Christmas 2010

We made cookies Christmas eve day!  Well I made the cookies and the kids decorated.  Next year I need to remember to only half my sugar cookie recipe  because it made a million. 

Then we delivered treats to our neighbors and friends.  The kids thought this was way fun.  We ate our traditional Clam chowder dinner.  Easton and Gretchen are hoping we change this tradition because they really aren't huge fans but this one is here to stay.  Then Chad read them the Grinch and then they got to open a present.  Easton finally figured out that it is going to be Pajamas. 

Kinslee looked dang cute in her little pajamas.  Then We went and drove around to see some Christmas lights.  We came home read from the bible and went to bed.  Gretchen woke up with a stomach ache and was up until about 12:30.  We told Easton and Gretchen that when they woke up they had to come get mom and dad then we could go open presents.  Kinslee woke up at 4am to eat and Easton came running up.  We made them wait until Kinslee was done eating and then we went downstairs to see if Santa came.

 Santa came and he brought everything they wanted.  We had a very Merry Christmas!! 

Beautiful Little Girl!

One of my friends Marietta took newborn pictures of Kinslee. I thought they turned out so cute. I had a way hard time choosing which ones to print.

First Dance Recital

Saturday was Gretchen's first dance recital.  She fell asleep half hour before time to leave and then again in the car.  When we got there she was not going to dance she just wanted her dad.  After a lot of tears by her and me(I just had a baby that is what I am blaming my tears on) and a lot of bribing she went back stage with the rest of the dancers.   She did really good and I am glad she ended up dancing. 

 Gretchen, Charly, Kendall and Noelle 

She thought her dad looked better in her head band.

The only picture I got of her by herself. 

As we were driving home she told us that was so much fun.  Crazy kid!  Easton had a good time he sat by Marshal and Aunt Fran so he sat and ate candy the whole time. 

Kinslee didn't go to the recital Aunt Melissa watched her for us.  She was one week old on Saturday.

First Bath at Home!

Gretchen was the only one home when I gave Kinslee her first bath at home.  Gretchen asked if she could take pictures.  This is what I got.  Pretty good for a 3 year old.  Only a few random pictures.

It's A Girl!!

 It's A Girl!!  Kinslee was born 12/11/10 at 3:37am.  She weighed 5lbs 15oz and was 18 inches long. 

I really enjoyed the fact that I was surprised when she was born it made the whole labor process a little more enjoyable. 

Gretchen is excited but I think she is more excited about all the things that come a long with a new baby. 

 Easton is way more excited then I thought and he has been incredibly helpful so far.  He is constantly asking to hold his cute new sister with a cute name. 

A professional photographer came and took some pictures at the hospital.  They are super cute.  Here is the link and password to go see them. 

Go here the password is 1211kinsleehigley they are only available to look at until the 27th.

Coloring!

I love to Color with crayons and apparently I have passed that love on to my kids. 
They both ask to color at least once a day.  A week ago I went in to check on Gretchen and this is what I found.  She was helping her baby doll color.  I thought it was so cute.  I tried to take a picture but after she saw me with the camera she stopped.
 Sadly Gretchen can't color for a whole week.  I almost think no coloring for a whole week is harder on me then her, but she broke a big rule and colored on a chair so she has to have a break. 

Lights at Temple Square

We decided to go see the lights tonight at Temple Square before the baby comes.  I don't think we made it to see them last year, so I was interested to see what the kids would think.  Easton and Gretchen both really enjoyed them.  Gretchen said they were very beautiful.  Easton liked seeing all the different Nativities and telling Gretchen who each person was. 

I didn't really take to many pictures and the ones I did take weren't the greatest.  It was pretty foggy but it was a fun time.  I love seeing Christmas lights and I just think seeing them at Temple Square is even better. 

Ward Party

Tonight we had our ward Christmas party.  I have mentioned before I really enjoy our ward.  It was fun.  The food was good, and the kids loved sitting on Santa's lap.  Gretchen has been asking to sit on Santa's lap.  She doesnt' always talk to people so we wondered how it would go.  She did sit on his lap but wouldn't talk. 

 Easton talked but I don't know what he said.  He has never really been shy around anyone his whole life though so that was nothing new. 

I didn't get any pictures of them looking at the camera but these are still pretty cute.  I can't believe Christmas is in three weeks.  Crazy!

I think I am ready!

So I have about a week to go until my due date and I am ready.  Well as ready as you can be to bring a new baby into this world.  I have both boy and girl clothes washed, bedding washed, bottles washed and ready, Car seat in the car, hospital bag packed.  We even have a list of boy and girl names. (We aren't telling anyone though so don't even ask) I am ready to find out if this is a little boy or little girl.  Chad is saying girl, I have no idea, Easton says boy, and Gretchen it depends on the time of day.  Random people at church and the store always seem to have an opinion as to what it is to.  I love it. 

Thankful Turkey's

Our Thankful Turkey's were a hit this year.  Easton and Gretchen both loved doing it and it was fun to see what they were thankful for each day. 

