Christmas Cookies

Ashley and Amber and their kids came over for some Christmas cookie decorating before Christmas. The kids has fun and I think ate more decorations then they ended up putting on their cookies.

Can you tell which one is Aliyah's and which is Spencer's?

Aliyah in November

She still loves holding and taking care of Russell. She is a great big sister.

Russell at 4 months

At his 4 month appointment he was 15 lb 13 oz (75^th percentile), 26 ¾ inches long (95-98 percentile) and head was 16 ¾ in (70^th percentile). So he is still very long. Longer, but not as chubby as Spencer was. Spencer was 17 lb 15 oz and 26 ¼ inches long at 4 months.

About a month ago I first noticed him reaching for toys. Now he loves to always have something to be playing with and eating. Also, he has recently discovered his hands. He will just stare at them turning them back and forth and then put them in his mouth.

He is still being the great easy and happy baby that he has always been. We love him!

 

Spencer

I love this cute little face!

Aftin Turned 30!

I turned 30! On my birthday my parents came over and had birthday cookies with us. They got me a pizza stone I had wanted. Bill planned a great surprise for me--a date night, with the two older kids spending the night at my parents, and then a whole Saturday on my own. It was great to get some much needed time and space away from the craziness of life.

Later that week Bill invited my family over for a little "party". It was fun to celebrate again and with a chocolate cake. :)

I had to throw this picture in--classic pouting look...pretty much a  daily occurrence. :)

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving at Aftin's parents house with her family. Raquel and Sam were in town, and Dallin and Ashley (with Canon and Bridger) and Amber and Chris (with Lexi) were here as well. We had a great time visiting and spending the day together. One of the great things about Arizona is that on Thanksgiving day and evening, we can play outside in perfect weather. We enjoyed all the traditional great food - turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, layered jello, and rolls. For dessert, Aftin tried a new cheesecake recipe - White chocolate raspberry swirl. It turned out yummy!

Pics from November

Riding the Bus

Aliyah rides the bus to and from school everyday. She loves it. And so does Aftin. The bus stop is across the street about 2 houses down. It is so nice not having to get everyone up and ready and piled in the car to take her to school, or to have to wait in the long line of cars to pick her up. It is so close that we can leave Russell sleeping when we wait for the bus. It has made the transition to having a school-going child a lot easier.

Here are some pics of one morning going to the bus stop and waiting for the bus.