Little "Pip"

Well, here we go again!! I must be a sucker for punishment-I just can't say no to my kids (at least not for very long).  Jake has been asking for a puppy pretty much since we had to put Lacy to sleep but recently he has really been begging for one.  Dennis and I felt that maybe he really needs a puppy right now in his young life.  Most 11 and 12 year old boys dream of having a pup so we've been looking the last few weeks for one.  This little guy caught our eye.  He is 8 weeks old, his father is a toy poodle and his mother is a toy chihuahua.  They were both only about 4 lbs so Pip should be a little guy.  He took to Brad the moment he got into the car and loves Jake as well.  He already loves to nibble toes (and Brad's earlobes).  I sure hope I can potty-train this baby while taking care of my Eli, who still needs his momma most of the time (unless Ethan's home;)

Pinewood Derby-2013

Here's our Jake with his derby car for this year.  Ethan and Brad no longer do derby cars so Jake was on his own this year.  Dennis always cuts them out and the boys paint and decorate them.  This year Jake chose a spray paint that looked like rock.  After the paint dried, he put googly eyes on the front. I think his award was for the "funniest car" because of the eyes. He came in last most of the time but managed to squeek a couple of third place finishes and one second place. He had a good time and enjoyed the donuts afterward;)

Eli's First Haircut

Baby's hair was growing over his ears so we decided to give him a haircut.  He was sick and hated getting it done. I was surprised at how much it aged him!! My baby is gone! He was so sick at the time I took the bottom picture so I'm surprised he smiled at all. What a sweet little boy!

Grandma's Birthday "Surprise" :)

Here's Grandma's most special birthday surprise she has ever gotten I'm sure!! Little Miss Annaka came up on the 27th of December with her mom and dad (they had a wedding to go to).  Ellie arranged for me to meet them at the Draper Temple to pick up Annaka and take her to Grandma's for her birthday.  Grandma was at Relief Society and then ran errands for quite a while but she finally came home.  We had Annaka hide and told Grandma we had a birthday surprise for her.  We had her sit on the couch and close her eyes and then placed Annaka on her lap.  She was so excited to open her eyes and find little one there!  What a great birthday for Grandma!!

Christmas Afternoon

Here are the kids Christmas Day at Grandma and Grandpa Merrill's.  They loved getting gift cards this year and couldn't wait to get to Wal-Mart.  We had a wonderful time together and then enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner.

Christmas Morning:)

Oh my goodness!! There is nothing like the excitement in a house on Christmas morning! The kids just bubble Christmas Eve in anticipation of the next day.  I think the kids were up by 4 or 5 am this year.  Eli joined us at 6 and we started opening the gifts.  Eli's favorite for quite a while was his bell that Santa put in his stocking.  Ava and Jake both got the American Girl dolls they asked for.  Brad got a tablet, Ethan a new ipod, I got new running shoes and Dennis a running outfit.  Everyone received so much and we had a good time together.  We always start out our morning by singing a Christmas hymn and saying a prayer of gratitude for our Savior.

Christmas Eve Without the Momma!

This year Dennis and the kids went to the Ralph Family Christmas Eve party without me.  I was so sick! I thought for sure I was getting the flu and would miss Christmas Day too. Luckily, I felt a little better the next day and was able to join my little family.  Anyway, the Ralphs got together at Don and Jill's house again this year.  David and Carolyn's family was here this year because Andrew went into the MTC right before Christmas.  These pictures are of the kids acting out the story of Jesus' birth (with many angels;), all of the kids with the pillowcases that Grandma made for them, and Dennis and the kids.