 Gretchen's turkey

 Easton's Turkey



Tying His Shoes

 Easton has learned to tie his shoes himself.  I am not bending over so well these days so it couldn't have been better timing.  We actually made a deal that he would learn how to do it before Christmas.  He wasn't a big fan of that idea at first because he says none of his friends tie there own shoes.  I love how he gets excited every time he does it all by himself.  I guess I should have put Chad in charge of the task sooner because he had him taught in one day. 

Playing in the Leaves

The past couple of days Easton and Gretchen have loved playing in the leaves. While Easton was raking the leaves into a pile Gretchen was posing for me.

I know here soon instead of leaves they will be playing in the snow. Gretchen doesn't stop talking about making snow angels and Easton can't wait to go sledding. My sister and I were talking the other day and I think adults need to start looking at the weather through kid eyes. Every season would be more enjoyable because it is new and different.

This is my 500th post!

35 Weeks

I am 35 weeks and it just so happens that I took my 1 and only pregnancy pictures with my other two kids at 35 weeks. I have to warn you these are not pretty pictures at all.

With Easton at 35 weeks we had a name picked out, with Gretchen and this baby not so much. It freaks me out that this time around we don't know if it is a boy or girl, plus we have no for sure names. We just can't agree it is horrible. Easton and Gretchen are positive it is a boy and Chad thinks it is a girl. I don't have any ideas as to what this baby is. Random people have stronger opinions then I do. I am excited and can't wait to meet this little person boy or girl.

Thankful Turkey's

A few years ago we did a thankful turkey countdown to thanksgiving.  I decided to do this again this year. 

 Easton and his turkey.  I think he truly thinks about what he is thankful for all day or he really just likes to write on a feather and glue it on.  It could really be either one.

 Gretchen gets it this time around and I loved what she was thankful for today.  She said that Dad can go to work.  I will post picture of the completed turkey at the end of the month.

Silly Eyes

Aunt Andrea gave my kids these eyes for Halloween.  My kids think they are totally awesome. 

Halloween 2010

Here is a few pictures of what we did to celebrate Halloween!

Carving Pumpkins!

 Gretchen wasn't a big fan of cleaning out the pumpkin. 

  Easton wasn't a big fan either but he was a good sport and did anyway. 

 Dad helping Gretchen draw the face of what she wanted cut out.

 Easton cut his own pumpkin face out this year all buy himself. 

Every year I have gotten there picture taken in there costume, but this year I did it my self and don't know if that was that Great of an idea.  Here are my best 3.   

 Here is our glowing carved pumpkins.  Nothing exciting this year!

 Then we went trick or treating with some friends and I had my camera and didn't take a single picture.  Oh well they had a good time.  Gretchen did get a little cold by the time we were done.  It has been a very Happy Halloween at our house this year!

Ward Halloween Party

We had our ward Halloween party last night to kick off our Halloween festivities.  Here is a picture of Easton and Gretchen before we left. 

 Easton is a Duck Hunter and Gretchen is Cinderella.

I didn't take very many at the party I don't know why. 

 Gretchen in the Cupcake walk.

Easton in the cupcake walk.

Chad and Easton playing a game.  Easton won!

Then they trick or treated and came home with a lot of candy.  I haven't stolen to much either, so yeah me!  The party was way fun!

Carmel Apples

 Last night we made some Carmel apples. 

 Putting the Carmel on.

 It takes a lot of concentration

 The apples in the oven.

 The finished product. 

Easton had a hard time eating it because he is missing two teeth.  We had to end up cutting it up for him.  He enjoyed every last bite then. 

A Dog!

My kids keep telling me they want a dog.  I keep telling them no we are having a baby.  I am not a huge animal person.  I like animals from behind a fence.  I love the zoo.  Anyway after seeing this last weekend my mind wavered for about 2 seconds. 

This isn't the best picture but they were both petting Bo and watching a movie at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Just a bunch of Stuff

This post is going to be about  a few things that have happened in the past few weeks.  First off I found this picture on my camera of Easton watching President Monson speak during General Conference.  Conference was good as usual.  Of course I missed a few talks do to kids, and my wonderful ability to fall asleep when I should be listening.  I am very glad that I will be able to read the talks in the Ensign. 

Last week Easton had his last soccer game of the fall season.  He did so good in soccer this year.  He loved it.  He was sad that the season is over.   He had a pizza party yesterday at his coaches house and got an awesome trophy.  I should have taken a picture but I didn't so just imagine an awesome trophy.     Easton is the one in the black sweatshirt. 

This is a picture of Gretchen at Easton's game.  Not the prettiest picture but she wanted me to take it so I did and I am posting it as well. 

Last night I was able to go to a Relief Society Craft night and make this cute pumpkin.  I think I might make another one if I can get chad to cut the wood for me.  It was way easy and fun!  I love going to our monthly Relief Society meetings and getting a chance to hang out with the fun ladies in my ward.  I love my ward!