You Know You Make LOTS of Banana Bread When...

Your three year old can almost make it by herself... almost. She does know most of the ingredients and the order I usually put them in. Personally, I think she likes to help so she can lick the spoons when we are all done mixing the batter.

Two Ways to Enjoy Christmas Presents...

Jena received two new board games from her Great Grandma and Grandpa for Christmas. She absolutely loves "Candy Land!" She wishes we would play with her all day, but since other things have to get done, she has figured out that it's also fun to play by herself. She can use as many players as she wants and she gets all of the exciting cards... her favorite is the Gooey Gooey Gumdrop. The game is always enjoyable to her. Even when we all play together she is not worried about who finishes first because with enough turns everyone gets to Candy Land.

Taylor likes small spaces. She will squeeze into tight spaces in the closet or hide in any box that she finds. Today was the first time when her goal was just not quite obtainable. She figured if all the little people and animals could fit in the barn then maybe she could too, but maybe not. Maybe just the lower part of her legs could fit. Or maybe it would be better as a chair.

When Jena Grows Up...

Jena often mentions things she would like to be able to do when she's grown. She will say things like, "When I get big like mommy I can wear makeup" or "When I get big like mommy I can drive." Recently at Joy School they were talking about how when caterpillars grow up, they become butterflies. Then Jena was asked what she wants to be when she grows up. Her response was "A Super Hero - Wonder Woman and a mom."

Luckily they are both the same, right!?!

We love the butterfly she made!

Opinions Included!

Lately, Jena has been a little more forward in expressing what she likes and how things should be. My mom made a few Christmas pillow cases and two that matched her "Very Hungry Caterpillar" quilt. Jena decided that the pink snowman pillow should not be on my bed but should be on hers. So, one day she decided to trade her Caterpillar pillow for mine. She did place hers on my bed right were it belongs and my pillow has remained on her bed since. A day or two later Ryan brought home a few flavors of soap from Bath & Body Works (he was getting tired of the generic Vanilla from Target). Jena noticed that there was a new PINK bottle of soap in our bathroom and the same old Vanilla in her bathroom. So, switcharoo number two. Ryan even wanted to see what would happen if he switched it back and now before she uses the bathroom she always looks to see if her "PINK" soap is still there. Wonder what trade is going to happen next!?!

Baby Jane's Blessing

We went to Laguna Niguel to be apart of Jane's baby blessing. It was very sweet and we loved spending the day with the family. We are very happy to have this cute little one in the family. (Yes Heather, I did copy the picture above from your blog... there were a few others I still need to get from everyone as well)

Most of the girls with cute homemade aprons made by Sue.

Love all those cousins!

Christmas with the Grandparents!

We were not very good with taking photos, but we sure had a great time over Christmas break. All the family (except Jared who has almost completed his LDS mission) was home, plus enough visitors to make the trip a real party. The only problem was a few illnesses showed up as well.

Christmas morning was very exciting. This was the first year that Jena understood about Santa and eagerly awaited his arrival. She was a little timid Christmas morning, but once she saw the candy canes and toys that uncertainty disappeared. She enjoyed the gifts and was very willing to share all of Taylor's gifts as well. Taylor on the other hand only wanted a few of the most exciting toys out to play with and ended up taking a nap before all her presents were opened.

Jena loved hanging out with her uncles and watching movies all night. She would have her blanket & pillow right there in the middle of all the boys enjoying the excitement of being up way later than she should have been. She also loved playing ping pong with Taylor, Jeffrey and Jonny. It was quite a show watching the boys help these little girls hit the ball back and forth, especially since the girls laughed the whole time.

Taylor loved running around finding anything exciting. One of her favorite toys was bouncing ping pong balls all over the house. She also loved aunt Jeanette's room because there were always treats and a happy aunt to give them out.

We enjoyed making gingerbread houses, playing cards, rocking out to Rock Band, watching/seeing movies, eating all sorts of treats, playing at the park... way to much fun to list everything.

We love Christmas!