Christmas 2014

For Christmas, this year, my parents and grandparents were visiting. We had the opportunity to use my mom's good camera to capture some sweet moments.

 

This little guy loves his baths!

My dad got to meet Karson for the first time.

Aaahhh! That smile--don't you just love it?

Kris, my dad and grandma headed to church on Christmas Eve before my mom and I left with the boys. We attempted to get some good pics of the boys together, but they weren't cooperating. Liam, who is usually my good picture taker, would not even take a picture with me!

Kale tried to smile nicely. If you have seen that Modern Family episode with Lily's "weird" smile, you know the stage Kale is going through.

And my sweet little guy all dressed up for church on Christmas Eve!

 

We did manage to get an excellent family picture, which is truly a Christmas miracle!

We had so much fun with Gram and Poppa!

And I was thrilled my grandma got to come and visit. She loved seeing the boys and meeting Karson.

Our family always opens a gift on Christmas Eve (it's always pajamas). Kale was EXCITED!!

My two little elves...

On Christmas Eve we usually just do appetizers after church. It was originally intended to make life a bit easier, but now I do so many apps that I end up cooking the entire day of Christmas Eve. Might have to scale back next year...

We had to put out the cookies and milk for Santa

 

And sprinkle reindeer food on the lawn...then we read the Christmas story and the boys headed off to bed! Kale took FOREVER to go to sleep. I believe it was after 10 p.m. by the time he feel asleep and that was only after I went to lay with him.

Then, Santa's helpers got busy!!

The next day, Kale was the first one up (surprise, surprise) and was thrilled to find a bike from the big guy!

As a matter of fact, we all got bikes. Even mom and dad! Karson got a kid carrier for us to pull behind. And as hard as it is to believe, I can actually still remember how to ride a bike after probably 17 years (maybe more) of not riding.

The boys loved opening their gifts this year. I love this picture of Liam checking out his new toy.

Even Karson was a very good boy this year!

The boys loved their trucks from Gram and Poppa. They are giant!

Liam got a sleeping bag from Aunt Missy. I had to show him how to use it.

This sweet guy turned 3 months the day after Christmas. And I don't want to jinx myself, but I believe he is sleeping through the night! He sleeps an average of 10 hours each night. He is hands down my best sleeper, which is amazing! He is smiling and squealing and loves it when people talk to him. He can roll!

My ninja turtle battling the bubbles!

I love this--my big boy with his pink purse and sword.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Sweet Karson

Karson is getting so big! He does not look like a newborn anymore, which absolutely breaks my heart. You can see by the look on Kale's face, how he feels about Karson.

My littlest guy is  so alert...

He loves his momma!

I love the look on Liam's face here.

Momma's little elf...I know he will hate this picture one day, but I just had to!

Liam's 3rd Birthday

It's hard to believe my little guy is three. Three is the age to me that seems "so big." Birthdays make me want to slow time down.

 

Liam woke up and got to open his presents right away. He got lots of good toys from family and friends.

The morning of Liam's birthday, we went to visit Santa. We attended a special breakfast with Santa at Brio. It benefitted the Christmas mother program in our area. It was neat because not only did we get a special breakfast and a visit with Santa, they had special stations set up for the kids, such as cookie decorating, ornament making, etc.

Kale never seems to open his eyes....

After we got home, the boys spent the rest of the day playing with new toys.

This man...isn't he the most photogenic little boy? He is blessed with the most amazing smile. At 3, Liam is very strong willed. He also seems to simultaneously love and hate his brother. Many times, Kale will get in trouble for being mean to Liam, but at the same time, Liam will stand up for Kale. Liam knows some of his letters and sounds and can count to 20. He is great at riding his tricycle, but we are working on riding a bike. He loves all things truck, tool, and construction equipment. He also loves to do arts and crafts. He absolutely adores school and talks frequently about his teacher, Ms. Janie. He is an excellent swimmer. He loves to eat anything starchy. Pizza is one of his favorites, as well as chocolate milk. His favorite show to watch is Barney and loves reading all kinds of books. He still cries when we leave him places like Sunday school. (he has the benefit of always staying with mom and it shows!) He loves to give hugs and kisses and is very affectionate. At 3, Liam weighs 35 pounds and is 39 inches tall. Phrases that Liam says include, "I lube you, mom." "Whateber, momma."

For dinner, we went out for Liam's favorite : pizza.

We were planning to go to a gourmet cupcake place near the pizzeria, but it was pouring down rain, so we decided against. Luckily, my friend, Kendall, made Liam a little mini cake for his birthday, so he got to enjoy that.

Thanksgiving and Karson's 2 month photos!

We enjoyed Thanksgiving this year with our little family. Kale still loves his little brother.

My friend, Renee, made these adorable shirts for the boys. The next series of pictures cracks me up. This is what trying to get a good picture amounts to around here.

Sweet Karson...I loving being a mommy to this little laid back guy.

 

By 2 months old, he smiles frequently at mom and dad. He loves it when anyone talks to him. He sleeps in 4-5 hour increments at night. He eats between 3-4 ounces at a time. His reflux is MUCH better! He HATES the car...which is extremely stressful since we spend a lot of time in the car. It's gotta get better soon, right? Karson is 12 pounds and 22 1/4 inches long.

Liam loves arts and crafts. This is him after using a stamping pad. He got it all over his hands and then touched his face.

For Thanksgiving this year, we stuck with our usual tradition. We put up the tree and Christmas decorations in the morning, then I cooked a meal and we ate around 3 p.m. Finally, we went to a late afternoon movie. We went to see the cartoon Penguins (so stupid!). The boys really enjoyed though.