Christmas 2009

Well, we survived Christmas, but just barely. It has been a crazy few weeks. This year we had our big Christmas Slumber Party with Bryce's family. Here are my sweet kids in their new Christmas jammies on their blow-up beds.


They went to bed pretty early. They were so excited for Santa Claus to come and were pretty worn out from such a fun week. Ethan did come out quite a few times to tell us we were too loud. I think he was worried that if the adults didn't go to sleep soon, Santa might never come.

Here's all the loot. Keep in mind, this was for all Bryce's extended family, too. But good grief!


Here's some of us after the pile was divvied up.


Poor Avery has been sick for so long and was really feeling bad during Christmas. She didn't want to open anything, so we just skipped her turn, mostly. This was her reaction to her present from Santa Claus.


The kids got some fun stuff, and I got spoiled with a new mixer. Yippee! Santa must love me.


Bryce's parents bought us a new carseat for the baby, so we are finally ready for her to come. Unless you count the messy house and Christmas decorations to be put away...oh and the whole sleepless nights thing. One week from today is the big day!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing all a very

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love, The Dopps

Christmas Pictures

We had our Christmas photos taken a few weeks ago. It was definitely an adventure. What crazy kids we have. Our pictures were taken by Cal Artistry. Here are just a few.


The whole family and then one with just the three kids together.


And here is one that didn't quite work out so well. Are anyone else's kids this crazy? Good grief!


Thanks Crystal!

Caitlin's Big Day

Last week Caitlin started preschool. We have been waiting a long time for her to get in and she was so excited. She will be going half day, 5 days a week. So, now I get to be in charge of entertaining Avery...with a new baby in tow. I sure will miss my little helper.


Her first day was Wednesday. I had been up all night with Avery throwing up. So it was a challenge to get breakfast and clothes ready for two kids on time. After Ethan left for school, we drove Caitlin over to meet her teacher and start class. She was a little shy, but seemed like she would be okay. Then right before I left she told me that her tummy hurt. Her teacher thought she was probably just nervous to start school, but I wondered.

So, Caitlin made it about an hour into her first day before she threw up into her lap during circle time. Poor girl! I got there and she was so sad and not feeling good. Some first day! I took her home to sit and watch movies with her sick little sister. By the way, I got it later that day and Ethan got it in the wee hours of the next day. We were a sad bunch. Luckily, it was really short lived and we were all feeling better by friday morning.

Caitlin was the least sick of any of us and was better that same night. I still had her stay home thursday, but let her go on friday. Which was really important because that was the first day she got to ride the bus. How great is it that they bus them to and from preschool? She was sooo excited to see the bus. Here she is waiting and watching out the kitchen window. (Don't judge my kitchen sink, we were sick...and a little lazy).


And here she is about to board the bus. Look at that smile!


My kids are all growing up. Sniff, sniff.