So for quite a while my kids have wanted a pet. Yikes! I'm not exactly a pet person at least not when the pet has to live in the house. Common now, I grew up in the country and I just can't handle having another little one to clean up after. Nevertheless, for the longest time my kids have been asking for a dog. Yes, they want a cute little puppy that no doubt I will become the sole caretaker of. Yeah, I don't think so. After weeks and weeks of asking the answer is still No but I have also convinced them they don't want a dog right now because they would have to pick up dog poop!So, instead we got a fish or actually 3 fish, one for each kids.

Kierstyn and Ben were so excited and named the fish before we even bought them. We now have a Charlie, Curly, and Chloe. And they love them. Ben likes to scare the fish but both kids will just sit by the tank and watch them. We'll see how long the fascination lasts but I think I can handle being the solr caretaker of the fish when they drop the ball.

As always I'm just a little slow getting this posted. Anywhooo, we celebrated Blake's birthday in a really big way. Okay not really, actually we celebrated mostly without him. My parents were in town but Blake had to work late so he didn't get to go out to dinner but just got cake (cheesecake, his fav) and presents. I know birthdays just aren't as fun as they use to. But HAPPY BIRTHDAY anyway!

And while he was working grandma & grandpa took me & the kids to Chuck E Cheese. Kierstyn really got a kick out of the sketchbook and we now have several fun pictures like this one.



They LOVED Chuck E Cheese and keep asking when we can go back.

Disney on Ice

Last night Blake & I took the kids to see Disney on Ice! Yes, it was a school night and the kids were up late but it was worth it. I don't know what was better Ben's dance of joy as the show was about to start or Kierstyn's look of excitement when Princess Tiana skated out of the ice (that's her favorite character of late). And through the whole thing Devri just slept!

Shaving already?

One of the things Ben got in his stocking was this razor, and he loves it. He tries to shave every few days because he wants to be just like dad. I sure get a kick out of that little guy. The other day he asked me why dad had to go to work, I said "so dad could pay the bills." Ben says "why don't you pay the bills mom?" I tell him I don't get paid for taking care of him. Ben asks "why not mom?" I ask, "Who would pay me Ben?" His answer, "Dad"

Happy Holidays!

Christmas at our house was quiet this year. We got home from Idaho on Christmas Eve, so I was busy with last minute wrapping and cooking. On Christmas morning our kids did something they hardly ever do, sleep in. So Blake and I were up and dressed and waiting for the kids to wake up, Kierstyn finally did at 7:30am(thats unusual for her). Ben was still sleeping until he heard me say "Santa came" and then he poped right up. Its funny the things they get excited about too because its never what I think they will. Its usually the small things. This year they were so excited about Zhu Zhu pets. I don't really get why they are so fun but they seem to love them. It has been a wonderful year and we have truly been blessed.

Devri's blessing

While we were in Idaho, we decided to bless Devri there since alll our family is there. Here are a few pictures from that evening!

What a sweet baby she is! She has been so much fun and is starting to smile at us. What else can I say, life is good!

Christmas in Idaho

The Holidays flew by. . . and here is a little recap of our quick trip to Idaho the week before Christmas. First of all snow, and alot of it. Kierstyn and Ben were so excited to play in the snow. We had to borrow some snow clothes, as we don't have any but we found some that fit and the kids had a great time. Blake & Ben helped clear the driveway before heading to the backyard for some sledding.

Here's Blake with Kierstyn, Ben, & the Copper cousins ready to hit the slope!

I'm not sure who had more fun Blake or the kids. After sledding for a while they had a snowball fight and then they made snowmen!

While they played outside this is what Devri did.

Here are all of the Gardner grandkids! I love this picture!

Then we headed to the Chappells for more holiday fun. The kids made a gingerbread house and painted cookies!

Here's the proud Grandma with Ezra and Devri.

The kids with Grandma & Grandpa Chappell! Happy Holidays!

What an adventure this trip turned out to be. Not only did my car break down but the keys got locked into my parents car I was driving and all our stuff was in it, including the diaper bag. Oh what an adventure! Despite that we had a great time and look forward to our next trip up north.