She insists that she is FIVE...

...but I say she is STILL Three!

We were able to celebrate Kam and her Aunt Chelsea's B-Day while at GMa and Gpa's house during Christmas Vacay. BIG THANKS to Aunt Shana for the Beautiful (and delicious) cake!!! (Grandma said she didn't have any B-Day candles, but we found 'em! ha ha) ;-)


A few days later (on her REAL B-day), we stayed at a hotel for a couple of nights while traveling home.

She only had a few requests...
#1...
(IHOP) :-)


#2...
That SHE be able to take a few pictures with MY camera...


#3...
SWIMMING at the hotel!
Now, if it could only be that easy when she is 16!

Holly Jolly (crazy, happy) Days...

Christmas Eve Mystery...

Santa's not going to like this!...

Case closed.

Christmas Eve '09...

The Pink (as opposed to blue) Kind...

We found out a couple of weeks ago that our new little addition is a GIRL! We love her so much already. I would have to say that next to me, the most anxious one to meet this sweetie is Kambria. She really wanted a little girl and is constantly talking to (and hugging) my belly which seems a little rounder at this point (abt. 21 weeks) than in the past. Lovely. Feeling great at this point, hoping that continues for awhile!

Dear Santa, ...

Dear Santa,
We saw you at a local store a few days ago. Please don't be offended that my kids wanted Nothing to do with you. They want me to assure you that even though they are Terrified of coming anywhere Near you, they will still welcome (and embrace) all gifts you may bring for them. They have each written a letter for you, I guess it will have to do for this year. Merry Chrismas!
Your Friend,
Aletha
Bryn's letter (translation):
Dear Santa,
Brynlee's toys: I want a money counter. I want the movie UP. I want Hungry Hungry Hippos. I want playdoh. I want a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse toy of the Choo Choo Express. I want a guitar. I want a karaoke machine.
Your Friend,
Brynlee

Kam's letters:

#1. (with a little help):

Dear Santa,

Kambria

I want Hungry Hungry Hippos.

-

#2. (with absolutely NO help!):

Dear Santa,

I want Playdoh.

Kambria

Gavin's letters:
#1. (with the help of Kambria):
Dear Santa,
Gavin wants a Bugs Life Toy.

#2. (All on his own)
Dear Santa,
(Your guess is as good as mine!)

We're all about Traditions...

...here is a new one for us. We love trains, especially Gavin. And Brian. We have an electric train up really high (on a plant shelf) in our house that goes around and around a small village that we have created up there. The kids run back and forth between rooms to watch it as it goes around. We also love movies. Polar Express is one that I personally love and is one that I won't let my kids watch just whenever (I don't want to get sick of it)! We decided that it would be fun every December to set up a Polar Express train around our Christmas tree and then watch the movie as a family...blankets...popcorn...treats, the works. So, there we go...the new tradition has officially begun.

SO Proud of this Girl...

"Student of the Week!" (Her, not me.) Last Monday we got a call from the Principal telling us that Brynlee was being awarded Student of the Week. She was apparently nominated by her teacher because she is so kind to everyone and is very responsible with her homework and helping others. We really couldn't ask for anything more in this girl. She is such a joy, not to mention a wonderful example to her younger siblings. Such a blessing to us!