Little Eater

At 6 months, we decided to start Nolan on some solid foods (I usually just skip right over rice or oatmeal and go straight to the veggies and fruits since I wait until 6 months to introduce solids.) He didn't seem to care for it too much at first, but after a few attempts he is now starting to get the hang of things. Of course, some things he likes better than others (he gags and acts like I'm trying to kill him with peas or green beans but LOVES bananas and pears!) After his first experience with prunes, I couldn't help but get a few pictures of the aftermath. I think more of it ended up around his mouth and on his bib than ever made it down into his belly!

Shining Star

To say that this little boy is loved would be a huge understatement! He is just so sweet and cuddly that we can never get enough of him!

He gives the best little smiles and is so happy during the day...

I tell him that I need to get in my "thousand kiss quota" everyday...as does everyone else. He doesn't seem to mind all the smooches!!

Ahhhhh...life doesn't get much better than this!

Nolan had his 6 month check-up this week and weighed in at a whopping 15 lbs even (10th percentile) and was 27 inches long (50th percentile.) We're not used to such a small baby but we love it because it makes it feel like he is still little even though he is growing up much too fast.

I have been reading a book recently that talks about finding your purpose and making something beautiful out of your life. There is not a doubt in my mind that the most beautiful things that Jason and I have created with our lives are these three beautiful children. I feel very blessed to have them call me "Mom."

Discovery Station

Jason was able to take time off between Christmas and New Years so we took advantage of our family time together. We watched movies, went shopping, painted our kitchen and played lots and lots of games!!

One of the highlights of the week was visiting the Discovery Station in downtown Hagerstown. We had driven by this place numerous times during our 4+ years of living here but finally decided to venture in this last week and we LOVED it!!

The kids really enjoyed learning about all kinds of different things including Japanese culture...

And things like the solar system, weather patterns, our bodies, the Titanic, airplanes, dinosaurs, etc. We only hit the bottom floor and then let them play in the enclosed child's learning center and they probably would have stayed there all day if we had let them.


The Discovery Station was built in an old bank building and here they are in front of the old money vault...

Nolan enjoyed the experience too from his perch next to mom...

The kids were very disappointed when it was time to leave and we all decided that we need to visit again very soon!

Christmas 2011

We reminded the kids on Christmas Eve that they were not to come down the stairs until we were all ready to come down together. The thought of locking their doors crossed our minds (yes, we have their locks on the outside of their doors!) but we decided not to in case they needed to use the bathroom during the night. Jason and I woke up at about 7 a.m. to some pretty excited children in their bedrooms and discovered that they had already been downstairs without us!! (I guess we needed to be more specific because they thought they just couldn't come all the way down so they peeked at their presents from the landing.) Needless to say, we missed their initial excitement at seeing what Santa had brought, but since only one gift was unwrapped, we still got to see the enthusiasm about everything else!

They were super thrilled about their stocking presents...

And Landon loved his new present from Santa...Superhero costumes!! (He will often run around the house in these cute little costumes while insisting that I sing the "Batman" song for him while he does it...you know the one. "Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na....BATMAN!" from the old TV show!)

Then it was time to open the gifts that they played with the most that day...their new cameras!!

Abby was also thrilled with her new jewelry box!

We let them open and play with all their presents from Santa while we waited for Nolan to wake up. Finally I went to wake him up around 8:30 so that he could join in on the fun festivities of the day. We took turns opening presents then had a wonderful breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes and OJ before heading to church and enjoying a wonderful Sacrament meeting at 1 p.m.

Breakfast ending up being our only real meal of the day. When we called grandparents later in the evening, the kids excitedly declared..."We didn't eat lunch or dinner grandma..just breakfast and candy!" Yes, that pretty much sums up our eating on Christmas day.

It was a nice and relaxing day. We missed being around family, but it is sure nice to be able to spend Christmas day in our own home!