Evie at 4 months

Evie is still so happy and expressive. She's doing great with tummy time for longer periods. She is so close to rolling over, but can't get past that shoulder that's in the way!

Curtis playing "This Little Piggy." 

Christmas 2015

Christmas this year was different since we didn't travel. Our families were kind enough to come to us since we were still adjusting to Evie life, and we still really need to get a car that transports three kids (and a big dog) a little more efficiently. 

Christmas Eve

We had our family of five Christmas time on Christmas Eve morning. Wesley took the lead in our little "program" and played some Christmas songs on his keyboard. He did not actually play them, he just pretended to while the programmed music on the keyboard played. He did sing along with gusto. :) After some Christmas songs, Curtis started in on his choices which were a little more upbeat. Those led to a small dance party!

The dancing begins

Curtis wasn't really into the "program" until he was in charge

Evie not so sure what is happening

The boys got to look in their stockings after the dancing ended. They got stickers, art supplies, some Star Wars stuff, etc.

 

Wesley's favorites were some drawing "Flair" pens and a pencil sharpener, and Curtis loved his Star Wars stickers, Star Wars Jelly Bellies,  and a Scooby Doo with Batman DVD.

Posing with their favorites

Evie got a little dress in her stocking

Evie with her stocking I bought long ago. So happy to have her name on it.

John Mark got a nice sweater/shirt combo.

The boys didn't get any presents under the tree because their big present was outside. I asked the boys to come outside with me to see how my Christmas present (an outdoor light fixture I've been wanting) would look on the porch. They were trying to be excited for me and came out to find the big poorly wrapped box out there.

Wondering what could be inside. (My new light sitting back on the chair)

A trampoline!!

Curtis thought the foam covered rods looked so comfy

Golly and Granddad arrived that afternoon, and we all went to our church's Christmas Eve candlelight service together. We don't usually get to go to this! It was nice. 

Christmas Day

Kevin, Sara, Sadie, and Micah arrived late on Christmas Eve. After some good rest and breakfast, we got out on Christmas morning and started working on assembling the trampoline! It was a wee bit cold in the morning, but before long it turned into a perfect, sunny day.

All of the older kids helped to the end

Micah had gotten a toy chain saw for Christmas. He was so funny going around "sawing" all of the trampoline parts, always wearing his protective eye gear.

Kevin was a big help with the assembly

Angus looked pretty in the sun watching everyone

Notice Micah in the background sawing away.

Evie was the first one to try out the trampoline!

Happy!

 After a long time of jumping and being outside, everyone came in for opening presents. 

Micah got a robot toy

Curtis with his Spiderman puzzle

Evie's first Christmas!

 

The boys both got Razor scooters from Golly and Granddad! They like them.

Everyone gathered for late lunch/early dinner

That night we played Go Spidey and Uno Dare, the boys' new favorite game.

The day after Christmas everyone parted ways after a relaxed morning. Wesley and Sadie got in some good talking time out on the trampoline. Made me smile. :) There were lots of giggles.

Curtis and Micah on a mission

 New Years

Misha and Gin-Gin came on New Years Eve for our next Christmas celebration. The boys got remote control motorcycles that they have really enjoyed. 

Misha and Evie

Gin-Gin and Evie

Ringing in the New Year with sparkling grape juice and fancy glasses

 We got to go swimming at Misha and Gin-Gin's hotel, play some more Uno Dare, eat at Grump's and Abuelo's, and enjoy time together. Another wonderful Christmas!

Caillebotte Exhibit at The Kimbell

One of my patients gave me free tickets to visit the Caillebotte Exhibit at the Kimbell Museum. We usually tag along with my parents when they go to the Kimbell, but this time it was just us. We certainly didn't know much about what we were going to see like we would have with my parents, but we had a great time. Both Wesley and Curtis listened intently to the commentary from the audio guides throughout the exhibit. Wesley was intent on listening to the commentary for every painting, and it had to be done in order. Curtis was a little looser in his approach and only listened to ones that interested him. They had a fun "selfie station" with hat and umbrella props outside the exhibit where you could pose with a copy of Caillebotte's huge painting. So fun!

 

After touring the exhibit, Evie let us know she was very hungry. The bottle was in the car, so while John Mark went to get it, the boys ran around and played outside. It was another wonderful day outside!

Wesley's Orange Belt and Field Trip

In mid-December, Wesley tested for his orange belt in TKD and got it! He didn't mess up at all during his test. He was the only one testing for orange, so it was a little intimidating for all of the focus to be on him. There were about 7 others testing for higher belts that were watching, along with their families. He was happy and relieved after his test.

The day after his TKD test, the third graders had a field trip to go see The Polar Express at the Omni Theater. They got to wear their PJ's and had lunch on the floor outside of the theater after the movie since it was pretty chippy outside.

Wesley with his good buddy Grant waiting for the movie

In our seats just before the movie began!

At Wesley's next TKD class he was presented with his orange belt and do bok (uniform). 

He was so proud to show off his uniform when he got home.

Curtis and I had stayed home and had hot chocolate :)

The next two pictures are of Wesley sparring in January. He is still really liking TKD! We may get him pads soon so he can make contact.