Saturday, December 31, 2011

Ice Skating

We live in a beautiful town, and they flood the ball field at the park during the winter to turn it into a skating rink.  This was something I wasn't exposed to as a kid, so I wanted to make sure Brooks and Adlyn were comfortable with it at a young age.

Zach and I took the kids to the skating rink this month, and luckily, they had skates to fit them.  They were eager to try the snow sport and although we weren't at the rink for long, it was well worth it.  They could 'skate' if we held their hands, and they both stood for a short time while wearing their skates.  I think we'll give it another year before we try it again, but I'm glad they gave it a try.  Nobody fell, and it wasn't a horrible experience for either of them.

After skating, we went to the park, although it was covered with snow.  They enjoyed the tire swing, and we took some video of them.  As they swing, they love to say happy birthday!  Brooks and Adlyn made snow angels with Dad. 

We haven't been sledding this winter, but we hope to go after the first of the year.

Winter Words

Last year the kids referred to a snowman as a mi-mi.  We have advanced this year, and now it is called a no-mi.  Hopefully by next year it will be called a snowman. 
Brooks received a really pretty green and white snowflake blanket for Christmas.  He calls a snowflake a no-flag.  It makes me laugh. 

This year they have been doing a great job telling people Merry Kif-ma! 

Adlyn Pic

Zach did some Photoshop work to some photos this month for Christmas presents.  Here is one picture of Adlyn that I liked.

Don't Shoot Your Eye Out!

Zach and his nephew shot a BB gun out behind the garage a few weeks ago.  Brooks was a little young, but he did give it a try.  We'll try again next year.  It won't be long until he can enjoy hunting with Dad.

Brooks

Bubble Bath

The kids had their first bubble bath this month.  The whirlpool jets make a lot of bubbles in the tub!  In case you are looking for a tip, Bath and Body Works Shower Gel makes really good bubbles in the tub.  This won't be the last bubble bath.  Enjoy the pics.

Fun in the tub!

Bubble fight!

Adlyn enjoys looking like Santa.

Nice muscles, Brooks!

Adlyn and Brooks swim in the tub.

Adlyn hides in the bubbles.

Brooks hides in the bubbles.

Birthday #3

The kids had a great 3rd birthday this month, and we had friends and family over to help celebrate.  Both of them were happy all evening.  The soup was delicious, and the whoopie pies turned out great.  It is a great day to reflect on their birth and it makes me smile.  Happy Birthday Brooks & Adlyn!

Brooks takes a big bite of his whoopie pie
(chocolate cookies, coconut filling, and snowflake
sprinkles) while Adlyn looks on.



Happy Birthday Adlyn!



Whoopie Pie fillings - caramel, peanut butter,
chocolate, and coconut.

Brooks and Adlyn are wearing the shirts I made
for them.  I also made Adlyn a tutu.

Adlyn loves to draw and color.

A&B playing with their new train.


Thanks for the robe Grandma!

Thanks for the robe Grandma!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Party Prep

This weekend we had Brooks & Adlyn's 3rd Birthday Party!  Has it really been three years? 

They love the book, "Go Dog, Go!" It was an easy party theme.  We placed pictures from the book on fishing line and hung them from the ceiling.  Their favorite stuffed animal dogs were at the party, Cupcake and Mo-Mo. 

In the morning, we took the kids to the grocery store to pick out three balloons for their party.  They loved the process and the lady who filled the balloons was very nice.  Both of them carried their balloons around all day! 

Grandma and I spent the morning making whoopie pies, mixing up four different fillings (coconut, caramel, chocolate, and peanut butter), and prepping the toppings to roll the whoopie pies in (mini chocolate chips, crushed peanuts, coconut flakes, and sprinkles galore).  It really was a prefect day of cooking, and it could not have went any better.  In the afternoon, we prepped the soups and punch.  We had antelope chili, Mexican soup with chicken, and cauliflower cheese soup.  The sparklin' apple punch was delicious and consisted of apple juice, cranberry pomegranate juice, ginger ale, and apple slices.  Thanks to Paula Deen magazines, we found the punch and whoopie pie recipes. 

Adlyn took a long nap on the day of her party, and Brooks stayed entertained with the boys.  An hour before the party, Brooks put on his #3 shirt that I made for him, and Adlyn put on her party leggings, tutu and shirt that I made her, without hesitation.  She was even patient while I put her pretty hair ties in.  They couldn't wait for their party to begin!