Oh Christmas Tree

Time for the annual "cut down our christmas tree "event. Tate's first year. Not sure he cared too much for the experience-had to wear a hat, gloves, and it was really cold. The girls LOVED it, running wild through a bunch of trees calling out to each other, and then there was cutting down the tree itself. We actually took the first tree we liked, 20 feet in, we did circle around a bit to see if there was anything else but we came back and claimed her as our own.

First you smell the trees

It was a Group Effort

Taco Night

Taco night is always a big hit-this weeks report is that Tate had his 1st Taco and loved it. He's falling in his oldest sister's step and mostly wanted the taco shell, but eventually made his way to the meat.

McKenna's learned to make her taco all by herself: Taco shell, sour cream and cheddar cheese. She thinks it's a little piece of heaven on earth. So much that she asked for it for dinner again tonight. (Otherwise she's really on strike again all dinner-unless it's a breakfast food!)

Life's little moments

Sitting at lunch yesterday I had a moment where I looked around as we (John included) all sat there eating our soup and cheese sandwiches. It was a rare moment in which everyone was eating and happy and I thought to myself, this is a good time of life. Yes there are things that still make me cringe and wonder how long it will take before my kids get past all the screaming, but at that moment I was thankful for their young ages and how simple life really in all actuality is. My kids still love me and need me as their mom and most of their hurts in life can be taken care of with a kiss, maybe a hug or just being held for a moment or two.

I love my kids and my dear husband and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be both wife and mother.

A house with Lights

I've had lights for our house for about 3-4 years, I lost track just exactly how long.

This year I asked John at the beginning of November if he would PLEASE put the lights up on the house. I can't tell you how excited I am and how happy it makes me everytime I walk outside and see the lights on my house.

I also have a mantle in which to decorate.

Thank you John!

Tate is 1!

Has a year really gone by? I was thinking as I frosted cupcakes tonight of a year ago when I was sitting at our new island visiting with a friend who was in town while my mother nervously made dinner knowing I was in labor and wondering when I was going to leave and if I was going to get to the hospital in time. I wasn't in too much of a hurry since I spent a lot of time sitting and waiting for Tyler so I figured I had time. Tate was already 3-4 days late according to my calculations, but his due date was Dec 1st and he was right on time.

It was the only time I've really waited for Tate, these days I'm chasing after him as he races me to get through the open bathroom door, or up the stairs that hadn't been gated yet that morning. He's scaling the open dishwasher, climbing in open cupboards and pulling on anything that hangs. He's all boy-my girls were and are scared of anything that makes any kind of noise. Tate charges it-the vaccumn is his favorite toy...while it's going. Nothing fascinates him more than his dad working, especially when he's using anything that involves the air compressor. If John's working Tate tries to be right in the middle of it. John hopes his enthusiam carries over the next 20 years or so. It is worth mentioning that we found that Tate is scared of one thing-the singing/dancing reindeer we brought out the other night. I guess it's just not natural.

Tate loves his sisters and vice versa. He looks for his sisters first thing in the morning and at naptime if he's the first to wake there is nothing more he loves than to find and wake up Tyler. He'll find her door, push it open, look over the end of the futon and start squawking at her. McKenna loves to be a mother's helper and loves to try and carry or hold Tate.

Move over Edward, I've got my very own vampire. Tate has just gotten his 3rd tooth with his 4th almost breaking through, but not his top middle teeth, it is the the 2 just on the outside. Not too mention this boy is fair skinned, blue-grey eyed (still) and the apple of his mother's eye.

We had a fun time with him tonight. just a small little party giving Tate his first fist full of cake.

He had no qualms tackeling these gifts. His sisters thought he'd need help but alas after trying to gnaw it open, standing and lifting it (showing it who's boss) he managed to rip the paper open.

Happy Birthday Tate! We love you and all your boyisms!

Grandparents Comes to Visit

Our Grandma & Grandpa Harris came up for a long overdue and much anticipated visit.

