We've spent many weekends working on this cabin to get it finished. Well, I should say, Matt has spent weekends working. The kids and I enjoy playing, making videos, setting up forts and relaxing while watching the snow fall. We love it. Although we are technically not supposed to move in. You'll see we have much furniture in already and are making ourselves at home. We should have the occupancy permit next month. Daddy and Tanner working on the stove outlet. This is the small galley kitchen in rough form.Nice flip, Tanner!And Alex is next!

Queen of the castle is what we say.

Sweet music

Alex, Tanner and Elise singing for you!

A nine month update

Alex and Alaina after their preschool Christmas program.

One of his favorite christmas gifts.....stormtrooper. Too bad the costume only endured one day. It was ripped to shreds after one wear. Rough play or cheap material? Probably both.

What is our sweet pea doing at nine months? Well let me tell you....this was her month! She is now babbling a ton, rocking on her hands and knees ready to crawl any day, smiling at strangers (even flirting a bit while riding in the grocery cart) and so much fun! This has been a fun month for all of us. She continues to wake in the middle of the night, so we're working on that next.

We'll update you on a "teach your baby to read" program we are testing out. A christmas gift from Nana that says Lissy will be reading possibly before she walks......hummmm.

We love her little peacoat from Aunt Katie! Years ago, when Brian, Kate, Matt and I were in Paris, Katie bought it for her unborn child and we get the benefit years later! So sweet....

Christmas day in Idaho

We made it over to Aunt Shannah and Uncle Beau's house for brunch where we got to see Mia, Dillyn, Grammy and Papa and Breezy on Christmas morning.

Our sweet cousins, Mia and Dillyn

Grammy and Papa should have been in Hawaii today. They were booked on the flight two days ago, but due to the winter storms in the western states, all flights were cancelled. We made many jokes about warm beaches to make them feel better!

Aunt Breezy cuddling with sissy

So, Tanner started out in our room at 5am, whispering, "can I go down, Mom?" It had been snowing all night and we had forgotten to close his blinds, so it did look "light" outside, but no, he did not get to go downstairs yet. He was able to fall back asleep, but Matt and I were up. Waking to jingles, the boys ran excitedly down stairs to find that Santa had really shown up! The electric slot car track was a huge hit among ALL the boys....Dad included.

New underwear and a new scooter. What could be better?

Elise just loved watching the excitement and finding any bit of chocolate on the floor to rip into.

Granmimi and Granpa always find the latest electronic gifts....the boys loved the cars this year!

Cute for Christmas

So, this is the thing. Baby girl clothes are so much fun. Elise had more christmas outfits than I could fit into this season. Last year, it was a must on the list for the child I was carrying, so we ended up with many sweet dresses ready to be worn. Then, she got this sweet "first christmas" outfit from her great grandparents in Texas. We'll be wearing them well into January!

Ready for church on Sunday and I had to capture them all spruced up!

New sweaters for everyone!

My cousin, JuDawn knitted the kids sweaters and hats for Christmas this year. Jazzy, sporting the beanie, enjoyed some photo time with Elise! The boys were thrilled with the little cardigans and wore them continuously for two days!

Construction on the Cabin

We headed up to see the progress Matt has been making on our 600 square foot cabin in Cascade. He's been spending a couple of days a week up there, but wanted all of us to join him last week. Admittedly, he didn't get as much done as usual, but we sure had fun. I couldn't believe what a fantastic job he has done painting and getting the electical work done, let alone, getting the floor laid. It is so exciting to think we'll be able to use it soon! The kids and I gave Dad a break and went out for some sledding right down our hill. Elise lasted about a half hour strapped into the sled! Alex and Tanner were in winter heaven!

Getting them all dressed takes a LONG time!

A shot of the kitchen area..... a long galley kitchen is what fit best in this cozy place.

Thanks to Aunt Katie for letting us borrow this sweet winter suit for Lissy. She was nice and snug in the 1 degree weather outside (for a short time!)