The Christmas party of all Christmas parties...

Are you prepared? 

You might not be, so I'll give you another minute....

Ok.

I think you can handle it.

 There's a lot of ugly going on here. 

But not everyone can pull off ugly so well. 

Take for instance this amazingness. 

Who knew simply taking off an undershirt would transform your whole look. 

 

Ugly sweaters are not for the faint of heart.

Christy was such a good sport!

I'm not sure I would have let Matt go through with that kind of look!

Ryan is always so funny and crazy. 

We never officially voted, but I'm for sure he won our ugly sweater contest. 

I got to borrow one of the most loveliest sweaters I've ever seen.

Can you believe people actually choose to wear these things?

Mine even had stockings hanging from the chimney. 

So clever.

And the perfect size for holding important things such as chapstick.

Matt's ensemble was quickly and quietly stolen from my father's closet. 

You may have seen him wearing this at church before.

But maybe not anymore since he discovered it was used for our small group ugly sweater party. 

Oops.  

We played some crazy games like get the bread from your forehead to your mouth without using your hands.

Very tricky. 

The guys rocked.

The girls did not. 

We played lots of other fun games using ornament balls.

You had to pass it with your neck to the other person (without using your hands)

and see how many times you could do it in a minute.

It was hard. And hilarious. 

I was too busy laughing to take pictures.
But believe me, it was awkward and so funny.
You'll definitely have to try it.
Just be prepared to laugh harder than you ever have before.

After that sketchy game, the guys went outside to light things on fire and have an egg throwing contest.

The girls decided to play a game of catch phrase. 

Complete with wasket waste baskets. 

 Our group shot is on a different camera. 

But really this is probably all that one person can handle. 

You have to take ugly in doses. 

We LOVE our small group! 

I can't wait till next year's ugly sweater party! 

Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday Tripper!

You are 2!

My little boy is 2 already! 

Time really has flown by.

He still seems so little to me!

He is a ball of energy. 

so sweet. 

all boy.

an expert climber. 

he loves his sister incredibly much. 

he still loves to cuddle. 

prefers not to use too many words.

loves to eat.

tenderhearted.

and hilarious.

Tripp was born at 12:26 Christmas Eve morning. 

I tried so hard not to have him born that day. 

But really, I don't know if the 23rd would have been much different!

So we're still figuring out how to have a special birthday for him during all the fun Christmas bustle.

This year we celebrated on the 22nd. 

I'm relieved that he's still too young to really care about birthdays. 

It gives me a few trial runs to think of some fun traditions for my Christmas Eve baby!

We did a bubblegum birthday!

My children have a passion for their gum.

It might possibly be the first thing they ask you when you see them. 

We're working on that. 

When present time came, Tripp had no idea what hit him. 

He hid under the table and wouldn't come open presents. 

He just politely stated, "NO."

So Ellie gave him a few pointers.

You should have seen the look on his face when he saw what was in all that wrapping!

He just kept saying "Wow, Wow, Wow" over and over again.

And wanted each present completely out of the box before he'd go on to the next one. 

Tripper is definitely loved and spoiled! 

He was given so many fun boy toys by his family! 

The poor guy has played with girly toys for long enough!

After presents we did cake. 

This is Tripp's "everyone's looking at me" face. 

Priceless. 

Yum, yum!

He even gave hugs and said thank you. 

I was so proud and shocked. 

He's usually so shy he hides his face and won't look at you. 

He's growing up!

Happy Birthday our boy!

We love you!

Merry Christmas! 

I ran out of Christmas cards for friends after I was done with our enormous family.

We have loved being in Newton and cherish our friendships so much. 

So here's a "bloggy" version for you. 

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas! 

Love Matt, Rachel, Ellie, and Tripp

The Story of Tinker Bell and Peter Pan

Meet Tinker Bell and Peter Pan.

No this was not a Christmas party...but Halloween wasn't too long ago, right?!

We enjoyed having Halloween with some friends. 

There was a monkey, Spiderman, fireman, chicken, pirate, dalmatian, tinker bell, and peter pan in all.

It was quite a busy group! And so fun!

I had a few people ask if Tripp was an elf. 

He could pass as one. 

Whatever floats your boat! 

Things I learned about Tripper...

A few weeks ago, Ellie went to spend some quality time with Mimi.

(The kids decided to call her Mimi now instead of Mema. I have no idea why.)

So, while she was spending the night, I had the whole night with Mr. Tripperton. 

He's totally different when he's alone now!

He's so hilarious and I had no idea he could do some of the things he did...

I found out he actually smiles when I say "smile Tripp!" 

I had no idea! 

He sticks his face right up to the camera...

And this is what you get. 

Who knew!