It all began with Grandma flying in on November 3rd. The girls could hardly wait as we drove up to the airport. Nothing but screams as she walked up to the car because everything is much more fun when your Grandma is there (they have a knack for thinking outside the box), even being sick which the girls were for the first week of her time with us. Being sick Grandma decided we should have Popcorn for breakfast and watch a movie one morning. Naptime was more fun in a castle! They even got to play with beads to make a tiarra and the barbies got some new outfits to dress up in. There is LOTS of Dancing-especially since Grandma brought Barbie's Nutcracker and Leg warmers and the girls found a new love for Ballet Dancing! The piano found its way out from under the dust and it can still play music! Since we were home sick on Sunday we went out for a walk and found some beautiful & huge leaves. Getting ready for Grandpa the girls helped Grandma make a few pies.

Our grandpa flew in on Tuesday night, the 10th and Tate found he loves him almost as much as his Dad. Must be a boy thing. Actually Tate is an early riser like his Grandpa or so I thought. They would spend their mornings together, Tate falling back asleep in the care of his Grandpa Harris' arms. Then Grandpa played and roughed up the kids as much as he could, the Kids couldn't get enough of it! Tyler often taunted her Grandpa with, "Grandpa, can't catch me" which would have her laughing and running with him right behind her.

McKenna still had school but looked forward to her Grandparents being there to pick her up at the bus stop.

We also got to go visit Sandy and Stu and see their lil farm of animals which the kids loved! Horses, bunnies, dogs....(There's a seperate entry it was so much fun)

Knowing we were going to be in Washington for the holidays this year we had an early Christmas so that Grandma & Grandpa could see the kids open their presents. They also got matching Jammies which were fun. The girls LOVE pajamas almost as much as new toys. Tate was pretty funny climbing on top of his present to attack his favorite part, the paper! The girls loved their new homes for their toy pets and princesses!

It was a very fun couple of weeks for us, we're so glad our Grandma & Grandpa Harris were able to get away and spend some time with us. Thank you for coming!!!

Horseback Riding

While Grandma & Grandpa Harris were here we were invited over to let the Girls ride some Horses. We didn't just see horses, although they were the highlight of the visit, but Sandy & Stu had Horses, Dogs, cats, rabbits, and did I mention dogs and rabbits? :)
Surprisingly it took a while for McKenna to warm up to the animals good thing Grandpa was there to protect her, but once it was time to actually get on the horse McKenna stepped right up. Tyler couldn't be happier to be around so many animals. Tate was enamored by the whole experience and just happy to be with his Grandpa and we were happy to have him and Grandma there to help with Tate and the picture taking.

Tyler was a natural on the horse-the picture where it looks like she's flying she would actually ride around the arena with her arms out like that-she had great balance! After the riding was done McKenna and Tyler helped reward and feed the horses some Hay and their grain. At one point there was some complaining about it being heavy and the comment, "you girls need to toughen up" had me chuckling, at just how true it is.

After taking care of the horses we made one last stop to see the Lion Head rabbits.

They are just little and very adorable! Almost made me want one...almost (I've taken care of rabbits and I'm still in the middle of kids so like the dogs that can wait.)


I know I should've done a slideshow but didn't realize there were so many pictures until I'd already downloaded most of them so I just kept going.

Happy Anniversary-39 Years

Curt & LeAnn Harris

It was Friday the 13th-November 1970 when these 2 tied the knot. So glad we didn't keep them apart on their beloved 39th Anniversary! They went out and hit the town to celebrate at Ivars with chowder and then hit the deals at some of the local Hot Spots. For a man to support his wife in this manner and for her to still be shopping the deals after this many years, that's True Love!

I love my parents so much! They have been such a great example to me over the many years of how to love and support one another as Husband and Wife. With 6 kids it couldn't have been easy. I know personally I didn't always make it easy on them, but I'm thankful they didn't and haven't given up on each other.

Congratulations Mom & Dad on 39 Years!!!

The Love of a Son for his Father