Daddy's helper

Emma has been Matt's helper as "stacker-of-the-wood!" She's pretty tough this one. She helps him haul all sorts of big, tough stuff. Last summer he took her to pick up some fertilizer for the grass and she picked up those 18 lb. bags and huffed them over to the truck. You know, my Grandpa Beckstrand always said that my sister and I, "were just as tough as the boys!!" Looks like she's got some of her mama in her! It makes her pretty proud to help her dad.

Snow Angels!

It snowed. Not much, but enough to play in. I swear, neither the heat or freezing cold effects Emma. She could have stayed outside all day. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I was done after 15 mins. And also, I may be so mean, but because it was so cold I only let Tal play with it from the deck door. So kill me. It was like 10 degrees and windy. He got the idea! Oh, I love being their mom.

A camp in

When Emma realized that Matt was going to have a few day off during the holidays she quickly cashed in on a promised "Camp-In!" A night on the floor. Um. Sounds nice. But they did it and had fun!

Here's the tent (Tal thought it was great to play in, but not so much for sleeping):

Roasting marshmallows is all part of the experience.

One happy girl!!

Christmas... the rest of the story.

Hawaii

Not us. Bummer. My parents. This is them parasailing!! My parents. Parasailing!! What is going on? My mom said it was so soothing and relaxing! Yep, looks like it!!!

After their visit here for Thanksgiving they did something they have never done in their 28 years of marriage. They spent the first part o December in Hawaii. Alone. Together. With no kids. I'm so proud of them. And they had the time of their lives. They brought back a few things for those of us on the main land!

Creche's and Carols

Here in St. Louis the members in the the St. Louis Stake organize a beautiful event for the community. It's called Creche's and Carols. I know a few other places that do the same thing, but you come and walk through the church building that has been filled with over 500 Creche's (nativity sets). Each room has a different theme. It's truly awe inspiring seeing all of the beautiful and unique sets that portray the birth of our Savior. In one of the rooms you can dress up with your family to be part of your own Nativity!

Ward Christmas Party

The ward Christmas party is always a treat. It's not quite Christmas until I see the kids do the Nativity! Oh, and Santa was the best!!!!!

Christmas Morn

Christmas is so fun with kids. I know everyone says it, but I wanted to say it again. Tal got some fun things, but the only thing that mattered was the basketball hoop from Santa. That's all he did all day, and still does at least an hour or two EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!!! He is obsessed. We thought he'd like it just not this much. He was not pleased when it was time to stop playing and go to bed that night! Crazy, Bubba!

Emma rocked out the morning with her new CD player and the new "Scripture Scout" CD's Grandma B got her, snuggled in her very awesome Princess Snuggie (you didn't know they made a princess one did you. Santa's good!!), and can you believe I honestly didn't know what a Zhu Zhu pet was. What rock was I hiding under. Everyone and there dog got some of these and I had no clue what they where. I thought my mother-in-law had given Emma some mice to run around my house. But once I was educated about this incredibly popular toy I decided that they're ingenious really. Because for those of us who will never have a real hamster in their house, these are the perfect compromise! Emma's determined to collect the whole village. In time. In time.

Until next year! Hope you had a Merry one too!

Going for a stroll

I've got to be quick to capture these moments. If Emma was pushing, Tal wanted a ride! They didn't get very far, but it was cute.

Crunch, crunch, crunch!

One day I came walking into the kitchen looking for Tal. When I didn't see him I turned to leave and heard a, "crunch, crunch, crunch" coming from inside the pantry!

And the chips and cereal went up 2 shelves higher!

Thanksgiving!

This is definitely out of order, but needs not be forgotten. Emma's preschool class had a Family Feast to start the holiday off right! She and her classmates entertained us with a few songs about Indians and the cutest "Going on a Bear Hunt" ever. They dressed the part too, along with their very own Indian name written on the back of there vests. Emma was Princess Morning Rose. Fitting!

Princess Morning Rose and Thunder Sneekin' Chips (that's explained in the previous post)!

My parents and brother Corbin came to visit for Thanksgiving. We had the most wonderful time. While they were here we went bowling. It is clear that Matt and I need a little brush up on "Bowling with Bob" (All you Snow Collegeites know what I talking about!!) And I'm convinced that in their spare time my parents are a part of a secret bowling league. They dominated us. Very suspicious!

The winners! Nice form.

Corbin eventually just gave up!!

Tal and Emma had fun too. I almost used their lane, but I'm afraid that the bumpers still wouldn't have helped me that day!!!

The roll....

Got 'em!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The TRUE Meaning of Christmas

This is how Emma arranged one of our Nativity sets. I had them all facing out, but I agree with her, this is much better!

May we all remember why we celebrate this special, sacred time of year. Thank goodness for those that remind us in such simple ways.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Company Christmas Party

We had the annual EFP Christmas Party last week. My father-in-law decided to do it a little differently this year. The Young Women in our ward were looking for a fundraiser, and so Denny hired them to put on a "Polar Express Christmas Extravaganza" for the office! It was just wonderful. When Santa arrived, we all rode the "EFP Express" to the North Pole where there were elves to help the kids at different stations. Seriously, such a fun night. They did an incredible job! Here are a few pictures (the North Pole was back in the warehouse so the lighting back there was, to say the least, lacking!!!):

This was Emma expression when the Santa walked in. Classic!

Ice skating!

Not really. Although, this as close as I have ever been to doing so! Emma L.O.V.E.S these!

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