Christmas with the Joneses

On Christmas Eve we took the boys to Bass Pro Shops to see Santa's Work Shop!! The boys had a blast and it was hands down the best Santa visit we've had (mom & dad especially)!! We only had to wait in line for about 10 minutes which is by far the littlest wait we've ever had to visit with Santa. They took a great picture together (which was free to take home) and sat with Santa for a while to chat about their Christmas wishes!!

They had indoor snow ball fights, crafts, range shooting and electric slot car racing!! It was nearly impossible to pull Parker away from the Winter Play land, but the great big fish bribe worked out okay in the end.

Christmas morning started after the boys woke up to get their first peek at the gifts Santa had delivered!

It was so cute how excited Parker got that Santa ate all of the cookie he had left out for him and drank the whole glass of milk.

Braden had the best Christmas morning hair!!

Parker's new 3-D Toy Story couch

Braden's new best friend is his Tickle me Elmo he got from Santa Claus!!

(and a close up of his chocolate face from stocking candy)

Parer got a new scooter from Mom & Dad

Now the boys have life size dinosaurs they can ride on from Uncle Bill, Aunt Sara and Billy!! LUCKY!!! and they are sooo soft!!

Christmas dinner was at Brian & Joanna's house and as always it was delicious!!

The boys were kickin' butt at Guitar Hero!

Up until the moment I saw this picture, we thought Parker was going to be the drummer in our family...

Wishing all of our friends and family a Happy and Healthy 2010!!

My attempt to squeeze a wonderfully busy weekend into one post!

Last weekend was full of family fun! We took the boys to the Candle walk downtown Golden on Friday night. It was so cold, but we all bundled up in our snow gear and braved the elements in order to watch the Christmas tree lighting & dropping of the wreath!

It was a joyful affair & the whole gang was there; Santa & Mrs. Claus, even 2 of Santa's reindeer, Vixen and Prancer made appearances! Parker didn't hesitate to yell at Santa about what he's been wishing for during the caroling, Parker yelled at the top of his lungs when he saw Santa (during Silent Night) that he wants "the dolphin thing that goes up and then down for Christmas." (the worst part is that Phil and I aren't completely sure what he's talking about). He was sitting on Bri's shoulders and we both busted up laughing and quickly left the crowd before the song ended!

Nicole's baby was due Friday, so we were all secretly hoping she would go into labor while we were doing the candle walk & we would have to heroically rush her off to the hospital, but Karsten made us wait almost 2 more days before we met him.

With all the activity going on, it was funny to find Parker enjoying this puppet show most of all! Bri & Jo said this guy sets up his puppet show at all the big events in Golden! The kids really loved it!

It was really neat the way they decorated the river walk with lights and I was amazed to see the river was frozen over!

On the walk home the Golden Fire Dpt gave Parker a tour of their firetruck! He was thrilled and asked them so many questions!! They really enjoyed sharing it with him!

Braden had been crying off and on for a while before we finally agreed it was time to get him home. It was really cold anyways; I think it was in the single digits that night!

Saturday morning we went to the Golden parade downtown!

I think the boy's favorite part of the day was the dog cart ride. They were gorgeous Newfinlands!!

I couldn't imaging their food bill every month...hard enough keeping up with Bozlee and Hannah!

Then Sunday morning me and the boys drove to Arvada on the snow packed roads for Kelly's baby shower. I think I frightened the passengers with my loud outbursts of discomfort while I was attempting certain turns or came to a part where I needed to use my brakes! I think it'll take me a while to learn to be comfortable driving in the snow like that...scary! I just don't like not feeling in control... especially with the boys in the car!! The van does really well in the snow though; certainly not four-wheel drive!

Baby Sierra is due near the end of January!! I can't wait to hold that baby girl!!

In case you can't tell, I love babies! What a transition from myself 5 years ago! I swore I wasn't going to have children and now, after having 2 of my own; I'm one of the biggest proponents for pro-creation I know!!

It's shaping up to be such a wonderful Christmas season!! My favorite time of year (and now with snow!)

Welcome to the World Baby Karsten

We got the text from Nicole and Josh at 3:45am Sunday morning explaining they were headed to the hospital because Baby Karsten was ready to come! Naturally, we were sleeping, but got the message that morning! Nic 'n Josh were not short on support during the labor! It was Bronco Sunday so the delivery room looked more like a crowded sports bar minus the beer. Everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves being part of this special day!! I highly doubt these 2 will have a shortage on baby sitters!!

Karsten took his time arriving, and was born on Sunday night at 10:45pm the 6th of December. Nicole was a champ!! When push came to shove, she gave birth in less than an hour to her beautiful son weighing in at a whopping 8 pounds even and measured 19 3/4"!!! He is perfect; all ten toes and fingers & has the most precious disposition!!

Once mommy spent some time with her new little man they laid him in his warmer. As soon as Karsten was laid down, Daddy was quick to engage him in conversation! They talked all about how Karsten's day had been so far, and he wished him a Happy Birthday! It was priceless to be part of their experience!! Thank you both for allowing me to share in this very most special day!!

After his wash-off, he met his Grandpa Brian. He doesn't know it yet, but these 2 will be the best of buds!! Brian thoroughly enjoys kids, so just imagine now that he's got his first grandson!!

It was time to get all wrapped up and ready to meet the family! The baby burrito wrap is a skill that comes with time and lots of practice! I love the new velcro ones that you just fold over and voila; baby burrito!

Proud Uncle Brodie was very concerned about sister throughout the pregnancy and both Nicole and Karsten during the labor, but relieved when he finally got to hold him in his arms & see how perfectly precious he is!!

Baby Karsten is less than a day old in this picture, but already so comfortable in his new world! Welcome precious boy; We Love you!!

Our 18 month older

Braden went in for his 18 month check-up with the doctor today. I know I know, a little late, but he's been to the Dr. twice this month; once for his flu shot, and the 2nd time wasn't feeling well, so the Dr had us come back for a 3rd time & they finally did his well baby check-up. Poor guy got 5 shots and was not a happy camper! Phil said that Parker insisted the Dr. check him out too, so he took off his clothes and the Dr. checked up Parker too! Funny kid!

On the subject of funny kids: we were eating dinner last night & Phil had left for a gig. Parker asked me if I had made the rice? Obviously I hadn't since Phil is the chef of the house. I asked why he wanted to know? He said the rice tasted like disgusting poop! I laughed because he so naturally assumed I had made the rice!

It makes me giggle to think about the difference between these two boys.

Parker at this age was in the 75th percentile for his age, which was coming down from the first year of life when he maintained the 90th percentile for both height and weight. I asked for it though. The entire time I was pregnant I talked about how I wanted a 'Gerber' baby, and that's exactly what I got! The first thing the Dr. said after Parker was born was, "you've got yourself a line backer."

Everyone knows Braden is just a little guy! He was born small & hasn't gotten much larger than he started out. But that kid has a huge heart! He loves to snuggle & gives us hugs! I love my little guy to pieces!!

Braden's 18th month results:

Weighing in at 23 lbs 1 oz = 12%

Height: 7% 27"

Head: 37% 18.7"

They are in a silly mood tonight!