The Spirit of Christmas

"I give him a love."

Christmas time was an exciting time for all of us this year and it was extra special because Coleman really got into it. He loved all the preparations and was really quite excited about the real Christmas story. We read some books about it, watched a cartoon about it and talked about it many times. I got out a not-so-fragile nativity scene and he really enjoyed playing with it. He lined all the people up in different ways and talked to them. Baby Jesus was his favorite. In the picture he's giving him a hug and saying, "give Baby Jesus a love." I found the baby figurine in Cole's crib several times and when I asked him about it Cole always said he was "taking a rest in Cole's bed." The whole experience was sweet to me.

It's wonderful to have children and experience the wonderful things about life through their eyes. I'm so thankful for Cole and for his great example to me. I love that he's learning the gospel and the Spirit is testifying to him of it's truth already at his youg age. It makes every day feel like Christmas to me.

Mommy and Daddy love you, Coleman. We hope you always remember that and remember that your Heavenly Father and Savior love you too.

San Dimas Christmas Celebration 12.05.2009

Mom, Cole and Brooklyn sledding in the "cold" California weather...

Coleman LOVING playing in the snow

Cole pushing a racecar

Hmmm... cones

OOOH! A digger!

The city of San Dimas had a really fun christmas celebration. The senior center sponsored a sledding hill. They trucked in 9 tons of snow and made a hill and a play area for the kids to experience snow. It was really fun! Cole loved the snow and it got him ready for the real stuff in UT. I say "real stuff" because after seeing 9 tons of snow, I'm pretty sure I've moved that much off a driveway in just a moderate snowstorm. :)

The city also had fire trucks, an ambulance, some construction equipment and a racecar open for the kids to climb in and see what they're really like. It was a really neat fund raiser. We got there at the end I guess, 'cause there weren't many vehicles left and it was free by that point. Cole had a blast!!

Brookie the Ballerina

This is our beautiful Brooklyn Grace. She's looking pretty girly in these pictures, but I couldn't help it! My friend made her this cute tutu and I've been dying to take her picture in it. She does look pretty cute in pink. :) Too bad she's a little afraid of all the fluff involved. :)

12.05.2009

Handsome!

Cole and Dad wishing it was really cold. I'm glad these guys are such great buddies! Cole knows he's dad's best buddy and he says it out loud all the time. :)

Handsome eyes run in our family. :)

Getting Ready for Christmas

The pre-Christmas season is always my favorite. Thanksgiving sets such a nice tone for the whole holiday season! Christmas-time is even more magical with kids. Every part of it seems more exciting, more miraculous and I felt more grateful all season. Here are a few pictures of what Christmas looked like at our house this year. :)

Cole and Dad decorated the Christmas tree. (All the decorations eventually came off 'cause they were such a great temptation for throwing and eating... but it was nice while it lasted and we all enjoyed the lights.)

Cole and Brookie wearing their Christmas shirts from Great-Grandma Flint. I was hoping to get a really good Christmas card-ish picture, but it wasn't meant to be this year, I guess. I still think they look pretty cute!

At the ward Christmas party - Another funny "Santa's Lap" experience. He was so excited to see him and "give him a love," but at the last minute it wasn't so great... oh well - there's always next year. :)

Coloring pictures of Baby Jesus went much better. Thanks awesome primary leaders!

...and he liked sitting on the laps of the YW in Santa's spot (after Santa had left). Guess it was a fun ward party after all. :)

Playing Outside!

The really great thing about California is that you can play outside ALL year long! Yep - the temperature here has been really nice for playing - it's finally cool enough that you don't sweat all day long. :) Both Coleman and Brooklyn love being outside! I do have to admit that practicing our primary Christmas songs for the program while playing outside in the warm weather makes me think Christmas is still a long ways off. I'm going to have to get crackin' if I'm going to be ready to go to Utah, make Christmas gifts, arrange all the primary stuff and have time to act like it's almost Christmas. :)

Hmmm... anybody want to go swimming?

12.1.2009

Just Hangin' Out - November 09

Here are a couple pictures of these funny kiddos from November. :) Brookie is really into eating her toes and still smiles ALL the TIME! Cole LOVES talking on the phone to his grandpas and grandmas!! He's become quite a chatty little guy - I'm hard pressed to get any phone time anymore. :)