My tree (minus the star- it's too heavy...working on that)

A close-up of some ornaments

My Nativity is complete! 

 

This past weekend Tyler and I celebrated our 5th anniversary! It's hard to believe...We farmed the kids (and dog) off to grandpa and grandma Kent and headed up to Eden to stay at a lodge for the weekend. I think we both agreed though that we are not bed and breakfast/lodge/Inn type people. While most people we know LOVE these kinds of places, all of the ones we've been to (i.e. Armstrong mansion, Alaskan Inn) have just not really done it for us. I guess we are more the big city downtown hotel atmosphere type... But don't get me wrong, it was a great weekend-it was nice staying up late and sleeping in, then staying in pj's till 1:30 in the afternoon. :)

And here is my gift from Ty (no fair, we said the trip was the gift...) It's really cool, plaque mounted...eventually it will hang in our movie room downstairs, but for now it's in the office! (I tried to convince him to let me put it on the ceiling above our bed, but he wasn't going for that...)

Kyson started on real baby food this week, it was a slightly greater success than the cereal...He had peas and was really more interested in chewing on the spoon, but didn't spit out every bite (as evidenced by the next day's diaper!) 

This weekend is the big premier- I'm so excited! So I've changed my background (Ty will love that)in honor until I see the film. I really hope the movie does it justice. Then maybe Ty can learn how to make out like a vampire without actually having to read the books :)

This year Kaden is a pirate and Kyson is a turtle! This is the first year Kaden is really into holidays so it's been really fun. He even has an authentic pirate scar- he took a tumble down the deck this morning when he was walking while watching someone across the street...but he's ok! It looks tough! Here are some pics- enjoy!

Kaden's transformer pumpkin- thanks to his dad!

Kyson's Owl pumpkin

Darci and Ty's sparrow pumpkin

We had our family pics done saturday by Courtney Beck...it was super fun and I can't wait to see the proofs. She did post a sneak peek here, so go and see!

Well Erica came through for us and got some awesome pics from the party- here are a few!

Singing happy birthday (normally he hates when people sing to him, but he lOvEd it!)

Blowing out the candles

This bite was ALL frosting

cheeser

Opening up his b-ball hoop

He got a cool patch with his gift from Aunt Erica- he says "arrrrr maybe" (instead of matey)

Normally he hates his pic taken, but we lucked out this night!

With Gma Kent

His "puter" from Grandma C

I promise he was happy with these presents- he was just a little peeved at having to pose again instead of opening the boxes!

Kaden turned three yesterday and it was quite eventful! First we took a ride on the train to meet Ty for lunch in SLC- it was his first time on the train and he LOVED it! Then last night we had a great party for him with our family and friends. Thanks so much to everyone who came and or called to wish him well- it was the first birthday that he was actually excited for, so it was really special! Note to me for next year though- open the clothes presents FIRST, they are not so exciting after receiving Transformers and dinosaur stuff! 

In his seat

Watching out the window...

He LOVED it.

With the Kents

Cake from Sam's- I know I'm a lame mom, but SO worth the $ to not have to make it myself!

Baby Noah and his girlies.

Ky ready to party.

Mitz ready to party.

Reading one of his new books before bed.

Ky had his 4.5 month check up the other day-- he is 14 lbs 6 oz and 24 inches tall. That puts him at around the 25th percentile- Dr. says he's a "petite baby" but very proportionate (I would say square :) and still growing nicely. He is not really rolling over all the time (he HATES laying down at all, especially on his tummy), but he has almost mastered sitting up! I still have to watch him a little but he's getting good at correcting his balance and staying up on his own. We also tried some rice cereal for the first time and he absolutely refuses to eat it- he spits it out and looks at me like I just fed him dirt! I have a feeling he's going to have a sweet tooth- he already tries to sneak cookies from my hand.

And now for some sad truths confessed- I need a baby girl so badly that my poor dog has to suffer through this indignity (though in my defense, she LOVES it and refuses to go outside without her coat- she freezes!): 

fan-ˈtas-tik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English fantastic, fantastical, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French fantastique, from Late Latin phantasticus, from Greek phantastikos producing mental images, from phantazein to present to the mind — more at fancy
Date:14th century

3 fantastic : excellent , superlative

Me: Kaden, you're fantastic!
Kaden: (indignant) No I'm not!
Me: Yes you are- it means you're great.

Kaden: Oh, it does? Well then I AM fantastic!

This site looks like it's going to be cool- check it out: www.handbagplanet.com Right now you can enter to win a free bag!

Monday we decided to head over to Hogle Zoo with Grandma Carolyn...we spent 4 hours looking at EVERYTHING. It was perfect weather and not too crowded! Kaden said his favorite animal this time was the giraffe, mine was the baby orangutan, and Kyson had no comment. Kaden got to ride the carousel twice because we didn't know the adult standing next to him didn't have to pay...and we all rode the train too of course. I thought the train would freak out Kyson with the noise- but he patiently endured the ride and the whole trip without much fussing.  

Here are some pics:

He LoVeD this elephant thing- he wouldn't get off.

He was getting tired at the end of the day so gma tried to piggy back him- he was not into that.

Here's Ky right after his big blow-out at the end of the day

The beginning of the day

In the prairie dog exhibit

Drinking from the lion's mouth

On the carousel, first time around. The second time he rode an elephant.

On the train with Ky- he's unimpressed.