Christmas 2010

Another Christmas has come and gone. It always amazes me how much preparation and anticipation go into Christmas morning, only to have it pass by so quickly. Hyrum and William were old enough this year to get really excited about Christmas. Hyrum was especially thrilled to find Santa had brought him the soccer shoes and shin guards he'd been asking for ever since he saw his cousin Issac wearing some way back in May. I think he wore his soccer uniform just about everyday of our vacation. Such joy it brings to see my children happy and content with the simplest things.

We feel blessed that we could spend our holiday vacation with those we love most. I regret not taking more pictures, especially of loved ones, but I guess that means I was enjoying quality time with them instead of hiding behind a camera, right? Being with family is what makes Christmas and this time of year so meaningful. Here are pictures of some of the memories we created.

I think he'll have to grow into his new soccer gear

Making a saberthooth cast at the Thanksgiving Point Dinosaur Museum

Future paleontologist

Thomas fell in love with purses while at grandma and grandpa's house, he carried them everywhere and cried whenever we took them away

Christmas PJ's

(this is actually the first time I have ever bought my boys a new pair of pajamas)

Eating a yummy gingerbread shaped loaf of bread

Stories with Grandma Yorgason

Hyrum and William got up impromptu at our New Year's Party talent show and sang "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer." They are usually shy in front of large groups of people so this was fun to see. Sorry,we only got half of it on film.

Somehow daddy managed to get the ball past these two awesome goalies

Here Comes Santa Claus

For the past month Hyrum has been playing "Santa Claus" as he anxiously awaits Christmas. He dresses up in his red jacket, cowboy boots and Santa hat and makes toys using his Trio Blocks. He secretly puts the toys in stockings and smiles from ear to ear as he places them under the tree. After playing Santa solo for some time, Hyrum decided it was time he got some reindeer of his own. He spent one Saturday morning drawing and labeling pictures of each reindeer. He then wanted them taped to the wall with a string attached so he could sit on the couch (um, I mean his sleigh) holding onto the string while he flew his sleigh to deliver toys (neatly tucked away in his big blue Santa bag which can be seen hidden behind all the pillows). It's been great fun watching Hyrum play so creatively. This boy's imagination is something else.



(Note: somehow we didn't get a picture of "comet," but rest assured, he hangs right alongside all his reindeer friends on our living room wall)

More Fun in the Snow

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Yesterday afternoon it started snowing and it didn't stop until this morning. We got almost 6 inches which is pretty good for Albuquerque. Since we don't see snow much the boys wanted to go outside immediately. We waited long enough for the snow to build up on the lawn and then I bundled the boys up and took them outside to make a snowman. It took almost all the snow in the backyard, but we ended up with what I thought was a decent sized snowman. Then this morning when we all went out to shovel the driveway daddy built a snowman that way out-sized our little guy from yesterday. William named him "frosty" and he greets anyone who passes by our house. Dave also helped the boys make a snow cave. By the end of the morning the boys were cold, wet, hungry and crying, but it was all worth it. We spent rest of the day inside playing pirates. We made some fun telescopes and went on several treasure hunts. Here are pictures of the fun we had.

Happy Birthday William

My (big long sigh), how time refuses to slow down...William is now 3 years old. I haven't felt like he was any older until just today when I realized he will be a Sunbeam in Primary at the first of the new year. Woahhhh, that just can't be real! My little "Wee Wee" isn't my little "Wee Wee" anymore. In fact, if I try to call him "Wee Wee" (he called himself this before he could pronounce his name) he quickly corrects me by saying, "My name is not Wee Wee, it's William." This boy definitely is his own person in every way. He knows what he wants, how he wants it and almost always insists on doing it himself. He is crazy, silly, animated and adventurous, yet soft, sweet and cuddly at the same time. His giggles brighten our home and remind us to slow down and enjoy life more. We love our William and know that he was meant for our family.

Here are some fun things about him at this stage of life.

William....

• loves to play dress ups with his big brother, fireman being his favorite (a pair of cowboy boots, red jacket, plastic dollar store fireman hat and a ride-on truck that's missing the front two wheels and steering wheel)


• can count to 20 and higher at times (missing a few in between)


• still loves watching Curious George on PBS


• has a comfort blanket which he chews on constantly (why he thinks it tastes good is beyond me)


• graduated from his tricycle to a two-wheeler with training wheels (now I can't keep up with him when we go for walks)


• is a total daddy's boy


• finds enjoyment in cutting paper (or anything he can get his hands on) into tiny pieces


• plays football, basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis, and golf in the backyard on a daily basis


• loves to catch bugs, including moths


• is potty trained


• makes the funniest facial expressions while talking


• is full of life!!!

Here's a little video highlighting the past year of William's life:

Just another one of those days...

You know it's been a rough day when the sister you visit teach (ie, strengthen, uplift, ease burdens) says as you're leaving, "Let me know if you need anything today."

Photoshoot

One year old and as cute as ever....