Cookie Party, etc.

Every year Brooke and Jason Bauer host a Christmas cookie decorating party. I think every year Ila and her friend Keana are the last ones at the table. I have been going since before Ila was born. It's amazing how quickly these kids are growing up. Below is a group picture.

Sweet sisters!

A little Sunday project with paper mache. Ian got a big lecture when it was over about not cleaning up his mess. Poor guy...sometimes I forget there is an age difference between him and Ila. They really have a great time together. She would do anything with him.

Watching the OSU football game together. Yes, Ila is wearing my old prom dress. She wanted to wear it to our neighborhood holiday party last Sunday but I said no. I think its worth some money so I didn't want her to mess it up.

Starting the "Goodnight Moon" tradition early.

Ila made deviled eggs all by herself for dinner one night. Yum!

Really...you never know what you are going to see when you look in our garage (or our freezer). I took the girls out to put them in the stroller one day and there Ian had carefully left his elk antlers. Ila started screaming and running to move them off of her blanket. She DID NOT like that. I made her stop so I could take a picture.

Holiday Tradition

Every year at about this time we head up Hwy. 140 with a large group of friends to look for the perfect Christmas tree. It is the only time of year that we see some of the families and it is a great way to reconnect.

Ila had a blast sledding with Blake and Brady Eaton. She can definitely keep up with the big kids!

Opal was bundled, warm and happy...as usual.

Since I had Opal in the front pack I was not able to help cut the tree this year. Those of you that know our little hercules know that Ila was perfectly capable of filling in for me.

Thanksgiving With Family

Ila and Vinny played pirates for the better part of one day. Grandma even moved the couches together to make a big ship. Vinny had a knife in his mouth most of the time so he didn't do much talking, but with Ila as his first mate he didn't need to.

I was really lucky because Opal woke up at about 5am and Grandpa Dean was ready for her. Melissa wasn't so lucky because when Ashlynn woke up at 5:30, Grandpa's arms were already taken. Ashlynn loved giving Opal kisses. In the end, I don't think my dad minded having them both.

Aunt Megan and Opal bonding...and doing what Heubergers do best...cat-napping.

The cousins: Kayla-10, Gus-9(almost), Vinny-7, Natalie-5(almost), Ila-4, Eliza-3, Adie-3, Ashlynn-8months, Opal-3months.

Ila couldn't believe she had two wild cards in her Uno hand.

We were so lucky to spend a little bit of time with Eric, Allison, and Luci (6 months) at Les and Judy's house on Thanksgiving. Luci is a beautiful little girl that Ila and Opal are going to have a great time growing up with.

Grandpa Les and Opal had fun getting to know each other. She was so comfortable in his arms. Our girls are extremely lucky to have such fantastic grandparents

We are no longer at Les and Judy's house. Sorry, Melissa. I had to post this picture. The twins requested corn dogs for their birthday so of course that is what they got. And they were good! On the side Melissa had made some gourmet homemade mac and cheese. It was a great party and I can't believe Eliza and Adie are already 3! They are so smart and sweet. Great job Ryan and Melissa.

Poor Grandma! Or is it lucky Grandma? All of the kids love her so much and they all want to be with her. You can see why...not much is off limits with her.

Long Days At Home

We've been telling Ila every night for the last three nights to look out her window for snow in the morning. She finally saw it this morning and was so excited. She went out on the deck in bare feet to make footprints. She said, "I hope it snows all the way to Grandma's house so we can make snow angels when we get there." Not exactly the thoughts that were going through my head about our family trip up I-5.

A typical evening at our house after dinner. Rio has to be wherever Ian is.

They are getting to know each other. Opal is a good sport and doesn't seem to mind the sponge baths.

Opal has been practicing this move. She lasts about 5 seconds and then its over, but we all cheer for her.

I think Ila is happy to have a real doll to dress up. I'm glad the wonder woman costume has another little one to wear it. She's still a little small for the body suit.

Two things happened last weekend that made me feel solid in my role as a stay at home mom.

1. The checker at shopnkart told me I'm a really good and fast bagger.

2. Ila told me that if Opal ever poops on my wedding ring she'll clean it for me.

It's a good life!

Ralphie

I couldn't help it. I had to add these pictures of Opal. I hope they put a smile on your face.