Happy New Year!

Our empty nest neighbors actually love our boys and they are so good to us. They brought over a bag full of noise-makers, confetti, hats, and sparkling cider for New Year's Eve. The boys were in heaven. We just love our neighbors. I think I kissed Tessa instead of Merritt at midnight, or maybe it was more like ten o'clock. I don't think I made it until midnight this year. :) We spent New Year's Eve at home, just us and the kids. We watched one of our favorite movies (about birding): The Big Year. Happy New Year everyone!

A Winter Saturday Making Homemade Christmas Gifts

Saturday morning the boys are busily grating soap (not cheese). They liked experimenting with the different types of graters.

We added a little water (about 3 T per bar of soap), stirred, then reshaped the soap into snowmen and Christmas trees to give as Christmas gifts.

We also grew beautiful snowflake crystals to give as gifts. We grew the crystals on pipe cleaners in water and Borax overnight. They are hanging on our Christmas tree until it's time to give them away.

I loved spending time with my boys this weekend doing fun projects. Tess is sitting up now. She is 6 months old. I love to watch her sit and play with toys. She is my sunshine on a dreary winter day

Tessa Darling

Already 4 months old! Love this little girl.

Happy Birthday Luke!

Luke is such a cool kid. He has really cool hobbies, like origami, birding, and coin collecting. And he likes to play a little basketball on the side. Now he wants to start a new hobby, balloon twisting. He asked for long, twisting balloons for his birthday. He had so much fun making animals, swords, and hats. Here he is wearing an original creation while eating cake. Happy 6th birthday buddy. I love you. Mom.

Congratulations Adam and Kristie!

Tessa's First Smiles and Blessing Day

Collin's Baptism