Sledding and Christmas

We have received so much snow. We had to buy and give the boys their snowsuits early this year. We just couldn't make them wait until Christmas to get them out!! Justin loved them because they look like snowmobile suits. I love that they are warm, and that when Mason has his on, he can't even walk. He just falls over and screams "owie"!! Both boys are so brave, and dare to go down the hills by themselves. I think we have been sledding everyday for the last 5 days. Hopefully the snow will last!

Christmas was wonderful!! We didn't open presents this year until after 10:00. Erik called around nine, so we spent an hour talking to him. It was so great to hear from him, and he sounds so grown up!! I miss my brother so much!! He even got to talk to Easton and Mason. Usually when you give Mason the phone he just laughs. But for some reason he decided to say "hi"! It was so cute. So once Easton and Mason saw the Power Wheels they didn't care about anything else. I told Easton, "don't you want to open all of these presents?" He said "no, I'll just drive this and you can open them!". I then told him that the battery wasn't charged yet, and he replied, "that's okay, I'll just pretend!"! Funny kid. Both of them were so overwhelmed that opening was pretty much an entire day ordeal. I think we finally finished going through stockings and everything at about 9:30 that night!! We would open things, then play with them, then go back and open more!! It was so much fun. It's nice to have new toys to keep the boys entertained.

We took the power wheels outside but there is too much snow. It just spins it's wheels!! We tried putting weight in the back but that didn't help. If Justin pushed it then it would go. Guess we'll have to find somewhere else to drive it or wait until spring! Easton decided he wanted Annie to go for a ride. She didn't seem to mind!

A Very Eventful Day

This week Easton celebrated his 3rd birthday! I just can't believe my little boy is growing up. I decided to have a construction party for him, because he is so into building things. Plus I loved how easy this cake was to make. We had a birthday party with the cousins, and Easton had so much fun! I think his favorite gift was from my mom and dad. It was a construction set, with a tool belt, hardhat, goggles, suspenders, and all the tools! He loves wearing it, and is constantly asking me to help him put it on. He looks so stinking cute in it. We love you so much Easton. You bring so much joy and happiness into our home. You're smile is so contagious! We love you!

Later on that night the town had a Christmas Celebration. Easton had talked for weeks about going and seeing Santa and sitting on his lap. (Honestly I thought he would chicken out) After waiting a very long time it was his turn. Santa sat him on his leg, and immediately Easton started naming off the toys he wants on his fingers. It caught Santa a little bit by surprise. I decided to try and get Mason in on the action, but he wasn't into that idea!

Setting up the Tree!

I'm doing things a bit different in the post. The pictures that go with it are on our header. I needed to put up a new festive header and the pictures of the boys were so cute that I couldn't resist. We finally got around to putting up our tree. -Sorta- We ran out of lights, so we'll have to finish it tonight. Easton and Mason were so excited to get it out, but once Easton saw the train, he became very excited. The train isn't really my deal, because Erik usually does it. However, I tried. It isn't very easy to put up a train with Mase around though. He destroys everything!Finally after putting it back on the tracks about 10 times, I told Easton to just drive it on the carpet. That made him happy, and Mase can destroy it without destroying my hard work!! Easton wanted to get a picture by the train to show Uncle Erik that he likes trains too!! So next year Erik, it's all you!! I love setting things out for Christmas. Even though there isn't any snow on the ground, it is still fun, and they boys are getting into the holiday mood! Easton keeps asking when he will get to see Santa and tell him what he wants for Christmas! This should be an awesome Christmas this year.

Also, here are some pictures of Erik's missionary tree that was decorated for Thanksgiving. My mom is in the process of putting it the Christmas decorations!

Thanksgiving.. A little late!!

So I just realized I didn't post anything for Thanksgiving. The pictures of Easton and the cake were actually on Thanksgiving! Anyways, I didn't take any pictures of us eating or doing anything. But we had dinner here with my parents. It was really good. Easton is so picky lately, all he would eat was the corn and one small piece of turkey. Mase ate a lot of everything. Not that he liked it, but he at least tried!! On Friday all the family that was around from the Nielsen side got together and ate dessert. That was really fun to get to catch up with everyone. The last time we were all together was 2 years ago! Easton loved playing with all of the cousins. They all found Nerf guns and were having a massive war with each other. Mason was wanting to join in on the fun, but a little hesitant. He is still so little!! Oh Justin and I did the Black Friday shopping! It was crazy, but we got some good deals on things, and it was a good date! I am thankful for so many things. I am so thankful for Justin. He is so supportive of me, and the boys. I am thankful for the boys and the joy and laughter they bring into my life. My parents, for letting us live with them and dealing with the boys and their mess (and our mess). I am thankful for my brother, and that he is willing to spend two years serving the lord. He is sending so many blessing our way. My job, I know it is weird, but I was actually excited to end the holiday and be back teaching! I love the kids, and the things I am learning about myself from them. This is just a few things, there are so many, but I am thankful and grateful for everything in my life. Hope everyone had a great holiday as well!

What a mess!!

The other day I was making a cake for my dad. I was trying to get Easton to eat some of the batter but he said the he didn't like it. (ya right who doesn't like cake batter?) As I was pouring the batter in the second cake pan, I turned around as Easton put his finger in the first pan of batter and licked it. I said, "Easton you can't do that, and I thought you didn't like it." Eastons replied, "It's nummy, chocolate my faborite!" Way too funny! So I just let him at it and he pretty much licked the bowl clean! Afterwards there were some leftovers and Easton decided that he wanted to have some cake. It ended up all over the floor and all over him. But let's be honest, who doesn't love a litte boy all covered in chocolate cake?!

The Boys and Prince

Easton and Mase love to sit on the horses when we go to feed. They especially like Prince. As soon as you put Mase up he starts bouncing and pulling the mane and laughing. Good thing Prince is a good horse! They just love it. Plus it makes me happy to know that my boys love animals, and enjoy having them! As soon as you pull them off, they both cry. I can't wait until they are both big enough to go on rides with me!

Easton looking happy like always. He loves his bibs and calls himself "Bob the Builder" when he has them on!

I just love Mase's big brown eyes (and the dirty face I think it is impossible to keep that kid clean!).

Update on Ty

For those who know about Tyrell Justice. I just thought I would update you. HE'S AWAKE!! He woke up yesterday around 10:30 a.m.. He is comprehending things and is mouthing words to people. That is about the extent that I know right now. I'm sure I'll know more as the day goes on! I am just so happy for him and his family. What a hard thing to go through. But I know that there were alot of people praying for him, and those prayers were answered. Thank goodness for answered prayers:)!

P.S. There is a website you can use to follow his progress. His mom updates it daily. It is www.caringbridge.org and then you type in tyrelljustice