'Tis the Season

Saying her new favorite word...NO!

Our little angelic child...

"NOOO! Not in your EAR!" The smorgasborg of sprinkels.

Mmm...frosting!

"What the heck is this thing for? Must be a frosting holder. Just give me the bowl, will ya?"

We had a fabulous Christmas, and we hope everyone did as well! We spent Christmas Eve night with our good friends. We had a nice candlelight dinner, frosted cookies for Santa, and watched the Nativity. Brooklyn had frosting EVERYWHERE! I'm finally letting my reigns out a little bit and letting her get messy. She really seems to enjoy it, as does Daddy. He likes to get her to touch her hair, ears, eyes, etc. when she's messy. Hence the picture with her finger in her ear (there was still frosting in there in the morning!). Anyway, Brooklyn loves going over there and playing with their dog Roxy, and their two kids Bailey and Gabriella. Thanks again Rigtrup's!

Brooklyn woke up Christmas morning at 5:30. She was just too excited (right, 'cause she totally knew what was going on, ha!)! We weren't as thrilled, as you can imagine. But we finally dragged ourselves out of bed at 6 to open presents. Brooklyn got a rocking horse, but her favorite present is definitely her new crayons. She can't put them down! Needless to say, we are now having to discipline as to WHERE she can color. Like most kids, she thinks the walls, her face and hands, and the floor are good to color on. Luckily they're washable. Troy got a couple chew toys and a teddy bear and is completely content with them. In fact, he was "playing" (or eating rather) with his new teddy bear yesterday and Brooklyn stole it from him. You would have thought she punched him in the face because he SCREAMED BLOODY MURDER! Poor guy, he's always having to put up with his big sis. But he sure knows how to get his mommy's attention!

We took the kids to see "Marley and Me" this weekend and Brooklyn really liked the first half of the movie. But when the dog started showing up less and less, she became restless. Troy enjoyed the WHOLE movie though. Good times!

We are so thankful for this wonderful time of year and the opportunity to reflect upon our Savior. We are looking forward to a New Year! I can't believe it's already here. 2009, here we come!!

Troy's First Haircut

Troy had been begging us to cut his hair for a few months now....It was getting very unruly. So we gave in... Here are the photos.

Troy Oliver...4 Months Old

Our little baby boy is becoming not so little anymore. Despite the downfall of snow and the consequential mass confusion it caused to any native Washingtonian we made the trek to the Pediatrician only to find out that the call verifying the Dr would be in was filled with deceit and lies. So we took the opportunity to weigh the kiddos, with clothes on though. Troy weighed 18 lbs fully clothed. And Brooklyn weighed 22.5 lbs fully clothed. Troy has become such a pleasant child, constantly smiling and only crying for us to stop walking by him and pick him up. His eyes light up any time we pass him by or even direct one simple word or glance his way. But no one gets a larger smile from this sweet little boy than his sweet big sister who is constantly showering him with loves and kisses, and the occasional smack to remind him who is boss. We really have the cutest, sweetest, smartest, funniest, most loveable, and stinkiest (troy, that is) children in the world, which is the direct product of such a wonderful mother!

Does that first photo look like a mugshot or what?

Brooklyn Joy at 4 Months

They definitely have the leg rolls to match!!

Snowflake Lane

While the malls here in the Seattle area aren't quite up to the same caliber as the Boise Towne Square Mall, they do have there own certain charm and attraction. The calendar kiosks, the shootings, and of course what mall would be complete without an Orange Julius? There is one fun family oriented marketing event that the Bellevue Square Mall has that the Boise Town Square mall does not...Snowflake Lane. For the 3 or 4 weeks preceding Christmas they ooze holiday spirit, which only could compare to the live ballerina and toy soldier music boxes that the old Parkcenter Mall had in it's glory days. They recruit high school kids to join their "marching" band down the main street outside the mall and play holiday music, complete with Drummer Boys, Winter Princesses, Rudolphs, Frostys, Penquins, some rather Creepy looking Polar Bears, and bubbly snow. Troy had no idea what was going on, other than being warmly nestled in the baby bjorn, and the loud music did not interrupt his mellow, yet happy, personality. Brooklyn, however, was wide eyed and curious. These costumed characters didn't look like Barney or Baby Bop, although I must say they have to be ten times better! She did have a bit of an anxiety attack when Frosty made a move toward her from his perch on the stairs. But she later forgave him long enough to make a solemn face while standing next to him in daddy's arms. They do a great job of instilling the holiday spirit, as was evidenced by the smiles on everyones faces. Brooklyn may have even danced for a moment or two on top of one of the boxes. In all, it was a fun family "out" evening!!

More Photos With Santa

Here are some photos that one of Erik's cool coworkers (Stephanie) took of us. It's funny to see the progression of terror brought on by such a meanie. How dare he be jolly and hand out gifts.

Teatro Zinzanni!

Last night was Erik's work Christmas party. Oh my gosh, what a blast! They had it at this place called Teatro Zinzanni. It's a dinner and show, kind of like Cirque de Solei meets burlesque. So fun! We put on our best duds, left the kiddos with our good friends the Rigtrups, and hit the town! The entertainment was top notch (including a contortionist, amazing tumblers, tap dancers, and hoola-hoop experts), the food was 5 star, and the company couldn't have been better. It was so nice to have a few hours with my best friend and sweetheart alone! Erik thought the place would be totally lame (actually his word of choice was gay), but he actually really enjoyed it! I told him I would have LOVED to have worked there in college. Unfortunately we didn't take our camera inside the place so we didn't get any pictures, but oh well. Thanks NAES for a great night out!


Troy also FINALLY rolled over today. Just 2 months behind your big sis bud! I know, I know, I need to stop comparing. :) The other picture is Brooklyn in Troy's swing. Well I guess it's technically HER swing, but she lets Troy sit in it. I can't believe it took her this long to climb into it on her own. She's definitely into climbing these days. Yesterday when we dropped the kids off at the Rigtrups, we turned around and there was Brooklyn sitting on top of their desk just looking at all the papers, doing her work. What a goof-ball. Her new favorite thing is sitting at the computer and "typing." We brought out the jumperoo for Troy this past week too, and he loves it! He hasn't quite mastered the jumping part (since he can barely touch), but he likes to look at the lights and grab the toys.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Today Brooklyn and Troy had their first visit with Santa Claus! Erik's work has a kids Christmas party every year, and we were able to go this year. They go ALL out and even give gifts to every child! Brooklyn got a new car/bike, and Troy got some sweet bath toys! Anyway, the kids weren't too thrilled with Santa (as you can see from the photos), but they still had a blast. Brooklyn thinks she is such a big girl and had to color with markers like the big kids. We LOVE the company Erik works for. Stay tuned for pictures of the ADULT Christmas party next week. I can't wait!! Thanks NAES for such a fun time!!