rehearsing

We got to meet up with my friend Rachele while she was in town from Cali for literally a hot second, and she was sweet enough to bring the boys some treasures.  I was showing Declyn how to wear his mask book, and this was his imitation of me. 

And I can pretend my child's a genius and put this puzzle Rach got him together on his own, or confess that it was Mike showing him what to do. 

Off to Aunt Meagan's wedding rehearsal!

He insisted on wearing is backpack, although it almost weighed as much as he did and he kept leaning back, making me laugh. 

happy christmas

After opening one gift, Dec wanted to watch A Christmas Story with his dad.  I use the term watch loosely -- he probably stayed like that for just a few minutes before he was on to playing with his old toys. 

Declyn enjoying some of his stocking stuffers -- new sunglasses and a microphone, while I re-read again and again the best gift I got.  I always tell Mike that I feel like there's not a lot of pictures of the kids and I.  What does he do?  He takes all the ones we have and makes them into the most amazing book for me.  Not only are the pictures alone super precious, but he puts the lyrics to Garth Brook's new song, 'Mom', sprinkled throughout the pages.  [You can listen to the amazingness that is this song here].  I mean I was balling while reading the first page.  He's a real sweetheart, that one.

Mike and his artistic abilities.  

Getting in his daily time with our ceiling fan.  

Someone is starting to fill out 3 month clothes...

matching jammers

A little foreshadowing -- neither of my children paying attention to me. 

What has become a tradition -- matching pajamas for the grandchildren from my mom and a group picture of everyone in them. This year's theme? Polar bears!

The mutual love they share for each other is priceless. 

Not afraid to tell it like it is. 

gifts and good (eats)

Loving his Nanny on Christmas Eve.  Despite not having any clue as to what was happening, Keegan was wide awake and taking it all in. 

Although James looks stylish trying on his new jacket, I love the look on both of their faces.  To say that Declyn looks up to James is an understatement. 

Trying to rip open one of many gifts.  This was one of the only times he was actually interested in the presents, which I see as a good thing.  If only it'd last. :)

Brent and Declyn testing out the new kitchen set for CC and Pops.  My how the times have changed ... nowadays the grandchildren get a gift, and it stays at my parents house.  Life is officially coming full circle for them.

We were both really enjoying our Christmas dinner at Clydes.  I got to sip some adult beverages and this little guy got to catch some zzz's. 

Despite its minor blurriness, I love the look on Declyn's face.  This scenario is quite typical with these boys -- someone is always taking someone else's toy.

Mike snapped this gem while I was inside the restaurant nursing and him and Dec went to go watch the ice skaters.  My handsome little man, fit for a store window.

  

Why go to the bathroom to change a wet diaper when you have a completely useable booth?

Nanny getting some love.  This was Brent's face mid "Cheeeeeese."

what siblings are for

Now that Keegan has become super strong at keeping his head up, bath times are now shared with Declyn in the tub.  This was the first time I got to witness the two sharing a bath, and I loved how Dec dove right in with helping Keegs get clean.  Such an amazing big brother he is.

We like to keep things pretty casual, meaning non matching, during mat time at home.  Or just when we're home in general. ;)

Already sick and tired of my photos.  As Mike told me, he's probably saying, "Oh gawd."

the hulk does Christmas

Such a sweet little boy decorating his ice cream cone tree. 

Calmly placing the marshmallows on the icing.

His cousin, on the other hand, not so much.  James looked over at his brother, saw what he was doing, and decided to imitate this ...

I mean this was maybe three seconds into it.  I decorated the tree with icing, and Brent went to town eating it.

Sadly, I didn't try to stop him. 

fast friends

When I got done nursing I looked down and this is what I saw.  I hadn't even realized that Cali had been laying head to head with Keeg's the whole time. 

And of course this one has to protect whenever the opportunity presents itself...

even if it's just for a little tummy time.

sunshine on a cold day

Declyn is obsessed with the lawnmower at my mom's house, so for him to finally have his own was heaven for him.

I like to look at this photograph and see love.  In reality, they were arguing over the rake.  Regardless, it looks like they're hugging it out.

Jamie took this artistic-looking picture.  Love it.

Such a goofball. 

Playing hiding and seek in a flower pot.  Who needs toys when you have one of these? 

I don't know what it is, but I love Declyn's face in this picture. 

Hearing them talk to each other melts my heart.

arts and crafts

Drawing pictures at Ma & Pa's house.

The face of someone not being supervised.

Mike giving his niece some love. 

old man rivers

Old man is finally starting to fill out his newborn jeans.

Tiny, crossed feet are my favorite. 

Two bros enjoying a little TLC. 

Post bath.  Nothing beats the smell of a clean babe.

Ecstatic about all the festivities. 

pre-christmas celebrations

Always up for anything, Declyn had no trouble trying on some reindeer antlers.  Keegs smiled on approvingly.  

Dec and Parker being forced to pose in front of the tree while stuffing their tiny faces with goldfish.  Well, at least Declyn was stuffing his. 

More successful posing.

This little lady is obsessed with the dogs and gives them nothing but love all the time.