Splish Splash Splosh

Since we've had nonstop rain for the last week. We've spent a lot of time splashing in the puddles. Finley was a little unsure about the activity at first but now we can't pull her away from it. It's become a part of our daily routine, even in the pouring rain.

Life Goes On

I'm an extremely light sleeper. For example, I get woken up from Crew's little footsteps walking into my bedroom at night.

Last night I was woken up to our bathroom door being closed. When I looked up I could see the light from the bathroom shining into the hallway. Knowing that it was just Crew who had woken up to go to the bathroom, I laid my head back down waiting for him to finish his business and come get me to tuck him back into bed. I heard the toilet flush and the door open and was waiting for his head to pop up on the side of my bed to say, "Mom will you tuck me in?" But the seconds passed and I heard no footsteps. So I got up to see what was going on and when I couldn't find him anywhere I looked into his bedroom. There he was sitting up in his bed straightening out his blanket preparing to cover himself up. Then he did and he laid down to go back to sleep. Now I think most moms would rejoice at this milestone. But for me, I didn't mind getting woken up to his precious face asking me for help. It was just another chance for me to hold and kiss him. So when I saw that he had tucked himself back into his own bed, my heart broke and I thought, he doesn't need me anymore. There in the hall at 3am I had a moment. It wasn't my first moment and I know it won't be my last. I never thought mothering would come with so many precious moment and be so fulfilling.

The other night Devin asked Crew what they should get me for Christmas. And Crew's response was, "Lets wrap ourselves up like presents and when mommy opens us, we'll jump out and give her Christmas kisses."

He hit it right on. There could be no greater gift.

With some fabric and a vision

Every little girl needs a Christmas dress. I couldn't find one that I liked for Finley but I found fabric that I loved. I realized while making this dress, how fun it is to have a little girl to dress up. I think it's because she's older now and wears clothes easier. I also realized that before she starts to get an opinion of her own about her wardrobe, I need to start dressing her up more and how I desire. She's only a little girl once.

20 months

Finley is growing up so fast that I seem to loose track of how old she is. Does anyone else feel that their second child grew up twice as fast as their first? She's our little girl now. There is nothing baby about her anymore. She has the most lively personality and always keeps us busy and entertained.

I think someone needs a purse or two for Christmas.

Hide and Seek

Girls vs Boys

Girls like flowers, boys like metal.

~Crew

That was Crews response to Finley when she picked up his baseball bat for a turn to hit.

Here Comes Santa Clause

Santa proved to be more delightful than I expected. We couldn't get a smile out of Finley but we didn't get any tears either. Crew told santa he wanted a lightsaber. He already has one but he keeps saying he wants a REAL one.

Turkey Weekend

Our Thanksgiving was spent in St. George with Devin's parents and little brother Andrew. The kids love nothing more than being with family. Finley crushed on her uncle the whole time, Devin and I were able to go on a date and Crew fished the weekend away with his new fishing pole.

Crew's birthday was on Monday. Although we had already celebrated it twice in the previous week, we thought he still needed a cake on his special day. This big boy brings so much joy and excitement into our lives. He's a wonderful big bother and has the biggest heart. We feel so blessed.

The Whale Spout

Finally, I can put Finley's hair in a pony tail.

And of course, she hates it. She hates bows but she loves her hats.

Tactical Operations

Crew turns 4 at the end of the month and had been begging for a big celebration. The little boy got his big wish. We threw him his first birthday party this weekend. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. Because of the rain we had to move the party from the park to our place. We were crammed but made it work.

My mom surprised us and came into town the day before. Eliza and Jason also came down to help us celebrate. We were thankful for the extra hands otherwise Devin and I would have been greatly outnumbered.

Crew picked the Army theme

I wish you could see these better, they're gummy soldiers. So cute!

Everyone got personalized dog tags when they arrived then we did a roll call with salutes.

Tug of War. At one point Devin tried to take on all the kids. He lost.

Then we used grenade water balloons to bomb Devin.

He was the perfect target. The kids loved it.

Injured soldier. The kids had to find the injured soldier, bring him to safety and fix his wounds.

They also played pin the tank on the battle field. (No pictures)

And of course a pinata. I think every party needs one of these. They are always a huge hit.