Four

My little buddy turned 4 today.  We had a fun Mickey Mouse party for him at his request.  

There were decorations

and games

and presents.

He blew out all of his candles on the first try.

Oh, and in case you were all worried that Sam didn't like cake, he devoured his cupcake.

Wade is learning and changing so much right now.  He knows most of the letter sounds already and is constantly drilling us on what letter words start with.  His favorite question is "why"...I'm answering questions all day long.  He still loves cars and often asks to sleep with one of his favorites.  And without fail, whenever I give him a cookie, he will ask for a glass of milk to go with it.  

Happy Birthday Wade!

snow day

It finally snowed here in Utah.  Wade was beyond thrilled.  I'm pretty sure he would have stayed outside all day if I had let him.  

He helped daddy shovel the sidewalks

and he made snow angels.

Daddy had some fun, too.

Sam wanted so bad to get in on the action.

Oh, and Phil and Wade made a gigantic snowman.  His name is Smiley. 

(I don't think Phil ever got to build snowmen as a boy, so he's pretty much in heaven playing with his boy).

The New Year

As we start a new year, we put together a list of things we would like to try and accomplish throughout the months.   So here's to starting fresh and trying to make ourselves better people.

Christmas

We were lucky enough to spend Christmas in Houston this year with the Broadbent side of the family.  We had so much fun and spent lots of time playing with Grandpa & Grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins.

The boys were spoiled...

as were Phil & I.

We hope you all had a very happy Christmas and are enjoying the New Year!

the jolly old elf

We met Santa yesterday.  Wade was so excited, he's been waiting so long to see him.  

Santa was not quite his jolly old self, which disappointed this mama.  Luckily, Wade didn't mind and nicely told Santa that we would like presents.  Nothing in particular, just presents...made me laugh.  

Sam just stared at the big man a little nervously.  But when he spotted me again, gave me a big cheese grin just in time for the photo to snap.  

Great Company

Last weekend Phil & I got dressed up and headed to his work Christmas party.  It was nice to get out without the kiddos and enjoy some adult conversation.  

We even managed to get a decent picture of the two of us, in Phil's favorite prom pose.  

girl day

We had our annual girl party today at the ballet. It was beautiful, as was the company. I love these ladies more than they know. Thanks for a great afternoon.

Park

Phil got off work a little early today, so we ran to the park to play for a little bit.  Sam loved exploring, and even went down a slide for the first time.

Wade finally goes down slides by himself...yep, he's almost 4.

Sam has been walking for about 3 weeks now and I have failed to document it.  So here's a little clip to prove it.

Now, off to bake more pies for Thanksgiving tomorrow.  

You've had a birthday

I can't believe it, but it's been a whole year!  Sam turned one today and we had a party to celebrate.  We put up "hallorations" as Wade calls them (which he got from our Halloween decorations...can't quite say it right).

We opened presents.

And we ate cake.

Except Sam wanted nothing to do with his cake.

Maybe we'll try again tomorrow.  The poor guy was pretty exhausted by this point.  We sure love having him in our family though.  Happy Birthday my sweet Sam.

Disneyland

To say we've been counting down to this vacation would be an understatement.  I have always loved Disney, but to experience it through a child is a whole new experience.  Wade and Sam invited their best buddies (and cousins) to come along with us, because Disneyland is much more fun with a buddy. 

Wade was so giddy every time we met someone he knew. 

He was beside himself when he met Woody.

Phil was pretty excited to meet Woody, too.

The Space Ranger.

The Sheriff.

We attended Mickey's Halloween party one night and the boys got to dress up.  Everyone would see little Buzz and little Woody walking down the street holding hands and point and smile...because, well it's pretty darn cute to see best buds that way.  Then they would see little Pooh and Tigger and just giggle.

Wade was nervous to meet Mickey, who he adores! 

We all had such a great time, and Wade informs me that we are going back in 3 weeks...

11 months

I can't believe he is just one short month away from turning one. 

pumpkin patch

Today we took a quick trip to pick out our pumpkins.  Wade wanted to take home every pumpkin in the patch and tried to keep putting them in our cart, but we settled on just a few.  He actually understands Halloween this year, so it has been a fun few weeks as we prepare.