Pre-Christmas and a Fort

We FINALLY put up the tree on Thursday. Haven helped put on some of the Christmas ornaments. Now she takes them all off.

We have been talking about going to see the lights in Eureka Missouri for a few years now. This year we went. A little pricey we thought, so we are good for the next few years. They had a ton of lights, but some of the cut-outs were a bit cheesy and some downright disturbing :o) Haven enjoyed herself, so it was worth it.

Daddy and Haven made their first blanket and chair fort tonight.

Annual KC Christmas

Last weekend we went to the KC suburbs for my annual GNO Christmas party. We stayed with my cousins. It was great because they had a very kid friendly house. They have two grandchildren close to Haven and Levi's ages.

Levi has the cutest smile!

My cousin had her grandchildren over (my third cousins) and Haven got to participate in Christmas Cookie decorating.

Levi doing what he does best. Slobber and drool all over toys. We were at my friend Carla's house. She has three boys.

Here is Carter. He is around 14 months old.

Haven was around boys all weekend long! Carla and I always tease about which brother she will pick. Keagen or Jackson, and now Carter.

We were able to spend some time with my former roommate Rachel. She also has a little boy. I missed the picture, but they were actually interacting for a while. That was the first time I saw Haven playing and talking with a child her age. Usually they play separate.

We were able to attend Jackson's 4th Birthday Party. It was Diego and Dora theme. Perfect for Haven who loves Dora.

They jumped on the rocks and had to pick up a ducky.

They caught their star.

They went through (over and over and over) the dark tunnel.

Over candy mountain and then they hunted down the final prize. I really want to try this theme for Haven's third birthday.

Thanksgiving in Branson 2009

Thanks to mom and dad we spent another Thanksgiving in Branson. This year we had the Mattson's join us. Lot's of food, football and games. The day after Thanksgiving went to the wax museum, ate at Hard Luck cafe and then mom and I went shopping.

Movie Night

Tonight we had our first official movie night with Haven. We popped popcorn, bought her Sprite (she always wants our soda and we usually don't let her have it so it was a treat) and rented Pixar's UP. We had a wonderful time! The movie was amazing and the family time was even better.

The funny things

The kids definitely make us laugh. Here are a couple of things Levi has done over the past few days. He loves to suck on straps. If there is a strap toy out there we need to find it! He found Haven's highchair strap.

I was feeding Levi on the couch and he decided he wanted to see daddy. It is amazing how flexible he is! We just laughed. It was much funnier to see in person.

Girly-Girl vs All boy

I knew it! God gave me a girly girl. This was her requested wardrobe the other day and the next day and the next, but by then it was being washed! Every day she wants her hair in the pony tail on top and she loves dresses in which to dance around. I guess cocking your head to the side is the vogue model pose, because she kept doing it :o)

Levi is all boy. Even at this age if there is a ball around he is going for it! We found a new way to stop the cranky train that he has been on. Feed him teether biscuits! He still is not teething though. Not a swollen gum or tooth bud in sight.

Mid-Life Crisis (a little late)

Well they went and did it! They have had their mid-life crisis a bit late, but no time like the present. Mom had a Mustang a long time ago and has wanted another one. So SURPRISE! The car has been well taken care of. The interior is in great condition and it has a nice ride. I got to drive it home from church. Mom and dad surprised us by showing up today to show off their new toy. I asked mom to lay down on the hood, but she leaned instead :o)

Noodles and a Skunk

Haven's uses her imagination all the time. It is so fun to see what she comes up with. Below she is making noodles, or as she says, noonnals. At first she was using a cylinder shaped toy and then went to get the real rolling pin. She is rolling out pages from a small book she ripped apart.

Levi has had a stomach bug for a little over two weeks now. He is barely eating and has lost some weight. His pants today seemed to practically fall off of him. After two really messy, stinky diapers this morning I thought he should wear his skunk t-shirt.