All Aboard the Polar Express!

We had such an amazing time last year on the Polar Express that we found one in Oregon and invited my folks, my brother and my Grandma and practically anyone to join us. On the bright side--we got to spend LOTS of time together and the kids were fabulous. On the other side--well, let's just say that the sound system in our car did not work, the train broke down just before the North Pole, and we only had 1 working bathroom on a train that was stuck for about an hour. BUT we had fun singing Christmas carols and trying to stay positive--in fact, when we did "The 12 Days of Christmas" our group was so enthusiastic (thank you Jake & Ben & Dad) that not only did everyone perk up a bit but Xander now sings "2 turtle doves" with the manly-ist voice you'll ever hear. It was quite the adventure--the kids didn't mind--they had their brand new pajamas on and were just so excited to be on a train. But I think that will be the last time we seek out a Polar Express ride for awhile!

My 1st Sewing Project

Well...I finished it. Don't look too close but I finished in time for Xander's birthday:

It wouldn't have been so hard had I not chosen to do the Super Why! cape but since I knew that that would be what Xander wanted--I did it. He didn't even want to take it off tonight. And when we asked him where it came from he said, "My mom sewed it!" (My machine was still out this morning) Now to finish Eliza's!!!

Start Your Engines!

Xander really wanted a Lightning McQueen birthday party this year--so we acquiesed of course! We invited a few friends over Saturday morning for "Pin McQueen on the Piston Cup", "Don't Wake the Tractor", and car painting (we painted a Happy B-day banner with cars). Ben was in charge of the cake this year--and did a fabulous job. Everyone had a fantastic time--the party flew by! And for 3 days now you have told us, "Thank you ! This is the best birthday ever!"

A Tribute to my 4 year old!

Oh my little Alexander! I cannot believe you are 4 years old! But you have promised your dad and I that you will slow down and not grow up so fast--don't forget it! You can been such a blessing to me and your dad since the day you entered our lives. Your excitement for life and love for people fill our days with laughter and smiles. Your love of learning is deep and vast. Your love of letters has recently become sounding out and recognizing words--and you love to surprise us by reading books and signs. You are so empathetic to those around you--wishing and helping that you can make everything better. You want to understand everything and be understood. "Actually Mom" or "Mom I need you to listen to me" or "I need to tell you something"...are common phrases we hear from you. Some of your favorite things: Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches--it isn't lunch unless it's PB&J! You love to play dress up: cowboys, fireman--anything you can get your hands on (even your girl friends princess dresses)! You love to help me by putting away dishes or laundry, playing with your sister, weeding--anything you can do to help Mommy be happy! TV is definitely your favorite past-time--which challenges me with coming up with fun TV-free alternatives! But if it involves cooking or cutting we are pretty safe. You are truly like Sid the Science Kid (a favorite show of yours) you want to know everything about everything! You love to 'think and figure things out' so you can 'be smart'. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be your mom--I love you Goofy!

Family Halloween Shot 2009

Eliza as Ellie the Elephant, Xander as Thomas (year 2) and me--
our little pumpkin debuting May 2010!!
Just got this from my in-laws and had to post!

Out of This World Pizza

Xander hit 400 boxes (boxes get filled when he does chores and has good days) this week which meant that he got to go to Out of This World Pizza. (Well, it was Chuck E Cheese but then we got introduced to this place and said--no way to C'eC!). He was so excited--this place in a huge warehouse of fun. It has a 3 story rocket (bigger than the one at the Mormon Center people :D) with all sorts of slides and climbing things--kinda like a fast food joints playplace on steriods. It also has the rock wall, bounce houses and lots of other toys --the kids just love it. At the last minute, we decided it would be much more fun for all of us if Xander had a friend so we enlisted Hayley to come with us. It worked out perfect as Hayley is moving to AZ next week and she had already asked her mom if she could go 'one more time'. So I'm glad we could help out there! I'm also SO glad Hayley came because they ran around the whole time and had a blast. Which made it easier for us to follow Eliza around and help her have fun and stay out of mischief. Grandma was able to go too--Papa missed it because he flew out Monday night--but we were glad to still have one of the Websters with us! This was the end of the chore chart but I think we'll have to make another because I just love having Xander make his bed, put away the utensils, clean the playroom, etc...it is SO nice. So, if you have any great ideas for chore charts--let me know!

Just so cute...Had to Post

Ready for church!

We had quite a good laugh on Sunday morning when we realized, as we were sitting down for lunch at what we thought was 12 PM, that it was in fact daylight savings time and it was only 11 AM. What a relaxing morning we had after that though since we were dressed and ready to go an hour early. Glad Dad Webster was here to remind us! It has been 2 years since Ben and I have had to deal with daylight savings time...hopefully we'll get it figured out quickly!!

It's time for fall baking!

ANY QUESTIONS or SUGGESTIONS?

Way too Advanced...

At dinner tonight I said to Ben's folks that tomorrow (they are watching them for a little bit in the morning) they could take the kids to "C-o-s-t-c-o" (they needed something there). But, yes, I spelled it out. And Eliza looks at us with a grin and says, "Costco!" Um, can I say, WOW?!