Christmas 2010

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! We had Lisa & Steve and their family over on Christmas Eve, then had our own family celebration Christmas morning before heading over to my parents' house to get together with all of my family. These pictures are somewhat out of order, but all from Christmas day.

Here is my family watching our special surprise present we each received from my dad: a dvd with all the family slides on it! I have fond memories of watching slides projected on the living room wall on Sunday evenings growing up. My dad stopped having slides developed around 1990, so the pictures on them sure bring back memories from my childhood!

Joshua racing his cousin Carter. They are only two weeks apart.

Joshua with his new hooded bath towel


Emma

Elizabeth holding her new scriptures

Santa brought Rachel and Joshua a rocking horse. Rachel also has a new shopping cart.

Joshua riding the rocking horse

Emma doesn't show it, but she was thrilled with the Barbie horse and carriage Santa brought her. She plays with it all the time.

Elizabeth asked for a porcelain doll for Christmas. She said that she had a dream the night before Christmas in which she saw this doll and named her Marian! She carried her around the entire day. I was constantly reminding her that porcelain dolls are easily broken. She was so delighted Christmas morning at her dream come true.

Matthew was completely shocked that Santa Claus brought him a Wii for Christmas! He hadn't even asked for one, although he was longingly wishing for the Lego Harry Potter game a few months ago. He received that, too.

It's so much fun having a fireplace mantel to decorate!

The four older kids waiting to see their presents Christmas morning

The scene in the living room before the chaos

More Family Pictures

The entire family on my side was together for Christmas!

We try to take a picture whenever we're all together.

Rachel was feeling shy of the photographer.

Family Pictures 2010

Here are a bunch of shots from our family photo shoot in October. My dad took the pictures just below the carillon bell tower at BYU.

Elizabeth, 7 years old

Sarah & Brent

Joshua, 10 months

Matthew, Rachel, Emma, Elizabeth, Joshua

Emma, 5 years old

Matthew, 10 years old

Rachel, 3 years old

Elizabeth and Joshua

The official pick for our family picture.

Elizabeth's hair is getting long again!

Elizabeth and Emma checking out the ducks in the creek

More pictures of Joshua

I can't believe my baby boy is 1 already! That first year really does fly by. It is bittersweet for me that he is growing up so fast. He is such a precious blessing to our family. Athough he can be quite demanding, he is so cute and sweet that we can't help adoring him.

Joshua now weighs 17 lbs, 7 oz. That is in the 1st percentile on the growth charts, pretty standard for my babies. He still isn't thrilled about transitioning to cow's milk, but is slowly getting used to sippy cups. He can go upstairs, but needs a spotter's help going down. He pulls up to stand and cruise along furniture, so it looks like his first steps aren't too far off. He is a very busy baby who loves to push buttons, unplug electronics, splash in the toilet, get into the trash, and chew on books. But he loves his mother most of all. Being set down is his least favorite thing. Here are some recent photos.

Visiting Father Christmas at the Museum of Church Art & History

Joshua has discovered the joy of the "dump" part of the game Dump and Fill! He adores any books he can get his hands on. Our books are well loved by all ages around here. Hopefully they'll survive this stage!

Elizabeth taking Joshua for a spin

Joshua's appliance of choice would have to be the dishwasher. He can hear it being loaded or unloaded from almost any point in the house!

Future pianist?

Joshua enjoying a playdate with his cousin Samuel, who is 7 months older than him and lives only 4 blocks away. Side note: Joshua's feet are bare 90% of the time because he has gotten very skilled at taking off shoes and socks within a matter of seconds.