New Stuff

New Hair-Do's: Yes, those are little spikes of hair behind those bows! I have so much fun now that Tori's hair is just long enough to play with.

New Glasses: Tate snapped his glasses in half during a temper tantrum in November. They have been held together with tape, a paper clip, a twist tie, and epoxy for two and a half months (look closely at the picture above). He saw the eye doctor last week, and we are happy to announce that his eyes have improved! So he got new glasses with a new prescription. Good news all around. And Tate was sure to thank Heavenly Father in his prayers for his "glasses without tape on them."

New Skills: We took Tate bowling for the first time on Phil's birthday. We had a lot of fun and Tate found a new sport that he loves. His favorite part was to push the ball down the lane without the help of the ramp . . . and watch for the next ten or fifteen minutes until the ball finally met the pins.

New Tooth: Tori's first tooth broke ground a few weeks ago. She now has a cute, lop-sided little grin.

Note: Cute, lop-sided grin not pictured above due to lack of cooperation from child.

Pictures

Oh, about two months ago now, I had Tate and Tori's pictures taken. You may have noticed a few of them elsewhere on the blog even though I hadn't had a chance to post all of them yet. My sister-in-law's sister took them and she did an amazing job. I would highly recommend her. Go to www.cupcakeimagesphotography.com for more information.

Oh, and if Tate's smile looks a little fake in some of the pictures, it's because it is. And if Tori looks a little bit grumpy, it's because she is. It's amazing how a good photographer can turn less than ideal circumstances into some pretty awesome photos.

Having Ourselves a Merry Little Christmas

MERRY BELATED CHRISTMAS! Below you'll find picture evidence that we did in fact celebrate Christmas, even though we are slow to post about it. We had a fabulous time celebrating our Savior's birth with wonderful friends and family.

"I'm so excited for Christmas I could pee my pants! (But I won't, cuz mommy will cry.)"

"My trike is bigger than yours!"

"Hee, hee. I've got a nicer ride than mommy!"

"Weeks of looking and I finally get to touch!"
"Just what I always wanted. A ginormous box!"

"This is it?"

"I'm melting, I'm melting!"


"Now turn that camera off so I can eat this book in peace!"

"Are you sure this is traditional shepherd garb?"

"No, really. I don't want any presents! I've been a very bad girl, I promise!"

"When can I stop pretending to like this guy?"

I love to see the temple . . .

We spent the evening at temple square, marveling at the beauty of the temple and all of the amazing lights. Which, by the way, do not come on until 6:15 PM, no matter how dark it is at 5:30. Just in case you were wondering :)

Tate was so excited to see the temple. He just stared up at it for a few minutes and when we tried to pull him away so we could go find the nativity, he pouted, "Ohhh. But I wanted to get married in the temple." I grinned proudly and told him that when he got big he could definitely get married in the temple. When I asked him who it was that he wanted to marry in the temple, he said, "Jesus."

Tori enjoyed temple square from the comfort of her stroller, swaddled tightly with several blankets. Doesn't she look just happy to be here?

This picture of Tori is from a the other night after bath time. Check out that hair! Now if it would just get a little thicker and a little longer . . .Oh, the possibilities!!

A Note To Brazil

Tate has a message for Uncle Elder Ralphs serving in Brazil:

Tori didn't want to be left out:

Oh, and don't forget:

We love you, Tyson! Hope you have a very Happy Birthday and a Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Halloween

I think Tate is convinced Halloween is better than Christmas. Parties, candy, dressing up like your favorite characters . . . What could be better?

Trick-or-treating at your school halloween party.


Playing Halloween Bingo.

Carving Jack-O-Lanterns.

Waking up early each morning to count your candy and get into character.


Making Opa your faithful steed.

Rounding up your little sister, the cow, for some pre-trick-or-treating pics.

What a great holiday!

Hats!

Yay for cool weather! It means that my knitting hobby can actually be put to practical use. Although I love knitting little baby hats year-round, it feels a little more satisfying in the fall when the hats actually get worn. This time I decided to make new hats for Tate and Tori.


This one ended up being a lot of work, but I think it turned out pretty cute. Or is that just the baby wearing it?

Back view. Isn't it darling? Oh, and the hat doesn't look bad either :)



This little pink one turned out really sweet, but it has since been all stretched out by two playful little hands. Oh well.

Tate's hat turned out a little big, but he loves it anyway. Check out this impromptu hug from big brother. How sweet is that?!

Close-up view of Tate's hat. Even though my dad says it looks like he's growing mold on his head, those little green bumps are actually tiny turtles.

I can't take credit for this cute cap. My friend Janie crocheted this, a skill I plan to learn in the near future. Thanks, Jane!