January Shenanigans...trying to get through this bitter cold!

Cheering on our Utah Jazz! Ruby loves Gordon, and when she sees him playing says, "There's my boy." One morning after a game I told her that the Jazz won last night and that Gordon played great, she responded, "Yes! Thanks for telling me Meg, I wanted to know if they won."

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I couldn't help but smile when I saw that Ruby had found homes/beds for all her mini animals. I love how she so neatly set them up on the book shelf.

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Ruby soliciting us for money. She set this up all on her own. She doesn't mess around when it comes to filling up her piggy bank.

"Mom take a picture!"

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Hank carrying around his box of cereal. This is an on-going obsession for him. It is pretty cute to see him haul over to the pantry, then look at me with his wide eyes (his request to open the door), all so he can pull out the cereal and carry it with him everywhere. One evening, I was busy making dinner when Ruby informs me that we have a problem....kix are everywhere! I should have known Hank couldn't be trusted alone with a cereal box. 

These kids wear me out, and some days take me to my wit's end! But I sure do love them...and wouldn't trade them for anything.

Christmas 2012 (it did happen even if I'm a month late recording it). 

Our family's first normal size, real Christmas tree, which we were sad to see go. Ruby wanted to keep it up all year. We made some great memories picking out this tree, having it cut down, strapping it to our car, and then hauling it up the flight of stairs to get it to our second floor condo....not to mention having to re-cut it a couple of times to get it to fit just right. Luckily the Walmart saw we bought on the way home from getting the tree got the job done. Hugh is still finding sap in his clothes.

Christmas Morning....enjoying some breakfast sausages and apple cider in "fancy" cups. When we got sparkling cider out on Christmas Eve, Mal requested to use a fancy glass...these ice cream ones were the best we had. Ruby was quite pleased and still prefers drinking sparkling cider from them. 

**note to self: purchase some better glasses for next year**

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We hosted my dad and Mal at our place for Christmas Eve for dinner (I didn't get any pictures...boo). We had such a nice night, eating, opening gifts, and enjoying each other's company. Mal spent the night, which Ruby was quite pleased about. Ruby even made Mal her own bed on the floor next to hers...nothing but the best for our guests :).

Santa did indeed come, Christmas morning. First thing, Ruby wanted to check if he ate the cookies she made for him and if the reindeer found the carrots and celery outside. She was pleased to find that all had been consumed. 

**On a side note, I will always remember how much fun Ruby and I had making sugar cookies together on Christmas Eve day. Ruby was in her element rolling out dough, cutting out cookies, and frosting them to her hearts delight. I couldn't stop smiling after hearing her say, "This is so much fun."

 But back to Christmas, Santa brought Ruby the Barbie doll she's been wanting FOREVER. I have always told her I am not a fan of barbies...but she warned me before Christmas, "Sorry Meg, Santa is bringing me a barbie." He did bring a nurse barbie, making the barbie blow a bit softer. Ruby also got the movie "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" which was on her list. Let's just say this has been a bigger hit than the barbie! We have watched it almost everyday, along with having to role play the movie. She is always Susan and has even asked her Aunt Call to make her some battle clothes. Just the other day we had to make her a bow and arrow out of cardboard. The best is hearing Ruby talk in her English accent! Do I see theatre in her future???

Hank was pleased to be running around, throwing the blocks from the block set Santa brought. He had no idea what was going on...just happy to be there.

Here we are...in all our Christmas morning glory.

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Christmas afternoon and night we spent at my mom's house. As always, we had a great time being together. My mom keeps such a cozy home and always make the best food. Ruby was very pleased with the Cinderella wedding dress she got from Grandma. And once again, Hank was just happy to be running around, throwing things, and eating candy...and then some more. 

"Want to come to sissy, Henary?"

These are the words of Ruby, when she is feeling particularly fond of her brother.

Nothing better than some sibling snuggles, jammies, and morning cartoons.

 Hank's Sunday best...

...doesn't keep him from playing hard.

He's got some mad dunking skills, and this kid loves to kick the ball around...he could do it all. day. long. Let's just say, his dad is proud.