Carter-Bug is 5!

It really is hard to believe. Has five years really passed since we held that sweet little baby in our arms? To know Carter is to know an average, very active boy who is very soft-hearted and polite. Carter loves kitty-kats and is tender to all living things. As we were reminiscing last night, Carly told about the time that she, Carter and Grammie (Carol) were riding together in the car. Carter was in a rear-facing car seat so he couldn't have been too old. Carly told Carol that Carter could say Mommy, Daddy and Kankoo (thank you). Carol, a retired school teacher just smiled knowing that babies that young can't typically put two words together. Just then, Carly reached back to hand Carter a bottle when a little voice piped up with, "Kankoo."

We love you Carter! Hope your day was great! P.S. What's with the pink bandanna?

We Have a Unique Family

"Inside a snowflake, like the one on your sleeve, there happened a story you must see to believe."

You already know about Jordan's lotion-phobia and Lyndie's eyes but did you know that Kyle has this hair - a lot of hair. Last night before Andrea cut Kyle's hair she created a 'do' that is very reminiscent of Drew Lou Who, Stu Lou Who or Whobris in the movie The Grinch. What do you think?

Lyndie's Eyes

Lyndie has these beautiful brown eyes and she knows how to use them... to get her way, plead her case or just look adorable. But her favorite way is for a laugh. She has all kinds of crazy eye movements. These pictures don't even begin to do her talent justice. Can you imagine what her 'stink-eye' must look like?

Grandpa's Christmas Party

This is the not-to-be-missed event of the year. Imagine a karioke, juggling, gifting, game playing, everyone talking at once extravaganza - with pizza. It is one full-house and my guess is that it probably takes Dad and Pam 364 days to recuperate.

Jordan vs Lotion

Our grandson Jordan despises lotions, cremes and oils - actually, it's more of a phobia. The result is that his skin is always dry, flaky and itchy. Recently, the entire family pinned him down and lotioned him up. Maybe everyone should give Jordan lotion for Christmas.

Temple Square

It's just not Christmas in Utah without a visit to beautiful Temple Square. This year I went with the adorable Mia Maids from our Ward. Here are a couple of snapshots of the amazing lights.

Thanksgiving Day 2009

We enjoyed a low-key dinner and family time this year with Brandon, Nancy, Javier, Carly, Carter, Grandma Marty, Ethan and Kyle - and of course the two of us. I decided to try out a few new recipes on the family guinea pigs this year... some good... some not so good.

Hits:

Turkey with a Special Dry Rub Blend

Honey Dijon Turkey Gravy

Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Bacon & Shallots

Chocolate Macaroon Pie

Misses:

Apple Peanut Butter Pie (sorry Michael)

Praline Pumpkin Pie

After dinner we napped while some of the boys played Rock Star. Check out Carter on the drums. We love our family so much and are grateful for each one!