Girls will be girls!!

Natalie's wonderful Aunts helped to expand her dress up clothes from a few things to many new fun fairie wings, outfits, princess dresses and other essentials. And she loves it!! Who knew I could have such a girly girl!

Well, I thought I should include some fun pics to express my appreciation, and so others can see just how gosh darn cute she and her friend Ellie are when they dress up!

Natalie as Tinkerbell

Ellie as Sleeping Beauty w/wings!

In Memory of Grandma Mac

I took a few video clips of Natalie and Brayden with Grandma Mac originally for Jeremy since he couldn't be there. I thought I would share it with others who would enjoy seeing her beautiful smile once more.

I have two other videos but this one is taking so long that I will not be posting them. But I did want everyone to know that Natalie does end up hugging her! Also, the other one is her and Brayden...SO Adorable!!

We love you Grandma!!!

P.S. Video didn't load...I'll try later!! Still not working!!

Grandma receiving the flag at Grandpa's funeral

Grandma with the Flag

Jeremy, Natalie, and Brayden with Grandma Mac

Our Family with Grandma Mac

The holiday season is over!!

With all the anticipation leading up to the Christmas season, I find it unbelievable how fast it went by. To explain let me point out that we didn't get pictures taken, christmas cards sent(thanks for those who are on top of that-we enjoyed your letters!), gifts sent(sorry Trevor!), and did little to truly enjoy this Season to the fullest.

Growing up my family had tons of traditions set that we did every year. Christmas carol with a group of family friends in the back of a truck, decorating the christmas tree with our own ornaments, deliver christmas baskets to friends and family, enact the manger scene while dad reads the scriptures(although this one has become tedious as we all fight for who gets to be Mary, Jesus, and one year even an angel(sorry Lani!)), playing games and talking till our eyes could no longer stay open, opening up pajamas and cousin gifts christmas eve, and even to stay up all night christmas eve helping mom finish wrapping presents!

This year Jeremy and I were put to the test...we had Christmas here in Kentucky with just us and the kids and were given the task of helping to make there holiday season fun filled and meaningful! Daunting task for one who is used to others cooking, and planning the activities!!

We normally switch of going to each of our parents for the christmas season. This year we couldn't make it to the McRoberts because my brother Mike was getting married on the 28th of December in the Washington, D.C. Temple. We did see them in October for Grandpa Mac's funeral, and for thanksgiving(minus Jeremy) so we were able to see Grandma Mac before she passed away last week. We love you guys!!

I think we did a decent job of what we did with our children this season. When we came home from CA we were surprised to find the house all decked out with Christmas decorations. This was a surprise from Jeremy! He always does a great job(he even took it all down!). So Natalie helped me decorate the christmas tree while Brayden watched from the exersaucer. We also put a nativity in Natalies room and let her play with it, and explained what it represented. We kept in tradition by reinacting the Manger scene with our friends the Erwins who were nice enough to invite us over christmas eve, as well as carol to a family and brought them a meal. When home the kids opened pj's and one cousin gift and off to bed! I staid up finishing up things(such as wrapping the Hello Kitty backpack natalie had to have and we finally broke down and bought Christmas eve!).

Christmas day was fun filled with natalie handing out the presents and enjoying all the fun gifts we received. Thank you to all our family who spoiled us this christmas season!! But enough of my ramblings...I know you all are scrolling past this to see the pictures! So here they are...then I will post about my Brothers wedding!

Natalie and Brayden in the cute outfits Grandma McRoberts Made them(Note: cute smocking on Natalie's dress and the sleeves of Brayden's shirt have been fixed!)

First snow fall 12/5/2007

Natalie and Brayden in the Christmas outfits Grandma Bevans Bought them.

2nd Snow fall 12/14/2007

Jeremy and Natalie in a snow fight

Natalie choosing an easier target!

Brayden getting snow balled!

Sisterly hug after the fact!

Ward Christmas Party
Brayden's First Santa Pic

Natalie and Santa

Posing with Daddy and gifts from Santa
Mary and Joseph on their donkeys
Our Nativity

Christmas Morning in their matching pajamas

UPDATES!!! Hurray!

Okay, so I have had a few people comment on my lack of a blog. Sorry to keep you in suspence. I hope this first entry lives up to the dreams of so many.....

During the month of October we enjoyed many trips to the Cincinnati Zoo's Hallzooween. To the left is a picture of Brayden in his Racer outfit.

As many might know, we are a one car family. Usually I would drive Jeremy into work and then take the kids to the zoo. But we have been blessed with the Erwins moving into our ward. Heather has a huge car that can fit 9, and I have a pass to the zoo that can get us all in. Needless to say we have made many trips to the zoo.

We also had the opportunity of watching Ellie Egnew for a few days while her Mommy and Daddy were at the Hospital with her new baby sister Madeline. The Egnews are the greatest! We love having game nights with them and Liz is very instrumental in helping me keep our "midweek" or playgroup going.

I actually should be getting to bed since we are having our Midweek Christmas Party here tomorrow! Hopefully I will get caught up with our activities in November and such. I should be getting christmas letters out...but lets not get too excited about this burst of activity! I'll end this entry with more cute pictures of the kids during October.

Natalie(green wings) eating icecream at Hall-Zoo-ween with her Freinds John and Alexis Erwin(Pirate and Mermaid) and Ellie Egnew.

Natalie eating her icecream.

Caleb is another of Natalie's friends. I thought this picture was too cute! His mom Kauti(great friend!)still lets him have his pacifier and he just happened to get two in!!

Brayden in his Daniel Boone outfit riding his pony! He is ready to go carve pumkins at our friends Chris and Jessica Wells Halloween party.

Natalie in her Cowgirl outfit ready for the party. Both outfits are actually from Gymboree(I am an addict!) but I thought they worked great as easy costumes!

Introducing the McRoberts

Well, I am on facebook and have another website with messenger. but this seems to be the place! We will be keeping updates of our family happenings, and hope that it helps let our friends and family keep in touch. Hope you enjoy!