Happy Birthday Briggs!!

Briggs turned 5 this year... It is hard to believe that he is already that old! Although in some ways he seems so much older. He is such an amazing little guy that has brought so much happiness into our lives. He is such a wonderful example to his little brother and sister. We love you Briggs!!!

Birthday Boy

Briggs' party at Giggle Bugs (inflatable indoor jump toys)

Briggs, Owen, and Randy (His school buddies)

Nathanael, Briggs, Jake, and Bowen

Briggs blowing out his candles. His wish... "That all of my friends here at my birthday party will be my friends forever"

Having a 5 year old isn't so bad... Briggs potty training Owen

and

Feeding Ali

Trip to Columbia

Our closest temple is 2 hours away in Columbia. Our ward had a temple trip planned, so we went down a night early and stayed in a hotel with the Coltrins and the Johnstons. The moms were able to go to the temple in the morning and then the dads went with the youth later that day. While the men went, we headed to the Children's Museum. It was the perfect thing to do to entertain nine kids for an afternoon.

The kids ready for some fun

Doing a little grocery shopping

Taking care of the farm

Briggs in his fireman uniform

Owen and Hallie driving the fire truck

Playing a little hockey

That's the end...

Snow Is Falling All Around

This year we have been lucky enough to have two snow days. Well, the first one was more of an ice day. The second day was full of the beautiful fluffy white stuff. I have to admit, I am liking just having two days of snow. Just long enough to have some fun, build some snowmen, do some sledding, and then back to normal. The boys absolutely love the snow. They have had a great time with our neighbors and luckily this year it has snowed on the weekends, so Rob has been able to enjoy it with them.

Yes my Idaho/Utah Friends... This is what we call a "snow day" in the South

Our Neighbor William and Briggs sledding down the driveway

Owen and Briggs, so excited about the snow

The face of excitement

Who says you can't sled on grass??

The REAL snow day... Lizzie, Owen, and William

Doesn't like ice cream because it is too cold...but LOVES snow

SNOWBALL FIGHT

The two headed snowman (as Briggs referred to it)

Christmas Day

Heading upstairs to see what Santa brought

Briggs checking out his stash

Ali's first Christmas... Still the best baby. It is amazing how good she really is.

The boys checking out each others toys

Owen playing with the only pet he is going to have for a long time. The phrase this year was... "If it doesn't poop, you can ask Santa for it."

Even Mom got spoiled this year!!

The boys took a little break to have a cookie for breakfast.

Two peas in a pod. While everyone else is opening presents...They are making sure their bellies are taken care of.

Christmas Eve

We headed back out west to Arizona for Christmas this year. It's always nice to be able to spend the holidays with family. The only unfortunate thing was that someone in the family refused to allow everyone to go to Mexico. What can I say... after flying across the country with three little ones, changing time zones, being off schedule, feeding a baby at all hours of the night I couldn't be talked into driving another 5 hours to vacation in paradise. Luckily we still had a great time in Phoenix...

Opening PJ's from Christmas Eve that's right, for those who were not aware... Christmas Eve is a person, I think she might have dated Santa back in the day.

The kids with Grandpa Bob

Grpa Bob, Owen, Briggs, Grma Shelley, and Ali all excited on Christmas Eve

Uncle Rowland and his main girl in his life

Sitting down for a Yummy Christmas Eve Dinner

It's the most wonderful time of the year

I love Christmas time!!! One of my favorite things about Christmas is traditions... one of my favorite traditions is looking at Christmas lights every night of the season. One of Rob's favorite traditions is eating sugar cookies (requiring him to make them.) So, of course being the wonderful parents that we are, we have forced these traditions onto our kids. So far they seem to enjoy them although that could change as they get older, for now we'll take advantage...

Briggs and Owen at the ward Christmas party sitting on Santa's lap. This was before the power went out. That might be the first and the last year they put Rob in charge of activities.

Frosting / Eating the sugar cookies

Ali taking it all in. Don't worry next year you can help

Two serious cookie makers

One of our favorite Christmas houses to visit. Could be southern folklore but they say this house was in USA Today as one of the best decorated houses in the country. It is unbelievable how many lights they have along with a real santa, and free popcorn, hot chocolate, and candy canes.

Owen LOVED the lights this year. It was fun to watch him get excited about them

Ali with dad, liking all the lights at the beginning. By the end I think she got a little too over stimulated.

Happy Family