Snowshoes and below zero temps

First the below zero temps kept us inside: Levi and Mom playing "Swing Zone" our Wii knockoff that he got for Christmas.

Then we decided all that fresh snow was too nice, so we bundled up and went out to play...

Such a beautiful spot down by the river at AE.

My Dad and Levi.

By the time we got done it was dark and an absolutely gorgeous moon was out.

Winter wonderland - like a snow globe.

Cross Country Skiing w/my Parents

Baby it's cold outside!!! But I don't think I can move!

First time going cross country skiing w/the family. He slept almost the whole time and was toasty warm.
Levi's second time on cross country skis. He's doing pretty well tho he does stop to eat snow an awful lot. Simply doesn't focus on what he's supposed to be doing - not at all like Noah who was looking for the biggest hills he could find as soon as the skis were on his feet the first time.
Michael, Noah, Silas and my Mom at the river overlook on our nice new ski trail. Really, in spite of the cold, it was so beautiful out there.

Silas's dedication...

With Silas's Great-grandparents: Grampa and Gramma Bubb and Gramma Marshall.

With my parents.

With Michael's parents and the boys.

Christmas with the Marshalls

Can't get these in the right order...so the first two should be the last two.

Mya thought Noah's jump made a perfect stage...Silas just liked to crawl and sit on it. Here they are performing for the camera:


Silas playing with his big toy from Mommy and Daddy just before I got him to bed...what a full day. He had a wonderful first Christmas and really enjoyed his new toys.

Gramma got us a new mall stroller - Silas grinned away once I put it together and gave him a ride. Look at that nice big basket underneath - perfect for *shopping*! It's gonna be good to have wheels again since I've had to Ergo him in the mall since he outgrew his baby bucket. Not fun to be wearing a 20+ pound baby while carrying multiple bags...last Christmas shopping trip I lost sensation in a couple fingers that way.Silas's other big gift from Gramma - he knew it was gonna be fun as soon as I let him tear the paper off and I had a hard time getting it out of the box b/c he wouldn't leave it alone. Look at him pulling up and standing holding on - he's growing up waaaayyy to fast!

One of the gifts Noah asked for - rod hockey table.

Levi got a cool new sled from Gramma - couldn't resist setting up this picture - aren't they beautiful - we're so blessed!

Here's Mya and Silas climbing on Noah's ramp. Hey, Silas is learning to pull her hair early ;-).

Christmas morning

Noah did well to stay in bed until 7AM. We told him he could have his stocking when he got up if he stayed in bed until then. Since I was already up, it was fun to spend this quiet time with him.

The superhero capes were a gift from cousin Ashley who customized them for each of the boys...they wear them constantly!

Levi got up and got his stocking while I was showering, so I didn't get any pictures. Silas slept til 9:30 b/c of a late night but they boys couldn't wait for him to get up and open his. Here they are helping him find his new toys and snacks.After a quick breakfast, it was time to read the Christmas story. The boys were trying to be patient but really couldn't wait to get to their presents. Not sure how much of the reading they heard.And then it was time for the craziness to begin. I think Levi had as much fun with Silas's toys as he did with his own.No Christmas morning would be complete without assembly of toys by parents...

Christmas preparations

Uh oh, he's starting to get that mischevious look in his eyes that says he's up to something...

The Christmas tree is irrisistable!

So daddy worked last Saturday, and this is how we spent our day:

Silas was happy playing on the floor while we were busy.

My two very opinionated helpers...they think I should be able to do anything that enters into their imaginations.

Christmas tree

Silas started crawling for real just in time to discover what fun a Christmas tree could be. Noah and Levi were oh so excited to help decorate the tree this year. Michael sometimes needs to relax b/c he wants it all so perfect.

All three boys Sunday morning in front of the finished product.

Daddy and Silas looking oh so handsome.