Happy New Year~

The last big day of raking leaves(back in November) there was the biggest pile ever mixed with red leaves from our Japanese maple tree and it was gorgeous. So, of course, we had to take just a few pictures. Once the leaves turn red they don't stay on for very long and the last few years I missed them. This ended up being the perfect backdrop for our Christmas card pictures.

The two best ones even though Mikayla didn't want to put her green sweater on or put her hair down, I didn't even care. It's just true to life. It's a big deal for them even to pose for me, they only do it because they love Landen.

So sweet!

I really like this one too. If only Landen had a little smile.

Landen's 5 months old here.

Love it!

Daddy kept taking Landen's leaves away and he did not like that.

Zach wants nothing to do with it, but sweet Mikayla stays put so Landen doesn't fall over!

Such a little cherub!

Behind the scenes. Pun intended.

What a wonderful 2009 for our family! Praise God for all the wonderful blessings He brought to us, especially Landen Alexander! This will always be a special year because of you sweet boy!

Toofer boy~

I don't know why we say that, but we do. One of those silly baby talk things. It means Landen has teeth. Seems like he is in a big hurry to get all his teeth.

On December 6th Landen got his third tooth, his top right front tooth. As soon as it came in he decided it was ok to suck his thumb again. He also must have thought it felt kinda funny because he started feeling his teeth with his tongue and making these hysterical faces.

One sweet face just because I love it!

Trimming the Tree~

We wanted to get a smaller tree so allergies wouldn't be so bad this year, but we waited too long and this is the smallest we could find.

It was actually a great day to get a tree, only about 50 degrees.

Aunt Kelly came for a visit mid December and we were so happy to be able to buy and decorate the tree with her.

Aunt Kelly putting Landen's First Christmas ornament on the tree.

Tada!!!

Casey the Elf on our tree.

The beautiful ornament Zach made at school.

We keep debating about getting a fake tree, but we just couldn't do it. I think it turned out to be a gorgeous tree and I love the smell. No allergy problems so far and it will probably leave the house soon enough.

Merry Christmas!

Santa~

Landen was pretty much unfazed by Santa. We went to the one at the Children's Museum because he is usually nicer all around and we went on a weekday so there wasn't really a line. Plus you don't have to buy the picture, but we bought one anyway.

I like this one the best with everyone looking at Landen. Santa wasn't the most photogenic I have seen, but his beard was real.

Mikayla asked for a look alike American Girl doll.

Zach asked for a bionicle.

He talked to both of them for awhile and it didn't feel rushed. I think it was a great experience.

Merry Christmas!

6 Months~

Landen~ On December 7th you turned 6 months! I can't believe how time has flown by since you were born. You now fuss or cry when Mommy and Daddy leave the room when you don't want us to. On December 6th you got your 3rd tooth, the top right one, and you barely made a fuss. You never drool, you are smart enough just to swallow. You rub your eyes with the backs of your hands when you wake up like you are in a coffee commercial. You are starting to scoot a little, especially to get the remote. You say "aboo" a lot and I think you are saying "idie" for daddy. You mimic raspberries with Zach. You are wearing 9 or 12 month size clothes. At your 6 month appt. you were 19lbs. and 27 1/4 inches long. You are still following Mikayla's growth chart. And, on your half birthday was our first snow of the season!!

Not what I was trying for but I love how it turned out.

We also made a gingerbread house!

Not perfect, but very fun!

Christmas Programs~

I have given up trying to take pictures at school since they are always in the back row in the shadows, so pictures at home will have to do.

Handsome little boy!

Gorgeous girl! I'll really have to try to post the video of Mikayla singing Carol of the Bells with the Hosanna choir. They did amazing. It's the 4th grade tryout choir and they worked so hard. The music teacher kept saying, "They should'nt be able to sing this song!" But they did so good! Mikayla still loves to sing and it shows.

What a trooper! Two weeks of concerts and being lugged around during naptime and fighting a cold and he is still smiling!

Santa Baby~