Growing up is a good thing

I haven't posted in awhile because I really didn't think I had much to post about, but after really thinking about it, I've actually come up with some things.
Olivia had her annual appointment with the famous (or infamous) Dr. Crawford. He is her orthopedic surgeon. We were instructed that while her hips are not perfect, they still have potential and that he wants them looking great by the time she is six years old or he'll fix them. It's actually just one hip and when you compare her xrays just taken to her xrays while casted, it's a beautiful thing to see the progress they have made. It really makes all those days of dealing with having a baby in a near body cast worth it. We'll find out in a few years though for sure!
Carter attended nursery for the first time yesterday. He still has two more weeks before the big 18-month milestone, but a kind nursery leader let him in a few weeks early. He did okay. No tears. Close, but still...no tears!
Olivia loves being a Sunbeam. She is learning to sign the words to "I am a Child of God" and can already put me to shame at it. I need more practice!
I could only find one new picture from the last two weeks to share.

With the cold temps, Aaron has used up our big box of logs in the fireplace. The kids seem to like it though.

My big girl!

How DOES this happen so quickly?

A few hours old. (And probably the last time I painted my nails.)

1-year-old

2-years-old

3!

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Yep! That's right! Olivia turned FOUR years old on Monday!
We're still able to get away with small celebrations.

Who knows how much longer that will last though?

It's hard having a birthday girl three weeks after Christmas.

The scooter will have to be ridden inside until it warms up out there.

Olivia could possibly have three sets of grandparents. haha

We celebrated with our neighbors (Gary & Vanessa) and she got spoiled.

This cake is a bit embarrasing after seeing the work of some friends.

When I heard about the "Candy Land" cake, I thought, "sure, I can frost and put candy on a cake." But I now take that back.

OH WELL.

Olivia liked it and that is all that really matters.

Maybe on her 5th birthday she'll get the candles blown out on her own?

She really tried hard though!

Happy Birthday my sweet girl!

Dancing Fever

Our Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

I realized that my last two posts are dealing with my stress levels. There really isn't as much stress as I may have led you to believe and it's mostly the good kind of stress (that is possible, right?).

We had a great Christmas. It was our first one to spend by ourselves. I got to think about the different traditions that I would really like to start and the ones that I want to carry on from past years. Christmas Eve should always be on family night...it just seemed so right.

After the kids were tucked in bed, we got the room "set up."

Aaron wasn't jealous of all our friends and family that may have recieved a Wii this year. Reason: he was playing the VSmile!

Aaron had to test it out to be sure it was ready to roll for Christmas morning.

Did I mention how nice it was to be able to bribe Olivia to be good with the "fact" that Santa wouldn't be coming to our house if she wasn't good? I know there are so many things wrong with doing that, but it worked too good.

Why did Carter enjoy unwrapping everyone else's gifts besides his own?

He loves his fridge farm. When Olivia turns it off, he's quick to give me an "uh-oh" because it won't work.

Carter & Olivia loved their new radio flyer. We were even out in the 30 degree weather today playing with it.

Carter got some play-doh & he loves it. He's quite artistic with the way he cuts it into small pieces and let's them all land on the floor to dry out.

Practicing for the future.

This game was fun for all four!


On to our Happy New Year:

We spent the New Year with our friends from Dayton, the Bradley family. Fondue was our first treat of the night to keep us awake.

Wii was an all-night treat that easily keeps one awake. (Aaron still enjoys the VSmile though ;)

"C'mon Carter, ride that pony"

Olivia took a few moments to entertain Dylan with some silly faces.

I know, I know. Why do I let my son wear pink sunglasses? Probably because he gives me the cutest, cheesiest grin when he does.

I didn't get any pictures of the midnight celbrations. We all made it to see that time...even the kids! Confetti was shot off at the drop of the ball, along with noise makers and the kids loved it! I didn't get pictures of it all, but it was a great time.

Sunday Stress

I do plan to post pics of our (small) holiday celebrations, but I wanted to explain why it's taking me awhile to do so. For those of you that do not know, Aaron and I have been busy. Just one aspect that as added to our busy-ness is our church callings. Aaron is the scout master & 2nd counselor in the Young Men's. He's been busy attending extra activities with the youth & even had an overnight campout a few weeks ago.
Since I've been called as Primary President in our ward, my Sunday stress has changed. I was actually getting somewhat used to being Gospel Doctrine teacher and having to get up in front of the scripture scholars every week to teach. I must say that I do enjoy getting up in front of the children a bit more. If teaching Sharing time was all that my calling entailed, it would be all smiles for me. This is how I dressed for one of my first sharing times...I don't think I would have done this for the adults. We made Faith cookies with all the right ingredients. (And NO, faith is not fattening)

Hopefully in a few weeks, things will slow down a bit and Sunday's won't be quite as stressful. Haha!

It will be fun to have Olivia in primary with me now though as a SUNBEAM!