opened presents and celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. It has worked out perfectly because then we can enjoy Christmas morning as a family at our own home and then visit Jim's parents for Christmas dinner and gifts on Christmas day. I even got to make Christmas goodies with mom and Nikki this year! I have always wanted to make a list of Christmas goodies and make them and never to to, well this year I did! Brody is such a good baby he makes it much easier to accomplish everything I want and need to.

We always drive and look at Christmas lights, we also took the boys to the PIR for their Winter Wonderland festival of lights. The boys loved it! We didn't make it to Zoo lights, it was so cold, Jim wasn't to excited to freeze just to look at lights, and I wasn't about to take Brody out. I have been blessed with a very healthy baby...he hasn't gotten sick yet this season and I don't want to encourage any chances of it happening.

PIR:

Christmas Eve was so much fun as we gathered for dinner at my parents home. My grandma Leta and grandma Barbara joined us which was so special to have them there. We had a wonderful Christmas dinner, I tried candied carrots this year which turned out delicious! I love Honey Baked Ham! We then started exchanging gifts. Of course had to have the boys open one first to distract them from everything that was going on. We exchange names between siblings every year we had Kevin and Sean and they had us. Sean and Kevin spoiled us with a new Cuisinart Toaster 4 slices! I was so excited about a 4 slice toaster! Sean really spoiled us with getting Jim a new riding helmet with sweet graphics, and a Coach purse for me!We visited till the boys were exhausted and headed home. We read the "Night Before Christmas" to the boys before bed...I think we were more excited then they were...I don't think they quite understood what was happening. After they were sleeping we brought out "Santa's" gifts and stuffed their stockings! I just wish we got gotten more pics! I can't wait for next year when Brody will be walking and part of the action! He will add a new dynamic to the holidays! Santa and grandparents brought the boys lots of Imaginext, a Crayola Easel, I Spy and Geotrax. They have enjoyed their new toys every day! It was our 1st Christmas exchanging gifts withe each other at our own home...I LOVED it! I used my stocking money to buy Jim a North face jacket and U of O goodies and he surprised me with a Wii including Wii fit, so fun!!

Afterward we joined Jim's family for brunch and gift opening. We had a great time and the boys loved every minute. We came home for naps and the joined Jim's family afterward for Christmas dinner and stockings! It was a wonderful fun-filled day with many wonderful memories! I am so grateful for Jim and our 3 beautiful boys, that we could start our own family traditions and be together! This year brought many changes and many many blessings for which I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father.

Projects

I have so many projects that have been sitting out in my garage for months, maybe even years. The other day Nikki came over to help me redecorate, she motivated me to finish some of my projects and I am so glad she did, I love the way everything turned out. I still have a lot of furniture that needs stained-that will have to wait for the summer! I love the way the boys room came together, it took some time but was worth the wait...I just need to finish their quilts! With craigslist there are endless ideas of what to start next!
I will post pics of the boys bedroom but 1st here is a peek at the two dressers I just bought off Craigslist that are my next priority: My $15.00 bench off craigslist in Rexburg...before:

After:

Brody 2 months

Brody had his 2 month check-up and shots last week. He weighed in at 15.8 lbs and 22 inches long! No wonder my arms are sore...not to mention my back.
He is smiling and cooing, he is a complete joy, he so strong and has had great control of his head since he was a week old, he likes to suck on his fists when he doesn't have a soother. He sleeps through the night too, I am so lucky! He likes his swing and his bouncer, and tolerates being mauled by Connor, who gives his at least 20 kisses a day! He still doesn't care much for bathing alone, but LOVES bathing with his brothers! He looks a lot like Preston did as an infant and is already wearing 9 month clothes! Look at these rolls...