January happenings...

We got back from Christmas break at the beginning of January, and had a few days to adjust back to life here before Nathan had to go back to school. We were bored quick, and Carter was super sad that we couldn't go back! I had to agree with him, although it was nice to have my bed back :)

Chase got a baby's first Christmas shirt from Grandma Kelly so we decided we better do a little photo shoot with it on!

He found this red ball and wouldn't stop playing with it!

I love how you can see his reflection in the ball

I have to resort to a lot of self portraits since Nathan is gone all the time!

Big boy sitting in the high chair now!

And of course he wanted to show off his chair too!

Carter loves to help me around the house, so we decided to start giving him some chores and teaching him about tithing. He LOVES his chores! It's pretty funny

And this child LOVES cell phones! He could play with one for hours. So we decided to get out our old ones... although he can tell the difference!

I told Carter to go get dressed one day and he came down with his church pants on, his shirt inside out and backwards, unmatching socks and his church shoes on... Oh and of course his crown. I was laughing pretty hard! 

LOVE this boy!!

So close to crawling!! Come on buddy!!

Can't get enough of these two!!

I bought Carter some paints at Target and he loves using them

I was cleaning the kitchen one day and Carter kept coming over and getting snacks out of the cupboard. I asked him what he was doing and he told me he was having a picnic with his friends. So I went over to see and sure enough, each animal had a drink and a snack!

Chase wanted to play too!

Carter has decided that his new favorite color is orange. I thought this was strange since he use to hate orange. He would even pick out the orange fruit snacks and candy and refuse to eat them. So I asked him about this new love for orange and he said, "Mom Velma (from Scooby Doo) wears orange and I love her so I love orange." Well ok then buddy. So I dressed them both in orange one day and Carter was so excited.

And that pretty much sums up our January. Nathan back at school and me and the kids hanging out. Only 3 1/2 more years!!! 

Week 2...

The second week of Christmas break we spent at my parents house. We spent Christmas with my family, and then had another Christmas with Nathan's mom. Once again we were spoiled!!! We had a lot of fun playing, eating, and catching up with everyone!

Carter helped Grandma Sharon make some raisin tarts..

Even got in there and got his hands dirty!

Chase spent a lot of time playing with and staring at the Christmas tree

The boys on Christmas morning

Opening presents... And they got a lot!!!

Happy boy!

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Carter's presents from Christmas at my parents, and Christmas from Papa's house

Chase didn't do too shabby either!

Annie trying to give kisses

A movie and Cheetos with Hunter!

No words.... 

Me and baby Ava... the newest addition! She is so cute and so sweet! Carter was in love with her and still talks about baby Ava

My boys

Tough job holding a sleeping baby eh!

Carter, Hunter, Nathan and my dad chasing each other around the stairs. I bet Hunter and Carter ran around those things a thousand times while we were there!

Andrew, Tiara and Carter

I love these boys!!!

My super hero! A Batman and Spiderman mix! Just what I wanted!

I wonder what they are looking at?

Watching Lisa color... He doesn't have much patience for coloring yet, but he is really goos at telling you where to color and which color to use!

Playing with Grandma

Check out the hat!

We were able to get together with my good friends Jeni, Brittany, and Nicole while we were there. And of course along with the great ladies came their adorable families.. We miss you guys so much already! It was so good to see you! 

Carson, Jackson, Carter and little Mia. Chase and Eva must have been playing in the corner :)

Grandma Kelly got to come into town too, so we all went to her hotel and had yet another Christmas! And yep... we were all spoiled again!!

The cutest little Taylor! I LOVED watching her open presents because she got soooo excited with whatever was inside! I'm pretty sure she even yelled "Oh a box!!!!!" one time. She made it so fun! And I love Keyton's expression in this picture too. He is so sweet! We love our cousins and we miss them so much! You all need to come visit us!

Carter and Grandma.. He was being a stinker and wouldn't smile.

I looked over at one point and saw Uncle Ben telling Carter a story. Carter was so intrigued and didn't move until the story was over. I have never seen him that intense when listening to a story! Uncle Ben must tell some good stories!!

And of course some swimming had to take place. Here is Grandma with all the kids before swim time!

Taraka and Chase... I love this picture!

So sweet!!!

Keyton and Tucker.. I can't believe how big these boys are getting!

Chase LOVED the water

And of course this little boy does too! What a cutie!!

Kenzie really wanted in the water... I actually had to grab her once or she would have jumped right in!

Hunter spent the night one night, so we got out Carter's new game

Carter in his new Scooby Doo pj's.. This kid is obsessed with Scooby Doo!!

I think it's funny they are kind of making the same face!

Our little peppermint candy in his first Christmas pj's

We also got to have a shower for April and baby Ava. It was so fun to celebrate this little girl!!

The beautiful new mommy!!

Lexi and Amanda... my besties!!

Mommy and daughter!!

Grandma's newest grandbaby!

And of course some more kisses from Annie!

Lots of books were read! 

And a little more time in the laundry basket!!

We were so happy that we got to go home and spend the holiday with amazing family and friends! Thank you all so much for spoiling us and for all you do for us! We miss everyone and can't wait until we can get back there! In fact, Carter asks everyday when we can go back! We love you all!!!