Leneah's 7!!

It's very hard to believe that my little Christmas baby is getting so old! It seems like a short time ago we were bringing her home to our little apartment in Saipan. She is a wonderful big sister and is such a sweetheart.

Our Christmas Stars

In the midst of all the Christmas preparations I frequently found myself needing reminders of what the season is truly for. As I downloaded pictures of Christmas from the camera with the intent of posting some pictures of our Christmas to the blog, I came across these choice shots from our ward Christmas party. Dallin was asked to be the star of the nativity, with Angel Leneah and little mother Mary Kaela watching over him. The girls were so excited for the opportunity, and Dallin did a wonderful job looking adorable in his swaddling clothed carseat manger. I was worried he wouldn't be the peaceful baby we sing about in Christmas carols, but he was impressed with the stage lights, and I'm sure the spirit of the moment and just laid in his manger kicking his cute legs and sucking on his fingers. I love Christmas. I love the lights, the tree, the goodies, the gifts, the songs, the parties. . .but mostly I love the feeling of peace I have as I think of a tiny newborn baby being cuddled by his young new mother, who must have felt so overwhelmed with the knowledge of who her little son was and what he would do for us.

Merry Christmas from the Elfsingchs

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

November Review. . .Mid December

We had fun celebrating little cousin Reagan's 2nd birthday. Michael (Guygo, as Reagan calls him) and she (Yayen as he calls her) are so much fun. They are best of friends and worst of enemies one minute to the next.

Here's Dallin enjoying the party. He's grown so much in the month, and he's lost alot of his hair

I'm noticing as I write this blog!

Here's Dallin in his blessing outfit--SMILING!!! He's got a very fun smile. It's more like a silent laugh. The best smiles are available at 5am each morning, a special thank you to mom for keeping him happy all night I guess.

Here's Leneah with lost tooth #3. She lost this one at school much to her pleasure because the school nurse has cool tooth necklaces for the kiddos that moms don't have at home. She is going to have a gorgeous and expensive smile in the future because her baby teeth are forced out of her mouth by her impatient adult teeth, which are forced to grow in crooked. Those ought to be some fun bills.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY - O!

We got grandpa his very own baseball team for his birthday. They are the California Cousins, and they are looking to be pretty good. . . in the future. Dad gave the kids some tips and we had alot of fun with him. I remember going to softball games as a kid when dad coached at the high school and it was fun to see him in action again. Isn't he a good looking coach!

Here's Leneah playing catch. This is pre-pointers from grandpa, which would explain why she's got the glove on the wrong hand. We've got some work to do.

Kaela and her invisible bat intently listening to Grandpa's instructions.

Michael looking cute and innocent before he ran off and ran through a nice mud puddle.

The team minus Angie the photographer.

The fun finished with Dejongs Dairy chocolate milk, vienna fingers, and a quick ride through the parking lot in Grandpa's truck.

THANKSGIVING!! The Southwicks went away for Thanksgiving, so it was just us and mom and dad for the feasting. Harvey really wanted to cook underground so we had quite a feast for such a small group, but it was much enjoyed. I don't at all mind when Harvey wants to do the cooking! Here's Michael helping out with the pit.

Dallin's first Thanksgiving

Bringing in the feast. Don't you love our serving dish? It doubles as a fun kiddie ride when not loaded with food. Oh, and you could use it for yard work I guess.

Happy Harvey with the masterpiece. It was delicious!

The hungry family. Nanny was able to come over for Thanksgiving and we were also lucky to have my cousin Shannan and her darling little guy Cai for a visit from Canada, and Sara down from Fresno.

Here's our family with Shannan and Cai. They were here for a week and we really enjoyed the visit. Cai is almost one and is an only kiddo and grandkiddo in Canada. Our kids enjoyed playing with him and even taught him how to throw his first temper tantrum, much to Shannan's pleasure.

And now, our tribute to Disneyland. Our annual passes expired last week, so the kids and I made a few trips alone, and Harvey took a day off so that we could get in our fill until we renew our passes again. . .someday. Yes, I took 4 kids to Disneyland a handfull of times. I'm know that some people thought I was nuts, but we had fun. The kids are good, or I wouldn't even try it. I only lost Michael twice. . .not really.

We won Mickey ears as part of the year of a million dreams. The kids thought that was extra special. Doesn't Harvey look great with big ears!

Dallin enjoys Disneyland as much as any 2 month old can. He sleeps on me for the most part, but this Winnie the Pooh ride actually did interest him a bit.

Harvey flying with Michael and Kaela on Dumbo

My little bugs going to see the Bugs Life movie