Oh Christmas Tree

We've had a 2 year lapse in our tree cutting tradition, but THIS year, we're back on track. It's quite a bit more difficult to cut your own tree in these parts. First, Chris had to go up to Heber at 6am to wait in line to get a bracelet, which guaranteed you a tree permit, which you could come BACK to get at 8 am. That was 3 weeks ago. A hassle FOR SURE. So much easier in Cedar... oh well.

Saturday, despite the snow forecast, we headed back up to actually cut the tree. My brother and our friends accompanied us, and we had SO MUCH FUN! It was the perfect day, the perfect weather, and we had the perfect vehicles to get in on roads with 2 feet of unplowed snow. It was pretty sketchy to begin with, but once the tires were 'aired down', we plowed through like we were on snowmobiles. In fact, I think Chris, Ryan and Dusty had more fun 'four-wheeling' than anything else. Dusty was just plain giddy. It's really funny to see grown men get so excited about driving through snow.

Once off the beaten path, the kids jumped on the trailer for a ride up the canyon. I think that was pretty much the highlight for them. We came prepared with snow shoes, and all the snow gear, and found great trees (mine was right next to the road-- bonus!). The kids made snow angels, threw snow balls, threw themselves down hills, and built a 'snow bridge' over a tiny stream. Once trees were cut, and fun was had, we had some hot cocoa with marshmallows, and were off to get lunch in the small town of Kamas, at a local diner. Chris claims he had the best green chili burger he'd ever had- anywhere. So it's official, the day was picture perfect, as shown below.

(Which btw, this is also going to be our Christmas card this year. Not the perfect smile from everyone, not professional, and best of all, NO matching outfits!)

This is one Christmas tradition I have missed since leaving Cedar. One tradition I am so happy to have reinstated. Zeke's first ever Christmas tree cutting adventure. A few more years, and we'll have to go without Luke. That will be a sad day. But today-- happy day!

Racing off to sleep.... or not

A friend of mine was getting rid of this car bed. Now, while blue plastic totally offends my sense of interior design, let's face it, he's number 5, and I just don't care that much anymore. Add to that, the fact that he LOVES cars/trucks, and, that we don't have another bed, and well, the blue plastic wins!

We got this bed 3 days ago. At this time Zeke was still staying in his crib, happily taking his 2-3 hour naps and bedtimes were a breeze. 2 days ago, he climbed out of his crib for the first time. Actually, Luke said he taught him how to do it a few days ago (thanks buddy), but until yesterday, he'd never actually done it. I put him down for his nap, closed the door, and *bang* bang* bang*, he was pounding on the door before I'd even gotten to the couch. What the? Upon closer inspection, (putting him back in bed, and watching) it was obvious that he was not only climbing out of the crib, but that he was actually good at it, escaping in a mere 30 seconds.

Huh. I've never had a child do this. Well, strike that, Ella could climb in and out of her porta-crib, but that was easy. We did switch Luke to a bed at 18 mos. so he never actually had the chance to figure it out. The other two, never even tried to my knowledge. Leave it to the last child to push ALL my buttons.

2 nights in the car bed. One night spent in bed w/ us. One night I had to sleep w/ him (try that in a crib size bed!) until he fell asleep. 2 days with NO naps. So far, this car bed is not working out for us. Zeke's new bedtime mantra is, "No ni-ni car!" It's the night-night car to him, and he only likes it when he can jump on it during the day.

I wonder how long it'll take to get him acclimated to this new bed...

Hot Mama

The kids have been teaching Zeke to say all kinds of things as he is finally starting to talk more. One of their favorites is 'hot mama'. Chris must have started this one.

So last night as I'm changing Zeke, Luke comes in and says to Zeke, "Say Hot Mama!" To which Zeke looks at me questioningly and asks, "Zit hot, mama?" (is it hot, Mama?)

Can you just see his little brain working? 'Is my pee hot, Mom?'

BTW, that just might be his first complete sentence.

Luke has also been messing with Kate. He and Tess convinced her that the moon was actually made of cheese. *sigh* They did such a good job, that she almost didn't believe ME when I told her it wasn't. They of course, laughed hysterically for several minutes.

I think they've heard the story of Chris' siblings antics too many times. They actually convinced him that his name was Christopher Clawson Johnson Bean Head. And when his brother pretended to get blown by the wind off the back deck, Chris cried. Kate must have inherited her gullibility. (Is that a word? Spell check is not arguing.)