Matthew is turning 3

I absolutely love being a Mom to this little boy

It's a BOY, our little miracle

Taylor loved him from the get go

Tiny little thing

The night before his big 3 years Birthday

I've got the whole world in my hands

Your nose measured 1/2 inch and your arm was 16 inches. What will it be tomorrow?

Matthew and his googly eyes

Do I need to say anything?

New's Year Eve

Grant's sister Renae and her family came to visit us over New's Years. We really enjoyed having them here and are so glad they came. We hope visiting us has convinced you to move from the dismal Utah to beautiful California.

While they were here, we took them to the Refuge. Maybe Gridley doesn't have much to offer but the kids had fun.

Taylor waiting his turn for the telescope

Ellie and Erica

This wasn't even all of us. Can you believe it! We had so much fun. I love it when family visits.

Most of the boys slept outside. The kids played kick the can all night and came in with a ton of mud and smiling faces. I think I did 30 loads of laundry that weekend and I'm not even kidding.

Another tent

We had a talent show the night before they were leaving. These people don't look that excited but it was a great show.

When it was Matthew's turn he got his piano book out, turned to the page and just started banging on the piano. He was so confident about himself. It was awesome!

Another one of Matthew's talent. He loves to get his trumpet piece out while Taylor is practicing. He blows better than some of Taylor's friends who play.

The dual, my boys playing together. It can't get any better than this

I am not sure if the kids are excited the talent show is over or if they want dessert!

Ellianna's photo shoot

Ellie was bored one evening and decided to do a photo shoot with the family. Taylor would have nothing to do with it. Ellie had a lot of fun experimenting and taking about a ton of pictures. It was a night to remember and we laughed a lot. Good job Ellie, not only do you take good pictures but you always look so cute. Poor Matthew, just a long for the ride.

Who do you think looks cuter?.....Ellie wins

Ellie's Basketball Game

This is Ellie's first year playing Gridley Recreation Basketball. Ellie said she would only play if Grant would coach so he did. She has enjoyed it so far and Grant enjoys juggling coaching Ellie's team as well as Taylor's.

Ellie passing the ball

I am sure Grant is kindly yelling, "Hands up Ellie"

Shooting a basket

Waiting for it to go in.....and it does. Ellie made the first shot of the game.

Christmas Morning

How I love Christmas Morning. The kids come into our room and wait patiently in our bed. Grant and I of course, take our time getting ready and the kids sing Christmas songs and try to hurry us along. Taylor and Ellie woke up at 7:04 a.m. and then woke Matthew up. I always check the family room to make sure Santa came and guess what.....he came this year!

Matthew snuck out of our room for a quick moment to see what the excitement was about, but he got caught fairly quickly with a little help from Ellie who was screaming..."Matthew is peaking!".

Matthew's stash from Santa

Taylor's stash from Santa

Ellie's stash from Santa

Taylor has on his new Hiking Backpack he wanted so badly for Christmas. He will be turning 12 in a couple of months and will enjoy all of the camp outs with the Boy Scouts.

Matthew loves is Soccer Ball Set. His favorite place to do it is down the hallway.

Classic Christmas day picture. Grant asleep in the back ground while kids play the play station.

What a cutie, I wonder if he was up late?

The kids got a Hammock from Great Grandpa and Ellie is trying it out. How would it be to look so cute just waking up.

I tried this pose but did not look as cute so I left it out!

Matthew, Ellie and I went to feed the horse Christmas afternoon. This is one of Matthew's favorite activties and we do almost every day.

Christmas Eve

The Hands are Matthew's (2) and my Grandpa's. I loved this picture, Matthew loves his Great Grandpa. We are so lucky to have him so close to us and the kids enjoy his many many many treats and strong hand wrestles.

Grandpa telling a wonderful Christmas story. Kids displaying their piano talent, playing many Christmas songs while we sing along.

Ellie's turn to put the Star on the tree


Grant always puts the kids on his

shoulders while they put the star on top of the tree. They can't wait to do this
every Christmas Eve and fight over who's turn it is. Next year's it's Matthews just for the record.

New P.J.'s for the kids, they always arrive while we are gone Christmas Eve. The kids believe they are from Santa's little helpers.... the Elve's