I got up my gumption and whipped out the markers! Jude really likes scribbling and coloring but I have never been brave enough to give him markers. In the end it wasn't so bad. He was very excited about all the colors he had to choose from. He did get some very dirty hands but had a great time and it is all washable so who cares!

Holy Cheesy Mess!! One of Jude's favorite scnack is Cheetos puffs and he holds nothing back. As you can see. Messy Messy Messy!

Jude had become very helpful around the house. He is getting to be so big and understand so much that we can give him little jobs around the house. First off he helps us by throwing away all the diapers,(and when you're changing pants and have a cold, naked, hungry baby any help is fabulous) and he takes pride in that job. If you try to throw a diaper away while he is there he gets mad. He makes you get it out so he can throw it away again. He is very helpful with the dishes. He puts away the pots, pans, and larger utensils. He evn puts them away in the right place. Then he will hand me the cups and plates which is a genuine help because I don't have to bend over to grab anything on the lower shelf. He also helps to load the dishwasher although I usually have to rearrange as he can only reach so far till he begins stalking things . 8) He helps to throw clothes in to the washer, then from the washer to the dryer, and when i am vaccuming he is always ready to chipp in and help out. It is so much fun and I know that Jude is feeling a great sense of accomplishment. We always make a big deal to thank him and you can just see it in his eyes that he is happy to be part of what we are doing, even if it is chores.

My crazy husband and his crazy adventures with his hair. Like I'm one to talk... I guess that means we are just perfect for eachother. Love ya Babe! *blows kiss*

Here we are enjoying some of our Christmas prestents. It's been hard to get outside because it refuses to stop raining! So on this day the sun came out long enough to dry the sidewalks and I ran the fam out for some fresh air. Jude just loves his trike. He doesn't quite understand the pedals yet but he loves to be pushed on it and even more so to push it himself. Also there is a little yellow tote on the back which Jude likes to store his "treasures", like rocks and pinecones.

Alice got an adorable little moby wrap. It took us awhile to figure it out but we think Alice really likes it. We get her warm and snuggy and she gets close to our chest. It is so much nicer to carry her around in this then in her car seat(at stores and stuff), and she falls right asleep. It is so cute to have her nice and close. Here are some pictures of Derek being a super daddy and test driving the Moby!(That's right, he did it before me!)

We got a wonderful play mat for Alice for Christmas(Thanks Dad and Rose!) which is perfect because it is just about tummy time...time. We set her on her tummy and with camera ready waited for the crying protest too begin. We laid down beside her to cheer her on and all we got(at first) were smiles. She was lifting her head like a champ and loving the attention. After about 3 minutes was when she started to think tummy time wasn't so fun and started to fuss. We left her there for another 3 minutes until she got really mad, then we rescued her. Good job Alice, we are so proud of you!

We had a very Merry Christmas! In fact Derek and I are walking away feeling a little guilty because we were so fortunate this year. We started by waking up in our house lazily around 9. We undid our stockings for little treats and then loaded up the car to go ver to my moms house. When we got there there were presents everywhere. We started with my favorite Christmas tradition, Christmas PJs. Then we got right into presents. Jude got clothes, coloring books, toys, puppets, and the grandest of all a tricycle with a long handle for someone to help steer him. He tried to ride it right in the midst of all the mess. (Which is our other tradition, to throw the wrapping paper and boxes into a huge messy pile. The cats, and the kids, just love to go frolic in the mountain of crinkly paper) Alice got clothes, tummy time mat, and one of those moby wrap which is prefect cause she thinks it's her job to be held. About half way through Derek, Jude and I recieved bicycle helmets. We were very confused and put them on (hence the "special" high five picture) My mom said it was to get us started on our bike wishes(I have been talking about buying a bike for while now) we said our thanks and then took Jude out to play with his trik when we saw... BIKES!!!!! I just started screaming like some type of crazy game show contestant! I was so excited I just didn't know what to do. And not only were there bikes, but the icing on our Christmas cake is that we got a hitch so we can take Jude and Alice with us! I didn't even know what to do I was so excited! I just kept screaming and jumping and annoying the neighbors I'm sure. It was a fantastic Christmas and I can't wait to get these bikes out on the open trail! Thank you so much everyone who made this a magical Christmas for our family. We love you!!!