Christmas 2010

We hosted Christmas at our house this year with the Barker family. It was so nice to have them here and to be able to spend time with them. We had fun doing the regular sort of things...lots of eating, game playing and just having fun hanging out together. It was also fun for Griffin to have his only cousins here too. It took a little bit to learn to share his new toys, but he really does love his cousins and they had a lot of fun playing together.

Ben reading scriptures Christmas Eve

Opening Christmas pajamas

Showing them off with his cousin Owen

Its nearly impossible to get a decent picture of

these 3 busy boys...

Owen (18mths), Isaac (4), Griffin (2)

ps. I really like this picture of Tim ;)

Opening presents from the siblings Christmas Eve

It was so cute after Griffin opened this present from Brian and Rachel he looked at it for a minute

and said, "It's me!"....and it was the cutest picture of him on the beach from their wedding. We love it!

Later after the kids went to bed we brought out the presents. We got G this train table and knew it would blow his mind in the morning. It totally did and he has been OBSESSED with it ever since. He actually didn't open any other presents until hours later that morning. I would like to thank you Mr. train table...my new babysitter, love of my life, BEST money I've ever spent!:)

Grandma & Grandpa Barker

Ben and his precious watch winder. Any of you who know Ben also know this brings him much happiness

Hours later opening his fire truck and other presents

Reading new books with Grandma and Dad

Very Festive

Dan & Chelsey hosted our annual friend Christmas party this year. It was hilarious I must say. Some good white elephants, great food and even better company. Oh and of course some mighty fine sweaters and festive wear as usual.

Here is Chelsey opening her white elephant...which happened to be original "Ben Barker" trading cards. Its a VERY long story that has come about over many years (and I wish I could tell it because it's hilarious....) the moment was priceless and

we were all laughing with tears.

Ben felt super classy all evening. Nothing like a turtleneck to make you feel good.

The boys-

ps. I'm not sure what my husband is doing in this picture.

I'm also not sure why I keep posting pictures like this and embarrassing myself.

I guess if you know him you'll understand :)

The girls

Thanksgiving

We hosted Thanksgiving this year. My whole family came to CA (except Joe & Ashley who were greatly missed). After braving a huge snow storm to get here (seriously- it was a blizzard for days and they still drove out. My dad is one hardcore roads-man :). Once they got out of Idaho and Utah the weather was great and we all had a great time. Ben took the boys out surfing everyday, we played lots of games, had a bonfire on the beach one night, ate way too much food as usual, got in some good shopping and just had fun spending time together. It was so wonderful and I was so sad to see them go. Benoni even ended the trip with a case of the chicken pox...thankfully we all have had a case of them and G has been vaccinated ;)

Daniel, Ben G, Ben, David

It was a first for some of these Idaho boys and they loved it

Griffin with his aunt Leslie

Playing with Grandpa

The Fam

Griffin helping Benoni play games

(or cheat as he usually does...)

The girls

A very Duma Party

We had a little birthday party for G to celebrate him coming into his manhood. It was construction themed (of course), with hard hats, dirt cupcakes, construction cones and a big birthday cake in the back of a Duma. What more could a kid of two want? We were going to have it at the park but that didn't happen (long story)- so we moved to the house last minute. We ate, opened presents, the kids played and we had a great time celebrating with our friends and family...

2.

Today my baby turns 2

I still can't believe it, and I'm guessing I will say that every year

He has more energy than any other kid I know and challenges me in EVERYTHING we do,

BUT I guess those are some of the reasons why

I love him so much.

He's not an easy going kid, but he is still adorable and has such a funny personality

I love this little guy to pieces and feel

blessed to be his mom

Here are some things about little Lou

I want to remember at this age:

-his favorite song is "wheels on the bus" and he sings it to himself in his crib often

-obsessed with all things "DUMA!" and also loves trains

-favorite movie right now is Cars...he's definitely all boy:)

-likes Pablo from Backyardigans and all things "Tom"

-favorite food is Pizza and also "beeps" (which is edamame)

-loves all things sweet- just like his mom

-life might end with out his "blanks" and "binks"

-really loves our cat Sophie and tries to carry her around

-actually loves going to nursery

-yells "mmmmmine" and "nnnnnoo!" way too much

-loves to talk about "mama's car" and "dada's car"

-loves wearing socks and always has to have them on

-is definitely a daddy's boy

We love you our sweet baby boy. Happy Birthday!