We had some yummy macaroni (with salt and pepper of course.)

 He loves dipping his food and pouring seasonings. 

It's like a sport to him. 

 

And we had some quality time together watching Bob the Builder. 

And got to hang out with dad when he came home. 

Tripp actually talks too.

Did you know that? 

I didn't really believe people when they said he probably doesn't talk because Ellie says everything for him. 

I figured there was still plenty of opportunities for the dude to talk during Ellie's small pauses. 

I guess not. 

'Cause he talked a TON when he was alone! 

He even answered my questions. 

This is the night I found out he could say "NO."

Now he won't stop. 

But "NO" may also mean "YES."

Figure that one out. 

I also found out he cares about what clothes he's wearing. 

I didn't realize boys cared about that at this age!

I have to prove to him that the shirt I want him to wear is worthy of being worn. 

Trucks are very worthy. 

Stripes are not.

 Even if you try to convince him that trucks like stripes. 

And he has to pick his own shoes out. 

I try, but he never likes my choice. 

Ever. 

He still has to wear what we choose when we go to church or somewhere that matching is appropriate, but I guess it doesn't matter when we're just at home. 

I think my soft-spoken, shy little boy may have a growing stubborn streak in him.  

But he has the most hilarious personality that I have a hard time staying frustrated at.

Who wouldn't giggle at this?

I think we'll keep him. 

A preschool Feast

These are really old pictures.
But I realized I at least needed to blog about them in 2010.
Which limits my weeks to get it in here.
So here's a really out of order look
at a pretty amazing day in little Ellie and Tripper's preschool adventures.

Olivia and Leah put together an entire themed Thanksgiving feast complete with 2 crafts and incredibly fun food for the kids to eat.
They loved it!
They even made the yummiest food for the grown ups too.
It was such a fun day!
Thanks Olivia and Leah for doing all the work and making it so much fun!

First, they made some Indian vests and Pilgrim hats and collars.

While Tripp ran around the house taking in the huge amount of tractors and boy toys he never knew existed (Leah has 3 boys). He was in Heaven!

Then it was FEAST time!
They had sandwiches that looked like turkeys, pumpkin shaped jello, and corn.
Perfect!

After playing outside while the moms talked and ate, they came inside for their special snack.
Turkey cupcakes.
They were so surprised and in awe of our amazing turkey making abilities!

It's a lot of kids once you get them all together.

And that's the end of our Thanksgiving Feast adventure.
What a fun day!
I love being a part of such a creative group.
They think of the best ideas!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Ellie turned 4 on November 28th. 

That's really old. 

Definitely not a baby anymore. 

Not even a toddler. 

I have to start shopping in the older girl's department soon. 

She thinks she "graduates" to all different classes at church and Awanas now. 

She has no idea why she can still fit in her clothes either.

So, Ellie, at 4 you have learned many things.  

We have learned many things about you too. 

You have a huge heart for people. 

You love serving others. 

You see when people are hurt or need help with something. 

You even ask if they would like something to eat or drink when people come over to visit.

You are very emotional! 

Good emotions or bad, we always know how you are feeling. 

Which is good. 

Whatever you are doing, you always put your whole self into it. 

You are all girl, 

but can also put the smackdown on anyone (thanks to your father...he said it would come in handy someday.)

You love purple and pink. 

Princess is your favorite past-time...games, playing, dressing up, dancing, singing...you are a princess! 

You love crafts and creating. 

You are a huge help to your momma and a terrific big sister!

You are so amazingly helpful with Tripper and always want to make sure he is safe. 

He learns so much from you.

You asked Jesus into your heart this year. 

On your Auntie Jess's birthday, actually!

You like hearing all about Jesus and Heaven. 

You want to drive there and would like to go right now. 

You can't wait to see Cora and make sure Jesus knows who she is. 

You also want to know if Cora can have Lucky Charms and yogurt.

You are very sensitive about Jesus and how to get to Heaven.

We pray and try hard to help you understand all your questions. 

You are so loved Ellie! 

We enjoy you so much and love watching you grow into a little lady. 

Ellie wanted a jewelry birthday party this year. 

Here's a peek at her special day!

Levi gets slightly smothered by his cousins. 

They just love him so much! 

I think he's gotten used to it a little bit!

He even tried to kiss Ellie!

You should have seen her face when she saw all the presents coming!

These pictures are so funny!

She's totally not shy, but it's this half smirk/frown/trying not to smile look she does when she knows she's the center of attention at the moment. 

I'm so glad Jess got them!

Along with all her other special presents, she got a princess bike. 

Because her mother backed up and hit the princess bike she used to have. 

Bad mother. 

The boys really enjoyed the jewelry theme. 

 Happy 4th birthday our sweet girl!