Start 'Em Young

I was out with the boys a few weeks ago shoveling snow (don't worry it was hardly any, and it was the light fluffy kind), and our sweet neighbor Shirley came over with two smaller sized shovels for the boys and put them to work. They were in heaven! Since then we've bought two kid shovels, and almost every day waiting for the preschool bus, the boys are out shoveling (whether there is actually snow on the driveway or not). I figure I out to encourage now... while they actually like it when I LET them shovel snow!

Silly Man

Now that I've gotten family pictures and Christmas posts up on the blog, it's time to do a few catch up posts. While Gavin is at preschool Xander and I have a fun time hanging out together. And even though he misses his brother when he goes to preschool, I think he also likes having the run of the house and not having to worry about sharing/ getting along with an older bossy brother. (You know how those oldest children are... though I'm sure Ben and I were never like that ;) hehehe) ANYWAY, here's my little silly man being Edward Scissorhands pop bead style. The funniest part was watching him try to climb up on the piano bench and then try to play a song with those beads on his fingers. I love Xander's sense of humor. He's such a little ham!

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve in Rexburg with Ben's family. Grandpa and Grandma Lucy came down for dinner. We had the traditional Christmas Eve dinner in the Barnes household - pizza and milk punch. "What's milk punch," you may ask. Think sherbet with Sprite and milk... a surprisingly good combination.  After dinner we had a family night... Christmas songs sung, a new Christmas book read, and the Christmas story read from Luke. Christmas pajamas opened on Christmas Eve was also in a tradition in Ben's house, so we have decided to continue that with the boys. Aren't they so cute!

Once we got home and the boys to bed, it was time for Santa to make an appearance. Here's the spread after he came. We sure are blessed! Thanks to all the other family members who contributed to the pile under the tree.

A little side story about the bouquet in this picture: Christmas Eve was our shopping day. (We go grocery shopping every two weeks.) To try to help move things along so we could get down to Rexburg faster, Ben and I decided to divide and conquer. He dropped me off at WinCo and took off to Sam's Club with the boys. They arrived back just as I was checking out... it was great timing. Gavin was trying to tell me something, but I wasn't getting it with all the noise of the grocery store and trying to get a check written. When we got to the van, Ben and boys had a surprise for me... Christmas flowers! Ben said they were by the check out and he asked the boys if they should get the pretty flowers for me. They said yes, and he splurged on this beautiful surprise. It made my day. :)

Christmas

Christmas morning... I love having little boys old enough to enjoy the magic of it all. Here's the entry. Sorry the videos are kind of dark. And ignore Ben and I... he didn't know I was recording.

And the first present openings...

We received a play kitchen from a friend who had two and only needed one. So all we had to do was add the supplies. It was great! And the boys love it. They are always making dinner.

A little Gavin...

A little Xander...

The other bigger gift we got the boys was a wooden train set. Gavin plays with Grandma Ann's set all the time when we are there, so now he has one at home too to play with.

And Grandma Crystal and Grandpa Joel sent the boys tractors. Let's just say that I think Gavin has taken his to bed with him every night since Christmas.

Sunday Christmas Clothes

I love little boys in new Sunday clothes! It's so fun to take them all dressed-up and looking so grown-up to church. Another reason I love Christmas and Easter.
The wagon Grandma Ann and Grandpa Kevin got for the boys was a great way to keep them still enough to get some pictures of them all dressed up. Can't wait to use it outside.

Family Pictures 2010

This year for family pictures Ben and I decided we would try out a local photographer instead of heading to JCPenny's like we normally do. We were hoping with our two monkey boys, who often have ended up in tears during picture sessions, this would be a better, more flexible option for our family. 

AND I must say, IT WAS! 

It was much happier, cheaper, and we came away with more picture options. We had our pictures taken by Natalie. If you're in the area, look her up. 

 First up:

Family pictures that were not too bad, but not the faves.

 

Second:

The boys - together and seperate

They are both getting to be so grown up, and the top together shot is one of my absolute favorites of the whole shoot.

 

 

 

 

Third:

The couple (which we haven't taken any professional ones since our wedding) and Pregnant Mommy

We were trying to get them to kiss my tummy, but I love how it looks like they're talking to the baby and trying to figure out where he is.

 

 Fourth:

Our two favorite family pictures.

Ben's favorite it is first and mine is second. Mine is my favorite for vain reasons... I think it's a good one of all of us, but it's the best one of me ;)