BFFs

Lately these sisters have insisted on sleeping together. Lucy begs Sofie to get in her bed and they stay up laughing for about an hour before they crash around 9 pm.
They have also formed a partnership in crime. Lucy has all of these "ideas" and she enlists Sofie to help her carry them out. Lucy loves putting real water in her little play tea cups but she can't reach the faucet in the bathroom even if she stands on an over turned toy bucket so she asks Sofie to fill it for her. Both of them know that they aren't supposed to play with water inside but Sofie always says, but Lucy wanted me to do it. And they always wait until I sit down to feed King to be naughty. Even when I lock the bathroom door Lucy convinces Sofie to unlock it for her with a plastic toy knife. They are very good at what they do.
When it's Lucy's turn to say the prayer (which is every prayer) she insists that Sofie help her. I've come to realize that Sofie will have a much greater influence on Lucy than I ever will. I echo a cute grandma at the mall play place today when I say, Lord help us!

Long-distance relationship

Sofie's BF Nolan moved to Sweden this month. She has missed him but if everything goes according to plan they'll meet again someday. :)

Christmas in Virginia

Dad and a sleepy King

Devin cuddling with King
Christmas Eve: We were up late wrapping gifts and Dad really fell asleep like this.

She's a clothes girl.

Maria and Spence with Sofie on Christmas morning.

Lucy got a black eye right before we left for Va (fell on off the couch and landed perfectly on the edge of an upside down toy bin) and then while delivering Christmas cookies she fell on the sidewalk and skinned her nose. Poor Lulu.

Lisa made the girls aprons and my mom got them a cookie set.

Christmas Supper at Mel's aka The Feast.

Everyone minus Lucy who fell asleep right before we decided to take a picture.

Palmer and Lizey are also missing-on missions.

Jarem and King on the ride home.

Me and the girls.

All of the kids were so good on the flight. I think we're getting better at this flying thing. We kind of looked like a circus getting through the airport though. Carseats, double stroller, gear for a family of five...we're partily insane but it made for a fantastic Christmas trip.

A Lunchtime Scene

me: Lucy! Eat your lunch!
Lucy: Mom, why you scream? Are you sad?
me: (mortified) I'm sorry Lucy. Do you forgive me?
Lucy: Yes mom I forgive you.
Sofie: I forgive you too. I am praying in my heart for you.
me: Thanks girlies.
Lucy: I will make you happy mom.

What's funny is that Lucy is kind of "vocal" and we often ask her why she screams.

Winter and I don't really get along.

There are many reasons why I think winter is hard (even in Dallas...I know, I'm a wuss.) Here are a few from today.

1 painful ear infection
2 highly contagious pink eyes
3 coughing babies
4 hours of sleep last night
5 grouchy Hallows

Tomorrow will be better right?


disclaimer: We are incredibly grateful to have the best pediatrician and amazing neighbors who happened to be off today and dropped everything to come over in the middle of the day to give a priesthood blessing.

Our Little Family 2010

Sofie 3 years Lucy 21 months King 5 months

I was hoping to get 2 good pictures this year but thanks to Kalli we got a lot! Also a huge thanks to littlejardin for making the headbands and the biggest thanks to Jarem for putting up with me...why is picture day always so chaotic? :)

http://www.kallibarkerphotography.com/

http://www.littlejardin.etsy.com/

Dance Class

Pointed toes! Good job Sofie.

Parents were invited to observe the last dance class before the holidays. The pictures are all so blurry because I was holding onto a wiggly Lulu for dear life so she didn't run onto the floor and disturb the class. Of course King sat in his car seat the entire time happy as can be.