First Snowfall

We looked outside, and what did we see? Thick, huge snowflakes falling all around. They stuck to the ground. The boys were so excited. They started to yell, "It's snowing! It's Christmas!" The boots, coats, hats, and mittens were donned at the speed of sound. They ran around the yard and jumped on a snowy tramp. The snow was really wet, so they made their own little snowman. They put on eyes, a carrot nose, and a toy pot for a hat. I was about to take a picture of it when Austin

kicked off its head and Bryson stomped it too pieces. I

will never understand boys.

Severed Finger Invitations

We found the idea for these invitations on the Martha Stewart website. It is always fun to make something a little gruesome. The mold material was very expensive, so we experimented with household items and found Play-Doh to work just as well. The boys had a great time taking the boxes, with the finger inside, around and watching everyone's reactions.

The Culmination of 6 Months of Work

We had to carve one pumpkin early, because I found Bryson stabbing holes in it. So we:

1. Cut out the top.

2. Scooped out the insides.

3. Taped on the face.

4. Cut it out.

5. Finished.

Every Boy Needs a Shiny Red Car

I told you about Tyler's love for the red car. I tried to take some pictures of the way he plays with it.

Austin Turned 7!!

Austin had a fun birthday. It started when he went to school and was the Star of the Week in his class. He made a poster and took it with him; his teacher showed it to all of his classmates. Later on that day, I brought a very cool Harry Potter cupcake cake to his class and we showed them the video of you reading the book The Day of the Dinosaur. After school, we picked Austin up in the car and took him to his first surprise- something he has wanted to do forever. We went to the Build-a-Bear Workshop. He chose a small bear and dressed in Army clothes because he wanted it to look like Daddy. No other outfit would suffice. Then we went to Harmons and bought some the party supplies Austin said we needed. Austin decided he wanted to go play with his friend Caleb, so we went to my mom's. Caleb was not at home, so Austin went with my mom to choose his present, a helmet for his scooter. (We bought the scooter; this present was not a surprise, since Bryson cannot keep a secret.) I made a cake and we put up the decorations. Austin chose his birthday dinner: macaroni and cheese from a box with hot dogs and salad. Delicious! Grandma and Grandpa Huntington, Jana and Chris, and Grandma Daniel came downstairs for cake and ice cream. We had a lot of fun. Austin is very excited for next year when he can be in cub scouts.

Tyler is 1!

Tyler had a wonderful birthday. We initially planned on having a small party with your family at our monthly Sunday dinner and another party for my family the next night. We rearranged the family dinner, so we combined both families for a larger party in your parents' backyard. I kept the evening simple, just cake and ice cream and Tyler patting a few presents. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the day preceding the party as much as a proud mother should. I was too concerned with cleaning up, making a cake for Tyler, one for the adults, and cupcakes for the kids. The older boys and I attempted to see a movie that was sold out, so we bought decorations for the party and had ice cream cones instead. The thought dominating my mind the most, which I know you will think is crazy, was whether or not I could fold all the laundry and put it away before everyone came. (The answer was no. If you had been there, I may have been able to pull it off.) Everyone came, which was very nice. Nanny and Grandpa Reed made it; I didn't know if they would. Grandpa was not feeling very well; he is on medication for his currently inexplicable itching. Mark and Angie came, their first family activity since their wedding. Jana and Chris were late, of course. To make up for it, they did bring what could possibly be Tyler's favorite toy- stacking rings that play music. He also loves the play cell phone and keys from your parents. Ashley and Jared gave him books, which he hasn't had much time to play with, since Austin and Bryson always have them. We gave him a car/ pushing toy. His brothers try to manipulate all the time with this also. Scott gave him some clothes for the winter and some diapers. My favorite present for Tyler was from my parents. at my suggestion. Tyler now has his own 72 hour kit. In fact, he is the only member of our family with access to his/her kit. The rest of them are in Washington. Tyler enjoyed his cake once he discovered what it was. He was very excited about the candle flame. He wanted to play with that immediately. He also enjoyed opening his presents much more than I thought. His attention stayed for most of it. I think he enjoyed his birthday very much and was very glad to go to bed that night. He was exhausted. Now that he is one, Tyler won't be nursing anymore and I can begin taking Lipitor again and not feel guilty eating all the fatty things I want to.