15 days and counting

It's hard to believe Christmas is approaching so soon, it always seems to sneak up on me. Last weekend we already had our first Christmas party. My mom's side of the family likes to get together earlier so that more of us can come. It was a good time as always. Santa stopped by and of course two of my shy boys didn't want much to do with him, but Cooper really liked him. He was so tired by the time that Santa got there, but he was actually excited to see him. Tyson on the other hand turned into jello when it came time to go up and get his gift. And Kellen just cried, he wanted to be by Santa the entire time he was there, but just at a distance.

We finally got our tree up. Well first we had to buy one. We have one, but it was just too big to go in our house now that we have different furniture. It's kind of a little Charlie Brown tree, but I think it's cute and boys love it. Tyson especially, he helped me decorate it, and he takes great pride in where certain (his) ornaments are placed. Our tree isn't your typical fancy glass bulbs and ribbon, ours is very kid friendly and almost every ornament on it has a story. It's hard these days not to get so wrapped up in the commericalization of Christmas, I want my boys to know the true meaning of Christmas, and not know it just as the holiday where they receive lots of presents.

I've been trying to get a picture for my Christmas cards, but as you can tell it isn't easy trying to get all of them to look at you, let alone smile. Believe it or not, Cooper is actually the easiest to photo. You would think, being the youngest, he should be the hardest, but he is always full of smiles.

Today we ventured out on the bad roads to take Cooper for his 9 month check up. He is still a big boy: 21 pounds (50%) and 30 inches tall (95%). Unfortunately he had to have some blood drawn to check his hemoglobin and to check for lead. He did not like that at all, but who can blame him!!

This weekend the boys and I, along with my mom, sister-in-law, and niece are heading out west to stay with my sister, Halie. We are going to do all of our Christmas baking while we are there. On Friday night we plan to stop by Lacey and Jacque's new house, and we hope to do a lot of baking, etc. on Saturday.

Enjoy the pictures......