It's out!

. . . well 4 days ago it came out. After many attempts at pulling with floss and even more offers to use pliers, out it came as the result of the desire to eat a sandwich. Lucas was sitting eating lunch frustrated that he couldn't bite his sandwich. I convinced him to let me "see" that dangling tooth with a napkin. One slight tug and out it came! What a thrill! If I though he was showing anyone and everyone his loose tooth I was in for a big surprise with the amount of times he shoves this darling toothless grin at people.

Here is the truth of the matter for those little ones who are wondering why him and not me???

Lucas bumped his mouth (and i actually mean smacked it really hard) on the table when he was 1 year old. So . . . he has been in the process of losing it for quite some time. Now we will see how long he is without a tooth. This is actually okay with me - he is too little for those large, bumpy, yellowish teeth that replace the darling little ones. I just am not ready for it. And the benefits = he can fit a variety of objects through that great space!!

"The best day of my life!"

We have taken the theme of February being "Dental Health Month" to heart. I took my kids to the dentist to find out (Hooray!) we have no cavities! Also, looking at the x-rays, all three are 2 years ahead in their growth of teeth. This news is okay, so far, since all of them have enough room for these large permanent teeth in their mouths. Large heads and big spaces are doing us good! Next, the Tooth Fairy visited our house twice in one week - Conner first and Anika the next day. This is where the "best day" came in. Lucas (mind you he is 4, he keeps reminding everyone) was doing his best brushing his teeth when lo and behold a loose tooth! He came running into the next room to tell me this fantastic news. Truly? Truly! That little front top tooth was wobbling to and fro. "This is the best day of my life!" exclaimed Luke, and proceeded to tell anyone who would listen "I have a loose tooth and I am still FOUR!" That little tooth is still hanging on, but is bound to drop soon. I will keep you apprised.

Ahh!

Aside from screaming fits, the desire to say no and climbing out of his crib multiple times after being laid down for a nap, Trey is at my favorite age - 2! I have heard several times lately, to various people, this great statement . . . "I love my mom." Oh, so adorable! It does make me so happy to be "the Mom". Lucky me!

skiing!

Happy to-be skiiers, and snowboarder before the day.

...and the end of the day, with smiles and all our toes! Somehow I missed all the great action shots throughout the day.

What was missed inbetween; a screw loose on Conner's snowboard - finding a screwdriver - fixing board, Anika crying and wanting to stop - promising a purchased cup of hot chocolate - allowing her to go with Jenn instead of me - one more try - loving it, frozen stiff snowboard gloves on the lift - thawing during run - steaming hands, eating soup with chips because I forgot a spoon and packed lunchers eat in the basement, Conner disappearing into the powdery trees - being found when another man asked him if he needed help, being told Jenn should be a ski teacher (i am sure this was no snub to me) - i agree - we ski on, patience-encouragement - patience, sliding down frozen rocks while carrying skiis to get to the car, lots of fun and finally hot chocolate!!

REWIND

This year the fam got creative and after eating our Thanksgiving dinner we went on a picture scavenger hunt. Spontaneous fun for sure! We split up into groups and off we went. Here are just a few of the favorites . . .

. . . make yourself look small (my 93 yr. old grandma!)

. . . something dramatic

. . . all players in a small space

. . . water fountain

. . . mav vs. wild

. . . all players dancing

New Year's

I am collecting great pics, like this one, of my brother Ryan!

We had our traditional New Year's of making no resolutions to break, and snow shoeing! I kind of think true snow shoeing is different than what we do, but we have a great time. It is always so fun to get warm enough to want your coat off while hiking through a snow covered mountain! The kids (and grandpa) spent lots of time throwing, jumping in and sliding down the snow.

Christmas

A SNOWMAN like this could only be made with the help of DAD!

When Conner has a mission, it has to be just right! With a carrot nose, raisin eyes, scarf and big hat!

NEXT, for the INDOOR snowmen . . .

We believe in Santa!!



I was very excited to see what Lucas (my cute boy who tells his preschool friends, "I am an awesome boy!") would name his 2 new hamsters he got for Christmas . . .

my guess: Luke and Lukey

Jason's guess: (we can't remember now, but not as accurate as mine :))



Results: Luke and Luke



Then, with siblings prompting him along: Luke 1 and Luke 2



And, after a good look: Luke 1 Alvin ("the skinny one") and Luke 2 Theodore ("the fat one")





I am just truly excited she still wants dolls for Christmas!





Another football lover in our family already! And for some reason (we call the Sorensen family) he shouts BYU at random times!

Christmas pj's from Grandma and Grandpa!

And Conner with his DS - the reason I have no individual shot of him. He said I could have asked for a picture, oops.



And, my great Christmas gift - a new bathroom! The first to enjoy - the kids, of course!! Jason roped off part of our bedroom for over a month and had our old bathroom gutted. He designed and decorated the entire thing without letting me look. Knowing what a great designer he is I had no desire to peek. I was not one bit nervous that I would have to put on a smile while looking at something atrocious that I knew I would have to live with. And, living up to his rep - it is gorgeous (and accented with my favorite blue). Love you, jas!