not so little anymore...

As long as I've had kids (for almost 12 years), people have told me to enjoy them while they're young, they grow up so fast, some day they'll be grown and have kids of their own, etc.

 I do enjoy them.  A lot.  I really really love these little people.  So, today while I was putting some of Mara's clothes away I noticed how big her dresses are.  Seriously.  How did she get so big?  Last night when I made the rounds, checking on everyone before I went to bed, I noticed how big Milo looks in his bed.  Seriously.  Like a little boy, not a  baby.  Alex and Ashton are both so tall.  Alex is going to be in Junior High.  JUNIOR HIGH!  How did this happen?  And then it hit me. Hard.  They are growing up.  What?!  Alex was just a baby, like yesterday.  Some day they are going to be grown-ups and maybe even have children of their own.  Of course I've known this all along, but it just hit me yesterday.  They're not going to be little forever.  My heart broke in a million pieces.  And then I ate a brownie.  A big one.

Ashton's Baptism

Ashton's baptism was such a sweet day.  We did the baptism earlier than the scheduled stake baptism so that Grandma and Grandpa Brunt could come, and we're so glad we did.  It was really special to be able to do the baptism all by ourselves and have Grandma and Grandpa there.  Alex and Grandpa Brunt spoke, and Ashton, Mara, and Alex sang a song, accompanied by Grandma Brunt.  It was a special day.  One of the sweetest.

Eight is Great!

It totally blows my mind that this little guy
has now become this little guy. 8 years old! I can't believe it, and yet it's true. Ashton has turned 8.

This year we wanted to do fun family activities instead of having a friend birthday party. Rob took the kids to the Museum of Natural History, and he took Ashton skiing - just the two of them. Super fun, right? Anyway, Alex didn't think it was enough so two days before Ashton's birthday he asked me if he could throw Ashton a surprise party.
He did the decorating all my himself.
The morning before the party, while Rob and Ashton were skiing, Alex and I went to the party store with the list he had made.
He chose the treats and got everything ready. They even had a pinata.
Alex rounded up all the neighbor kids (there are a lot!) and we hid in the basement. When Ashton came down he was so surprised and excited! Alex even did all the entertaining! What a breeze, and Ashton was so happy and filled with love for his brother. It was perfect!
On the morning of his birthday Ashton requested breakfast in bed. Which promptly ended up on the floor. He also asked to be surprised by having his room filled with helium balloons (we do it every year for everyone).

It has been a wonderful 8 years with Ashton. He is a super sensitive, caring, funny boy. He has a lot of passion and energy. He speaks French like a champ! He always tries to do what's right, even though it's really hard sometimes. Oh how we love this boy!

missing a few things...

Ashton lost THREE teeth! That's right. Three teeth right in a row. I love his cute little face!

4!!

On my birthday this year Mara and I got mani-pedis. So when we started talking about Mara's birthday, she thought we should do it again. I think it's a good tradition.

Mara wore her birthday crown and the people at the nail salon made such a big deal over her.

They spent extra time painting really cute flowers on her big toes - with sparkles even.

For her birthday she told me she wanted a cupcake with pink frosting. Surprise! It's a giant cupcake - cake. She thinks I'm the coolest mom ever. It's no big deal. Whatevs.

What else could we do for Mara's birthday than have a Fancy Nancy tea party? Nothing, really.

First we got all fancied up...

Then the tea party...

We had pink lemonade, strawberries, heart shaped peanut butter sandwiches, and mini cupcakes with raspberries on top.

we did some crafts...

...and finally dancing!

It was a perfect party - just like our girl! We just love this little girl! She brings so much joy and sweetness to our family. Happy birthday Mara!

Star Student

Ashton got the Star Student award this month at school! He's such a good boy. I'm proud of him for working hard at school.
Ashton thrives on positive feedback. I think we'll be enjoying the benefits of this for a long time (fingers crossed). He was feeling so proud of himself. The day of the awards assembly he was so excited he could hardly wait! Rob and I were both there to see him, which he was really excited about. We're really proud of our boy!

December

We had such a great December. It was filled with great family time and fun times with friends. We all really enjoyed the whole season. Here are a few highlights.

Mara gave me a makeover with the makeup she got for Christmas. She loves makeup. That's all she asked for. Thankfully, though, she loves it so much that it's now gone.

Giving Daddy a makeover.

Milo and Owen. Milo got that little 4 wheeler for Christmas. He didn't want to share.

The nativity cast... We had the Jones family come for Christmas this year. It was really fun. We were especially glad that my mom and dad could come.

Making "gingerbread" houses with some friends

He was so proud of that thing! We had to display it on the piano for weeks.

Mara was a mouse in the Nutcracker this year.

She was the cutest mouse ever!

Alex and Ashton had a piano recital at the Festival of Trees. They both did a great job.

my kiddos

I love these guys!

Thanksgiving 5K

We ran our annual Thanksgiving 5K today. Ashton won! He came in first in his age division (6-10) and 2nd (by about 5 seconds) in the youth division. We are so proud of him, and he is so proud of himself.
Here he is with his prize...a turkey.
Alex did great, too!
I love these boys!

halloween fun

Mara at a preschool Halloween party...
This actually has nothing to do with Halloween, but I wanted to put it in here anyway. Milo falls asleep during lunch about 90% of the time. Isn't he so cute? Look at those eyelashes. (sigh) I could just eat this boy up.
He'll totally keep eating while he's asleep, too. It's hilarious.
Ok. Back to Halloween... Here's Rob with Milo at our ward trunk or treat. It was a great party.
We had a fun day at Thanksgiving Point with the kids. I've been there before in the fall, but for some reason this year seemed so much better. I'm not sure why. Anyway, we had a great time.
The entrance to the corn maze

Mara getting a lift from daddy
Ashton had a hard time steering. It was kind of big for him.
Ashton's class Halloween party.
The traditional pre trick-or-treating Halloween feast
Dracula
witch
getting ready to go... Ashton is holding the candy - just so we don't miss anyone who could be walking by
And here's Alex in the mix. Alex got to go with his friends this year. He's getting so big. :(