That's what friends are for

While we were at a friends house I stumbled upon Emerson and her friend inside of their reading nook quiet as can be. Emerson was receiving a haircut (Don't worry, plastic scissors.) She did need a trim. I guess that's what friends are for! 

Christmas Decorating

I try to do a Christmas activity each day during December to go along with our advent countdown. But, I must admit I failed miserably this year. Between being sick and tired most of December we were lucky to do a few things I had planned, none of which were on the day I had planned. A reminder that all we really need to in advent is "wait." Not necessarily keep busy. None the less we enjoyed one afternoon of ornament painting. It started out pretty tame and I was shocked by how "clean" it was going. I went to the bathroom for 3 minutes and came back to paint covered faces. Emerson was especially proud of her face painting. I knew it wasn't going to be that easy. The kids did a great job of decorating and we ended with a much needed bath.

Our Little Cubbie

Emerson started Awawnas in September. Children from 3-middle school age memorize bible verses each week and do fun activities. At first the verses seemed hard to me for a three year old to learn. But, it really is amazing to see how she has learned them every week. This is the night she got her vest and book. She was so proud of herself! We are thankful for how God works in the hearts of our little ones. 

This is her first verse memorized. 

And the motto!

Resting

Not a Baby Anymore

First Haircut

Awhile back Ezra had his first haircut. I loved it long with his cute waves. But, after several girl comments I figured I didn't want to have to put it in a pony tail. I requested that the sides would be left untouched since I loved the blonde curls. He got nice layers up the back and a couple inches off. 

Emerson was even treated to having her hair curled. Our hair stylist is great at keeping the kids happy!

He seemed okay with it.

Then not so much. Ha!

Here is with his new trim but maintained his little swoop on the sides. Sadly though this wavy hair in the back hasn't really come back. :( I had a little remorse after the fact because it made him so grown up! Although now a couple months later it's long again and in his eyes. I know Emerson wishes her hair would grow as fast as his!

Ezra 20 months

This guy is 20 months. Which to me is getting much too close to two. This month his conversation skills have picked up even more. He says, "It fall," "It broke," and "It stuck." Recently he has started calling me Mom. I'm sorry I thought you were one not six. This week he started saying, "It funny." Which of course we think is funny. The other day a kid fell off the bottom of the slide and Ezra started laughing saying, "It funny, it funny." We'll have to work on empathy. Also he has been asking for "help," and requesting his favorite jacket and boots.  He has started full on running instead of just fast walking. 

Ezra is also easily tickled by silly faces.

At least someone thinks I'm funny. :)

After a couple weeks of a light appetite with being sick he has picked back up with eating well. He enjoyed the holiday treats of fruit cake, sausage balls, and breakfast casserole. Although he has decided he doesn't like oranges anymore.  A favorite snack he use eat a couple times a day. He has grown so much into a little boy in the past couple of months I can't even imagine what he'll be like in October!

Hands full

I get the comment, "You have your hands full," a lot. But, I like what I once read in a blog post. They are full of good things. 

Happy Halloween

We are behind on post to say the least. So instead of Christmas I have Halloween! The week before Halloween we went to Earthfare for their celebration. It was really hot so Ezra didn't wear his costume. He was sweating like crazy in a t-shirt. They enjoyed painting pumpkins. Emerson's dreams came true when she had her face painted. 

I'm glad I took a picture of our her little gingham bows because they haven't been seen since that day. I loved the sign about the plastic bags. Ha!

The next week for the real Halloween Ezra got to dress up.

Ezra was our ferocious lion and had his roaring down pat.

Of course he was a companion to...

our Dorothy

The novelty of Ezra's costume wore off pretty quickly. 

We went to storytime at the library and Ezra was not too comfortable around all the costumes. He was especially suspicious of a skeleton.

Emerson kept in character and found the witch!

Signing a fun song. At the end they trick or treated around the library. I was glad this year it wasn't full of candy. More stickers and non-sugary items. We had plenty of that already! The funniest thing that happened was when the kids trick or treated at Dad's work. Ezra saw a full bucket that was intended for kids to come by and grab a treat. He took one candy from his basket put it in that one. Then proceeded to take the completely full bucket with him. HA!

Update

We're still here. Busy with this and that. Here's what we have been up to in iPhone pictures. Maybe eventually I'll get a real post up.

Packed an Operation Christmas Child Box. 

Played with the neighborhood gang. 

Ezra had a full belly

We hung out with Uncle Josh

I went Black shopping with the crazies. I guess I'm one of them.

Picked out a Christmas tree with Aunt Reba

Got a Christmas tree! But, waited a week to decorate it.

Had a concrete patio picnic

Welcomed a new niece/cousin.

Baked the delicious red velvet cookies

Had a park playdate with good friends

Emerson perfected her posing style

We saw Santa

Read a couple books

Went to Disney on Ice 

Ezra liked Goofy the best

Emerson liked Merida and wondered where Cinderella was.

Then we rested a bit

I'm glad he doesn't have trouble relaxing.

Merry Christmas!