Family Pictures 2010

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Because the boys always have a birthday at Christmas, it works well to get professional pictures taken for everyone. We were very happy with how our family picture turned out, but as you can see from the pictures, Joel was not very pleased with the entire process. Unless he was sitting by us, he would not cooperate. It was a very frustrating time, but now seeing his picture just makes me laugh. We'll use it as incentive for next year! It did make it easy to choose since the boys had very few that even turned out!

Christmas Cookies!!

The 3 kids rolling and cutting dough
Joel very intently working with his dough
Caleb rolling out a batch...Bakers hard at work!



Notice how much decorating is being accomplishedLove that frosting!!!


Since we have already been to WA, we are enjoying spending Christmas at home this year. It's been nice to not be rushed and to create some traditions at home together. One tradition I decided to try with was to make shape cookies with the kids this past week. Kiera and I have done it before, but I wasn't sure how the boys would do. Boy did they love it! I was impressed with how well they did and of course the decorating was the most favorite. I will admit that we will not be serving these to anyone as they may have been loved and patted a little too much! Anyway, we are enjoying them!

Happy 2nd Birthday Caleb & Joel!!!

Caleb is in light grey, Joel is in dark blueCaleb was really good at blowing out the candles...Joel had no interest.
I love Caleb's face here...he is such a clown!
Celebrating birthday's with twins is always a challenge. You want them to have their own special day...but they always celebrate with someone else. We wanted to get an individual picture of each with their cake...but Joel did not want that. In this picture he is so upset because Caleb isn't in the picture too! We had to finally put Caleb in the chair next to him, just out of the picture and then he was fine! Too funny!

Caleb loving his cake!
Gotta love John Deere green!!!

Playing with their new dry erase table from the Van Hulzens.

Enjoying the Little People nativity


It's hard to believe that we have made it through year 2 with twins! What a lot of work but such a wonderful blessing they have been. It is so fun to see their personalities develop and the strong bond they have. They only time they are separated is when they are sleeping. They love each other so much and bring so much joy to our lives!!!

Because the boys love tractors so much, we decided on a tractor cake. We thought we would just do one since this may be the last year we can get away with one cake! They loved the cake and made quite the mess eating! We had Ryan's folks and sister & kids over for pizza and cake Saturday night. The boys loved opening their presents and having people over whom they love very much. Today is their actual day and we are enjoying being home together just playing and relaxing. We hope you enjoy the pictures of them celebrating their special day!

Thanksgiving

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For the past 3 weeks, we have been in WA celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas together. I did a very brave (or just plain stupid) thing by flying out with all 3 kids by myself. The trip out wasn't so great, but the trip back went perfect. Ryan was able to fly out for the week of Thanksgiving which allowed my entire family to be together for the first time in 3 years! We had an awesome time seeing my new niece and nephew, playing hours of Settler's, celebrating birthdays, hunting for the perfect Christmas tree up in the mountains like old times, chatting, eating out, shopping, witnessing baptism, and spending hours visiting together. It was so nice to be with my family and be spoiled by all! I could go on and on about our visit, but just know that we had a great time, the kids had a blast, and I enjoyed a very relaxing visit! How thankful I am for the family God has blessed me with!