As we were taking tons of pics over the holiday we began to see a pattern. It was hilarious at first and then we realized that this was Avery's new pic face. Whenever she was getting her pic taken by herself and we would say smile, this is what we would get. I couldn't resist posting these adorable pics! Enjoy!
We had a wonderful Christmas celebrating with our family. Here are a few pics of the fun.
Team work, it doesn't happen as often as I'd like, so I have to acknowledge it when it does happen. Anything for a present-huh?
Celebrating with the Koster Family
Mema reading to the kids
Diana reading to the kids
Avery giving Mema kisses
Papa chatting with Jackson and Jaideyn. This is one of my most favorite pics. Priceless!
Jackson and Uncle Chad
Our baby is 6 today. I can't even believe it! He is growing up way too fast. Happy birthday Jackson! I love you so much! I can not believe how much of a "big boy" you are. All I can think about is how you used to hold your hands over your eyes whenever you were drinking your bottle as a baby. Where has the time gone? I am sad- but thankful. You are such an awesome boy and you are learning so much. You are learning to read and you can write. I am still amazed every time you write something down. I am so proud of you. Ok- the tears are flowing- so it is time for mom to be done with this post. I love you so much bubba and I pray for you every day! May God continue to work in your heart!
Tim and I gave Jackson a Game boy for his birthday! He was very excited. Just another sign that our baby is growing up!
Jackson "posing" with his new scooter.
Enjoying playing games with papa!
Last night we had observation time at Jaideyn's dance class. She is in a tap and ballet class. It started in September and usually we just have to drop her off and leave. We can watch through the window, but we aren't allowed to be in the room. So, this was a very exciting time for Jaidey and us. We were able to stay for the whole hour and watch. Of course we all had to check it out. This was a very special time for me as a mother. I was watching and had to laugh because Jaideyn can not possibly do two things at once, she tries so hard but it seems she is always one step- or two behind! I must also admit that I was living vicariously through my daughter. I never thought that I would be that way, but there I sat watching and was reminded of the thoughts I had as a youngster longing to take a dance class (sorry mom, I know I have never expressed this to you- but it's true!) Anyways, I was so proud and happy to see my little Jaidey enjoying herself and doing so well at something she really loves!
Yup, that's Jaideyn in the middle- a little off, but doing her very best!
Mommy is so proud of you Jaideyn!
Tonight Avery got a haircut and we said goodbye to the mullet. She has had it cut before, but not this much. We told Heather to cut as much of it off as she could without making Avery look even more like a boy!!! We did not want to go from mullet to bowl cut, so she did her best. Only time will tell how it's going to look, but so far we think it is much improved!
Funny story-before Heather started cutting she asked me what I wanted her to do. I asker her what her advice was and we were discussing it. Diane (who is in the background) came over to look at her hair to give her advice. The first thing she did was turn to me and say "well, what are you doing with those bangs?" I instantly busted out laughing and my only response was "good question!" It may not sound that funny now, but if you are familiar with Avery's hair- you know that I have been wondering what is going on with her bangs for a long time now and it was hilarious to me that that was the first question Diane asked. I explained to her that we have done nothing with the bangs. Unfortunately that is just how they are growing. I guess God has a sense of humor also!!!
Anyways, Avery did a great job and sat nice for her haircut. She looked so cute sitting in the chair with that big cape on. Although it may sound shallow- please continue to pray that Avery will eventually grow some hair (and some bangs!!)
Here is Jackson being a silly boy as usual. He is modeling the Christmas tree for me!
The finished product! We started out by sitting down all together on the floor and talking about the Christmas season. We talked about Jesus' birthday and all the real reasons for Christmas. It was really pretty neat. The kids knew all about it. Sometimes you wonder how much they really take in and remember. But, they didn't forget the Christmas story. After our talk we got all of the stuff ready to put up the tree. Jaideyn insisted that she must wear her Christmas dress for Jesus as she decorated his tree. I was kinda mean and wouldn't let her wear it because she had to wear it to church the next morning, so we compromised and she wore last years Christmas dress!!! (Oh the things that are so important to little girls!)
Daddy helping Avery put up ornaments!
Jaidey putting up her favorite ornaments!
Tonight santa was at Family Fare. We thought that it might be fun for the kids to go and see him and get their pic taken with him. Of course all 3 of the kids were afraid of him. Finally they agreed to stand next to him if i went with them. I was so excited to sit on this small bench next to the very large and strange man. "talk about uncomfortable and slightly creepy!" I now realize why the kids don't like to go by santa. I certainly did not like it very much either!!! Avery wasn't very excited to see santa either. Below are pics of what she did the whole time!
