Christmas 2008

We started out December with an annual trip to the Upland Stake Creche festival where Hadley does the same thing every year with great anticipation - dresses up like Mary and sits and poses in the stable looking at the baby Jesus . . . for a while. I love that she looks forward to this every year!

Making our winter mitten/thank you note crafts.

Check out Hadley's cute pose for the primary ornaments they made. I have no idea where she gets it from but I have to say it is adorable compared to the usual mugshots they take.

Lauren - getting cuter and cuter everyday. This is from Claremont the day after Christmas waiting to ride the train home - it was cold!

Christmas Eve - had some McDonald's, opened cousin gifts, got in car to sit in traffic. (Note Hadley's pose)


Christmas Eve at Chris's parent's house.


A rare picture of me and Lauren.

Getting ready for Christmas in Upland

The day after Thanksgiving we went to Upland and helped decorate for Christmas. A favorite annual activity, especially for Hadley who loves to decorate as many trees as she can.

Thanksgiving 2008

We had a great Thanksgiving this year even though four out of 5 of us were sick. We went to Chino where the kids had a great time playing with the cousins. Highlights included:

1) great rainy and cool weather

2) a new 1000 piece puzzle

3) visiting with family

4) my mother-in-law's yummy apple pie

5) a bonfire outside complete with jokes and skits put on by the youngest children

Two and a Half Year Old for Hire

Will wash windows and do laundry - scantily clad for no extra charge.

A Week of Thanks

1) My husband who works and works and works to provide for all of us and so that I can stay home with the kids everyday.

2) Two thumb-suckers who fall asleep so much more beautifully than non-thumb suckers. Vincey even shares his blankie when necessary as Lauren actually prefers his over hers.

3) I am thankful that we live close to both sets of grandparents so that they can all have a close relationship with my kids.

4) Medela.

5) Jigsaw puzzles.

6) I also married into an awesome family who doesn't seem to mind being guinea pigs for all of my holiday cooking experiments - be prepared for Thursday!

7) Spellcheck

8) The ability to read. Literacy really is a blessing. Just imagine all the daily tasks that you take the ability to read for granted. Also imagine all the great books, articles, etc you would miss out on.

9) Humor. I am also grateful for Carol Burnett's 'Gone With the Wind' skit that makes me almost pee my pants just thinking about it - I have no idea why that has always struck me as the funniest scene EVER. (Go ahead and youtube it - you know you want to.)

10) Soft and warm down comforters.

11) Low-maintenance buzz haircuts for boys. (I hope these always stay in style.)

12) My mother-in- law for taking notes down during my babies' blessings.

13) The most generous, crafty, helpful and fun sister in the world (I'll let the four of you fight amongst yourselves over this but I think we all agree on who this one is.)

Picture Posey Girls

Last weekend we were so happy to have the Bingham family come visit for a trip to Disneyland. Even though we couldn't make it, it was great to spend time visiting and going to Portillos for the yummiest hot dogs ever!

Halloween 2008