Santa hats, snow, and finding christmas trees

This week, we decorated the house for Christmas. I LOVE decorating for Christmas. I love everything about Christmas - everything from the true meaning of the season and the constant wonderful reminders of our Savior, to the tastes and smells (the cookies, the cider, the smell of a fresh-cut tree...), to the sights and sounds (the decorations and lights, the beautfiul music...) The stockings were hung for about 2 minutes until Clayton decided to yank his down, big metal hanger and all. We ended up in the ER with a bad cut in his nose. Clayton is now OBSESSED with the christmas lights on the tree. (He has tried to remove them several times.) We gave him a broken strand that he drags around the house and tries to plug in when we're not looking. Caroline LOVES the ornaments and all the christmas carols.

We took the family to get our christmas tree. It was Clayton and Austin's first time. Austin just hung out with me, but C&C had a blast running around all the trees.

We also had our first snow. Caroline could not WAIT to get out there and eat the snow. (I know, so gross.) She, of course, introduced the concept to her little brother who dug right in. He loved playing in the snow. This was his first positive snow experience. Last year, he was not walking and HATED it. What a difference a year makes!

Matching christmas jammies!

(I am SUCH a sucker for matching clothing!)


Daddy and his big boos.


I am SUCH a good stander mama!

My sweet little man

My sweet little man. I just LOVE this little guy. He's growing up so quickly!

Poor little thing - he was put on antibiotics for a sinus infection a week ago. Then yesterday, he developed an allergy to the antibiotics and is covered in hives. He was also diagnosed with an ear infection which we now cannot treat until the hives have cleared. He isn't sleeping (because of the ear) and he just broke a tooth!

Hosting Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from a pilgrim and indian

We've been talking about Thanksgiving, pilgrims, and indians. Clayton, in vintage Clayton style, looked at me after one of our lessons and asked very seriously, "Did the indians have a red vacuum?" No. "Did the indians have a green swiffer?" No. "Oh."

Welcome Kellan McKinley Mazur!

Welcome Kellan McKinley Mazur, born November 23rd at 11:08 pm pst, weighing 7 pounds and 3 ounces.
Congratulations to Meredith and Dan!

Meredith is a ROCKSTAR and pushed for THREE hours to get this little nugget out!

Ballet Class

Some footage (not the best footage, but it will have to do!)

1st ballet performance

I took Caroline to her first ballet on Sunday. It was a performance of Angelina Ballerina, one of her favorite books.
She LOVED it and couldn't wait to get home to put on a tutu!

Visit with cousins

My cousins Karrie and Kimmie came to visit with their children. I haven't seen them in over 6 years. It was wonderful to see them and meet their kids!

All the little munchkins - Clayton, Caroline, Madelyn, Austin, A.J., & Jackson.

Karrie and baby Jackson

Austin, A.J., and Jackson. Austin is almost 8 months and Jackson is only 3 months - and I think Jackson weighs more than Austin!

Away

Kevin has been out of town for pretty much the last month on business trips. He typically has flown out Sunday afternoon and then returned late Thursday or Friday night. The kids and I have MISSED him!

Here are C&C coloring a "Welcome Home Daddy!" banner.

My little man and his favorite toy

All by Myself

"Look Mama, I can put on my jacket ALL BY MYSELF!"

He is really growing up. He wants to be more independent and is forming more opinions of his own. He is also starting to make very good observations about the things around him.
The other day, after I went to the bathroom, he said "Yay! Mama, now you get M&Ms?"
He is starting to show some interest in potty training too. The other day, he went into the bathroom by himself, removed his diaper, and peeped in the little potty!...and on top of the potty, underneath the potty (how is that even possible?), all over the floor, and on his jammies. He was SO proud of himself (and was very excited for the M&Ms).

Waiting for the "Nit"...

Meredith's baby is set to make his arrival any day now...

We're so excited! We want to meet you little one!

Trick or Treating & Austin's First Halloween

Growing with Mr. Bear - 7 months

"Sure mom, You can take my growing with Mr. Bear picture...if you can catch me!"