Christmas Eve

We met with friends on Christmas Eve and had the children act out the Nativity. It is so fun to see these children get into their parts and to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Lizzy is the cutest angel I've ever seen.

Hailey was Mary and Carter Bird was Joseph. I don't think that Kori saw, but Hailey actually went up to Carter and tried to kiss him. She'll be glad to know that Carter backed away. It's Hailey I need to worry about.

"Mary" and "Elizabeth": what cute girls.

Weight gain

Yesterday, Carter and Andrew decided that they wanted to try to outweigh Chris with their combined weights. Rather than lift weights or eat, they both consumed massive amounts of water-RIGHT BEFORE CHURCH. My rule has been-go before we leave and no one goes out of sacrament meeting. About 10 minutes into sacrament meeting, Andrew is shaking his legs and bouncing in his seat. Small bladder boy couldn't even make it through the sacrament and had to leave as the water was being passed. He had to go again 15 minutes later and Carter also left. When they returned, Chris quietly asked them, "How much do you weigh now?"

Say cheese!

I have been trying for the past 2 weeks to get the camera when Alyssa smiles, but I've never had any luck. It paid off today and I caught it! Her whole face lights up which is so sweet.

Andrew is 8!!

Andrew had his 8th birthday on December 6th and we celebrated by opening presents, eating cake and going to church. Andrew wasn't thrilled that his birthday was on Sunday this year, but overall it was a wonderful day for him. He is looking forward to his baptism in January when my parents are coming.

Each of our kids gets to have a party out of the house with their friends on their 8th birthday (otherwise it's at home). Andrew choose to go bowling and play in the arcade. He had a great time. All the boys were dancing and checking out each other's scores-they are so cute.

Random

When Hailey got home from school today, I could tell that she was tired. She went right over to Alyssa. Before I knew it, she was putting her (clean) finger in Alyssa's mouth since she couldn't find a pacifier and proceeded to suck her own thumb. We have some serious oral fixations in this family.

I told Grant that babies grow very quickly. Every morning he asks, "Did Alyssa get a little bigger last night?" He loves being a big brother.

First Sunday

We took Alyssa to church for the first time today. She slept the entire time. Unfortunately, now we have high expectations.

Sleepy Baby

Alyssa is a marvelous sleeper. She sleeps between 5-7 hours at night before she wakes up to eat and then goes right back to sleep. She is so good natured and I just love to watch her.