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.

Nice Day For A Baby

Just an FYI for those that are interested:
Unless she decides to come way early, Baby Girl will arrive by

C-Section on the morning of January 5th.

Happy Birthday Caitlin!

Sunday was Caitlin's 4th Birthday. I think she really enjoyed her birthday this year. She had been looking forward to it for a while. I had planned on having a party with friends for her this year, but it didn't happen. She still had fun and we got to spend lots of time with family.


Caitlin was excited to get a new princess castle for her birthday. They have been playing with it for three days straight. As I write this, actually. Caitlin is also really big on Barbies and was really happy that everyone else obliged with Barbie gifts.


I think this is the third year in a row that she has requested a Cinderella cake. She helped a lot this time with the decorations. She and Ethan covered it with sprinkles and she placed the candles in just the right spots.



Caitlin is really growing up. I get asked all the time if she and Ethan are twins. She will be starting preschool in a couple weeks and can't wait to ride the school bus. Ethan is so jealous! He has to ride to school with boring old Mom. She will be gone 5 days a week. I hope I can keep Avery entertained.

Halloween

Halloween is over and now I am eating my weight in candy. I swear that's all the baby wants to eat! She's going to come out asking for chocolate milk!


After Halloween I always separate the candy into two bowls. "Chocolate" and "The Kids' Candy". I'm not too mean, though. I let them have some of mine if they ask. But I was brought up in a family that strictly adhered to "The Halloween Dad Tax". I feel it's just one of the advantages to having kids. You get to pilfer their candy when they aren't looking. Anyway...back to them...


Ethan was Wolverine this year. It was quite an ordeal finding this costume. Not only did it have to be Wolverine, but it had to be the Wolverine with the claws. Not as easy to find as you'd think. But appparently, that is the most important part of the costume. So, after visiting 8 stores we finally found one with claws that was only one size too big and we snatched it right up.

By the way, anyone want to guess how many houses we'd been to when the claws came off for good? One. Yep, next door. The mask at least made it a couple streets over.


Caitlin was a cute Cowgirl. Although you wouldn't know if you asked her. Caitlin has a little trouble with her C's, G's and RL's. So, for Halloween, she was a "Towdah". But a very sweet Towdah she was. Even had a matching weapon.


Avery was Supergirl. That decision was made specifically on the fact that the costume came with boots. It's funny how kids have such opinions about things. I showed her a hundred costumes, but she just kept saying "Boots"!

By the way, sorry about the picture quality. Done with my phone.

The kids had a great time at our Ward's Trunk-or-Treat and in our neighborhood the next night. Mom is just glad it's done. Make way for Thanksgiving and Christmas! Yippee!

P.S. Bryce's birthday was yesterday! I don't have any pictures, but we had a good day. For old people, anyway.