Show Off

We've had lots of fun with Laynie's new trick...I love that she say Boo!

Fancy Piggy and Ham

Growing up as a Vallett girl meant pig-tails so tight your eyes became permanently slanted, bows to match every outfit, and sleeping in curlers every Saturday night so your hair is curly for Sunday. However, we really didn't have enough hair to do neat stuff with till we were almost two.

I don't claim to be the best hairdresser, but I knew this was a style my mom would appreciate. Laynie sat still long enough to get three elastics in her hair! I know it's not a french braid or super curly, but I was pretty proud of myself.

Then she started to pose...

Look what happens every time I say, "Say Cheese!"

That's actually a different picture...just the same pose!

Merry Christmas!

We had our annual Christmas Eve party at Aunt Becky's house. We had a blast! The food was great and the kids had a great time playing with their cousins.

We laid down some Magic Reindeer Food in our yard to make sure that Rudolph knew exactly where to land...unfortunately, we attracted some other attention too. Some type of rodent (at least I'm guessing a possum or a raccoon) made a racket in our yard and scared the crap out of me. The kids weren't the only ones awake in our house last night! I could not fall asleep for hours!

Good morning Laynie! Happy First Christmas!

Here's Gavin chewing on his toothbrush. Santa leaves one in his stocking every year.

"Seriously, Mom! This one is for me?"

Gavin got his Little Einstein's Rocket...but he like Laynie's toy better until...

...he opened his Handy Manny truck!

Laynie also got a baby and stroller, but her favorite toy was...

...her little black purse. This girl already knows how to accessorize!

All together, it was a great Christmas!

Snow Day?

I look out the window and what do I see?
Snow is falling down on me!
Oh my goodness, oh my word! That is SNOW! It's not bird turd.

Sorry for the limerick, but it's all I could come up with at a moment's notice. Plus, it only snows here once a decade. I'm so sad that Gavin is sleeping through it!

You Know Your Kid is Sick When...

He makes himself a bed on the living room floor and just lays there. Doesn't watch TV, doesn't want a story read, just lays there quietly.

Which brings to mind my new theme song, "Sick and Tired" by Cross Canadian Ragweed (I know, it's a completely horrible name for any band, even country). I don't think I've ever heard it on the radio...perhaps it's too whiny for even the most devoted country fan. But I love the chorus which says, "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." We've had four straight weeks of colds, and I'm sick and tired of it!

Polar Express

We made Gavin's dreams (or nightmares) come true! We rode the "Polar Express" while we were in Utah! It was a blast (for the most part). Note: Our warm clothes and my awesome beanie would be a good idea in a normal Utah winter. We were all SWEATING! I did not need the long johns...

Santa stopped by and gave Gavin a bell. He spoke to each child and called them by name.

The only problem is that now Gavin won't go to bed without crying, "Don't let the train come and get me!" Last night was the first in two weeks that he slept by himself! Argh...He could hear the train from his bedroom at my mom's house. It may have scarred him for life.

Home for the Holiday

Gavin will never be able to complain because his birthday is near a holiday. Especially since we've been spending our Thanksgiving breaks in Utah. And that results in two awesome birthday parties and two fantastic cakes! I decided to let him decorate his own cake for his Utah party. It was really fun and pretty tasty too!

You can't really tell from the picture, but the candle is actually on a huge mound of sprinkles. I love his artistic use of white space. All the candies are strategically placed in one corner.

Too bad I had to chase him down when it was time to blow out the candles...

One of his gifts was artificial snow. Insta Snow Powder is amazing! One teaspoon and a little water filled that whole plastic cup. And it's cold to the touch. The best part is that he'll sit in the highchair for almost an hour and play quietly!

And of course, a picture of Laynie. My sisters love to feed her foods she is not supposed to have...like scoops of cake frosting right out of the bowl. Liz and MeMe, just know it's all fun and games now. Wait till I do it to your kids!