Family Sledding

We took the kids sledding today at Andy Adams park. We went there last week with Char, Easton, Mel, Logan, Payton, Mom, and Krystal. The kids had an absolute ball, but I forgot to take my camera! It's the perfect size hill for my kids because it's not too steep. What a fun time!

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas and as usual decided on Christmas morning that we had bought way too much! The kids were so excited and overwhelmed when they came out Christmas morning! I reminded them of our children in Ethiopia and asked if they thought they received any presents. Emma quickly replied, "No Mom, they don't celebrate Christmas in Ethiopia, they celebrate Timkat and that's in January" I knew this but did not think she did, she must have been listening when I told someone else, I guess she told me!



Santa brought Hudson the one thing he wanted, a bow and arrow! Papa is pretty excited about it too!



Hudson opened all of his presents on the bean bag chair. He was so cute and excited!
Grammy pulled Logan's other front tooth with a little toilet paper two days before Christmas. He was really nervous but once it was out, he was so excited to call his Dad! Char played "All I Want For Christmas..." on her laptop and he thought that was pretty hilarious. What a cutie pie!

Christmas Countdown Houses

Remember the darling houses we found at Down East Outfitters? Well, we loved our so much we decided to share! Boyd got a call a few days before Christmas that they got 6 more in and so we gave them to: my parents, Mel, Char, Stewart's, Janice, and Angela. Merry Christmas!

Elmo Slippers

Char (or should I say Easton) gave Gracie a pair of Elmo slippers a few days ago and they have scarcely come off since. She wants to wear them to church, to bed, all the time!! She brings them to me and in such a sweet voice asks "shoes?" She was quite disappointed when she couldn't wear them to church but I let her put them on right after and she was so excited. She started dancing around the kitchen singing "la, la, la, la..." TOO CUTE!

The Davis Family Party

The Davis family party was on Sat. Dec. 22nd at Aunt Debbie's church. We are getting to be so big now it takes a huge area for all of us to fit. She set up a net with balls and dress ups so the kids could play on one side of the gym and the adults could watch them from the comfort of a chair on the other side. I took lots of pictures and I couldn't decide which one's to put on, I cut about half but couldn't resist these!

Char helping Gracie "clean up" from her fondue mess!
More fun with the chocolate fondue! Debbie's the best!
The guys played basketball. I only saw a little but from what I heard Jace was awesome but I saw Jeff make several 3 pointers in a row.




Gracie loved the chocolate fondue, she found someone's plate and went to town!
Hudson talking to Great Grandma.



Can you tell Emma enjoys dressing up?
Logan pulled about 5 kids at a time on a tiny chair. He hooked the chain to his pants and we thought it would rip his pants, he's such a strong boy!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Right now I'm taking a moment from my busy afternoon to reflect on this wonderful time of year. Yes, it is super busy, but I can't help but love it. My kids are really starting to understand what it means to give without receiving. They get so excited picking out gifts for their family, friends and even strangers in need. We feel so blessed. There is nothing like the joy that comes from serving and giving--I think we're addicted. We just love the feeling we get when we give and we can't stop! I guess we need to draw the line somewhere. I guess Christmas will be here soon and then we will be selfish once again. I'm rambling now but what a wonderful time of year to reflect on our Savior and all he has made possible for us. I know he loves and cares about us individually and what a gift he has truly given us all! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. May peace and joy fill your hearts now and always.

You've Got Mail!

I saw this mailbox at Michaels a few weeks ago but did not want to pay full price. I clipped my coupon and was ready to get it but upon closer examination found it was flimsy and poorly made. However, I took Hudson and Gracie with me and Hudson was so excited I could not resist. He carried it around the store and assured me he could "fix it with his tools." Emma and Hudson have been taking turns writing Christmas cards and being the "mailman." They are seriously so cute. I'd have to say it was worth the 10 bucks even if it breaks tomorrow!

As a side note, this is a picture of our new Christmas countdown house. We filled each cubby with candy and the kids are loving it! Boyd found it for $20 at DownEast Outfitters. It sells at Pottery Barn for at least $100. We are suckers for a good deal anytime!

I Wanna Be Like Dad!

After dinner last night I asked Hudson to get his pajamas on and he walked into the kitchen wearing his Dad's gym shorts and boots. He informed me he "wanted to be like Dad, not a kid". After snapping a few pictures, I made him get his real pajamas on. He really loves his Dad and I know why!!!




These pictures are from a few days ago! Hudson is such a little lover boy! He loves to hang out with us and cuddle. We'll enjoy it while it lasts.
Also, good news from our social worker. She completed our Home Study and we have an appt. with the State Immigration Dept. on Dec. 20th! It takes about a month and then we submit our dossier to Ethiopia--hooray! For those not savvy with the adoption lingo, this is great progress!

Sick Emma

Emma has been living on popsicles, cough drops and cloroseptic spray for the past 6 days. Grammy brought her (and Hudson and Gracie) a slurpee on Friday and she was on cloud nine! We got a call on Friday night that the overnight strep test had come back positive. She has been so brave and I feel so bad for her. I also feel bad for myself, I'm really worried the whole family is going to come down with it despite my best efforts in keeping the house sanitary. We've gone through two cans of disinfectant spray and I've done about 20 loads of laundry. That's just how it goes I suppose. Now that she's been on the antibiotic for a few days she is starting to perk up which is good to see. She is really missing her friends at school and hopefully will be able to go tomorrow. What a good girl our little Emma is.

Elmo

Gracie has recently discovered Elmo! When we decorated for Christmas I found the Happy Holidays Elmo DVD and put it on for the kids. She has been asking for "La, La" around the clock ever since. You'll notice she is clearly annoyed by my taking pictures of her and blocking the T.V. She has also discovered that Emma and Hudson know how to turn it on and is very good at letting them know what she wants. When Emma asks her what she wants for Christmas, she is quick to reply "la, la". It brings back memories of Emma lazing in her Elmo chair at around the same age. What is it with this furry, red monster? They love him!

Christmas Cookie Fun!

Emma has had a sore throat for the past 3 days and so we thought we'd make the most of her being home with us, even though she wasn't feeling the best! We made a huge mess and the kids actually did a really good job. We had lots of fun delivering these to friends and neighbors. It's Christmas, hooray!