Sledding!

We get plenty of snow but never seem to find a good day to go sledding. So today was our first trip of the year. We usually go to a local high school and use the hill made by their football stands. It is perfect because it isn't too steep for at least Gage to walk up by himself with his sled. I was a little nervous about how Tanner would be. This would be his first sledding experience. We hooked up with the Lessigs and had a great time!

Tanner absolutely loved it! Poor Mike had to carry him and the sled up the hill over and over again.

I can't believe all three of us made it down in one piece!

Landen and Ava rode together but weren't quite sure how to both help carry the sled up the hill.

They were soooo cute together!

That's hard work!

The big race. I am not sure who won. I think a few started before I said, "Go."

Gage and Zach took off by themselves. They probably should have been wearing helmets the way they were scoping out the jumps.

Somehow, I noticed Landen weasel his way out of carrying the sled. Poor Ava toughed it alone up the hill with the sled for the second half of riding.

After Christmas

I complain a lot about Mike's job not paying the greatest, but I do have to admit his benefits mostly make up for it. One huge perk is getting two weeks off at Christmas. Some of my favorite moments are lounging around in pjs for a few days after Christmas with Mike and watching the kids play with their new toys.

Gage tried really hard to put this lego toy together on his own, but some of the colors looked similar making it difficult. It took both of us three days to complete it. I don't think I ever want him to take it apart after all that work!

The boys love the Zhu Zhu pets and funhouse.

Tanner is wondering when Mike and I are ever going to put his beloved train track together.

Love these cars that don't transform but look like the cars on Transformers.

Ady got a new four wheeler for Christmas that Tanner had to try out. We brought up Gage's four wheeler he got for his 1st birthday, but it finally died and we couldn't get it to work. I don't know how happy Ady was to share.

Gage loving holding baby Iylah. He is begging for a baby sister. I told him if we have another baby he wouldn't get to choose. It could be another brother. I don't know how he feels about that.

My mom's attempt at getting a picture of all the grandkids together. We didn't quite get one Christmas Eve so we had to try a few days later.

Landen got a new Nintendo game that he is loving. Mario Party.

My parents love to come a few days after Christmas and check out all the new toys. Finally, the track is complete.

Gage is explaining how all the traps work on his Indiana Jones Lego set.

Tanner showing Grandma his workbench. He really hasn't built anything yet.

I think Tanner likes the Zhu Zhu pets the most out of all the boys.

Gage got a remote controlled helicopter. It is really hard to maneuver.

Grandpa is even having a hard time controlling the helicopter.

Merry Christmas!

We had to wake the kids up bright and early Christmas morning. Well, 7am is early for me. Mike's brother Matt wanted everyone over to Greg and Vickie's house by 9am sharp! They would be moving soon and this could possibly be their last Christmas in Utah for awhile. So, they had a packed filled day of visiting family. Gage and Landen woke up easily, but Tanner was a different story. He cried and whined pretty much the entire morning until he finally opened up his last present which happened to be a set of Thomas Trains. If only I knew that would satisfy him, I would have made him open it first! We will for sure let the kids sleep in next year!

Landen received more Transformers. The age to transform these little wonders says 5+ but honestly I think you need a doctorate to figure them out!

Pixos for Gage.

A work bench for Tanner.



Gage's big present this year was roughly a 1000 piece Indiana Jones Lego set. I wonder who will get stuck putting this fun toy together.

Rocky the Robot.

Aaah, finally the trains! One happy Tanner.

Mike surprised me with some Dansko shoes. A lot of nurses wear them because they form to your feet and are very comfortable. Unfortunately I kinda knew about this gift because I saw the email from Nordstrom confirming shipment. Oh well, he tried.

I surprised Mike with an email confirming his registration for the Ogden Marathon. Not the best gift on my part considering he was going to enter himself. Money is tight these days. Sorry babe!

We arrived at Mike's parents house right at 9am and of course were the only ones there. It didn't take long until the commotion of many grandkids opening presents started.

Gage received some golf clubs and Landen got these awesome cars that were small like hot wheels cars with a picture of a transformer on them. No transforming required!

Thomas Train Track. Perfect!

My in-laws are kinda hard to buy for simply because they just go buy things themselves. We went in together and bought Greg an i pod shuffle because supposedly he is going to take up running.

I was really excited to give Vickie her gift because I knew she was going to love it and I think she did! It's a desk calendar with pictures of all of her grandkids. I think she will be getting this every year.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing and letting the kids play with their toys. I was supposed to work a six hour shift tonight but was canceled. Yeah!

We had a great time and are so blessed to be able to share this day with our wonderful families.

Whiting Family Christmas Party

With all of Mike's cousins getting married and having kids, the Whiting family parties have started to have to be held at a church. I am loving this because my kids have room to roam and I don't have to worry about them breaking anything.

We always get together during the afternoon of Christmas Eve. We had pizza and chips which Landen got his hands on. I really shouldn't have let him eat the chips since this is when he is most at risk for bleeding, but he kept sneaking some when I wasn't looking. I could tell Landen was feeling a lot better. He was up playing with his cousins. After those first few horrible days, I never thought I would see him this active so soon.

Tanner always hangs out where the food is.

Gotta Love The Wii

Mike's parents have a Wii and no one ever really uses it. They said we could bring it over to our house during Christmas break. I think if we were ever to get a gaming system, it would be the Wii. I don't really like video games, but I feel like the kids are at least being somewhat active when they play the Wii. Here, Mike and the kids are playing Mario and Sonic Olympics. Tanner is so cute. He thinks he is playing when he holds the Wii controller.

I mostly wanted to post this because they have pictures of how skinny Landen has become. He pretty much has lived in his t-shirt and underwear because that is all he felt like being in. He feels so much better, but I can tell he lost a lot of weight from having his tonsils removed. Landen's face is sunken in and his legs seem extra skinny to me. I wish I would have done a before and after weight. Losing a few pounds on his already little body is a lot. He is drinking better now, but hopefully he will feel like eating more soon.

These boys are in it to win it!