I found some more favorites

August 2013

September 2013

October 2013

November 2013

What I loved about today

Helping Samuel practice his big boy sitting.

Building the Lego bakeshop with Kathryn.

Letting Maxwell pick out his outfit.

Watching and listening to my three little chickens while I cleaned up the dinner dishes.

Considering myself so lucky to be their mother.

December little things

Just a few more things to remember about our December in 2013...

After a long day at church, Maxwell put on his hat and kicked back in the sink. What a way to relax.

More accurately, he found a way to entertain himself while waiting for lunch!

My three little love bugs.

Michael's parents watched the kids for us one evening. We came back to find them snuggled like this. 

One of Kathryn's many, many drawings. I often send Michael pictures of her artwork during the day.

I love her pictures so much, I might dedicate a whole post to her masterpieces sometime. 

 Playing with Sam after his nap.

My darling superheroes. It was actually Max's shirt that day that prompted this creation.

I'll have to try it again sometime with a real pattern.

Sam and I made a quick stop to visit Grandma and Grandpa Jones.

Grandpa was not doing well, and sadly, he passed away the very next day. 

We were so glad that we were able to share our love with them and say a last goodbye.

A favorite from Christmas morning. 

Brotherly love.  Maybe slightly overwhelming for the youngest one at times, but they do love each other. 

After eight to nine hours at church every Sunday, a snack is always in order.

I am grateful for Michael's willingness to sacrifice and serve.

 Traditional Woodland Grandchildren Christmas Party- The Manners Dinner.

The "little kid" and the "big kid" table.

The only thing Maxwell "ate" the whole night was Grandpa Woodland's apple cider.

 My parents newest toy for the grandchildren (and themselves) was a runner sleigh.

Too bad there wasn't much snow this year, but we still had fun anyway.

And that should be a wrap. 

Unless I find some random pictures somewhere on my phone or computer:)

Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. 

Sadly, the holiday went by so quickly, but we still loved and savored the time together.

On Christmas Eve, we delivered treats and caroled to our neighbors.

Michael's parents came over for the evening to celebrate with us. 

They kindly drove around with our treats, Sam and Max, while Michael, Kathryn and I walked.

It was too cold for Sam, and Max had thrown up twice that morning.

After we delivered treats, we came back to our house for dinner and dessert.

We attempted to read/act out the nativity, which didn't go so well.

 The kids opened new pajamas from Grandma and Grandpa.

Then they set out cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer before being tucked into bed.

They were very excited for the next morning. 

 We had a very nice Christmas morning. 

We took our time opening presents and gave hugs and thank yous with each gift.

Being grateful is something we are really working on with our children.

  Sam's new bibs from Santa Clause.

 Kathryn's new barbie from Santa; Tee-pee for all the children from Santa.

  Maxwell's presents from Santa, and the favorite gift was his head light.

 

After all the presents were opened, we ate puff pancakes and watched Cinderella together.

Then we got ready and went to Michael's parents for Christmas dinner.

We enjoyed to rest of the day eating and playing games. It was a wonderful day.

Preparing for Christmas

Decorating for Christmas.

Kathryn and Maxwell really loved helping this year.

And surprisingly, all the decorations stayed in place. They were very good about it.

One morning, I found Maxwell studying the nativity.

 Kathryn made these ornaments for the little tree.

 Sitting on Santa's lap at our ward Christmas party.

 We go to this neighborhood every year to look at the Christmas lights.

The traditional Christmas carousel at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

We are alive

Just wanted to pop in and say that we are still alive over here.

And like every January, I am feeling the pressure to finish up our blog from the previous year.

We print off our blog into a book every year, so the game is on for me!

In other news, Samuel had an appointment with the pediatric pulmonologist today.

His lungs are awesome!  And he weighs 15 pounds.

Let me put that in perspective...Sam is 5 1/2 months old and he weighs 15 pounds.

Max weighed 18 pounds at ONE year old.

Samuel is a chunky, happy little baby that you would never guess had problems at the start.

I love these three little monkeys.