New Camera

So my wonderful husband bought me a new Nikon SLR camera this weekend, and I love it (thanks Misty for the recommendation!!! Can't wait to share tips!). Weston was my first test subject, and here are a few shots. I have been playing with it so much, and am slowly learning only a small bit of what goes into photography. Equipped with the learners manual, I have been chasing the kids around the house shooting tons of pictures. I am so excited to have this nice camera to get some great pictures of our family, and all of our adventures. Thanks babe for such a great gift---I owe ya ;)

Christmas 2008!

Our Christmas morning the Sunday before leaving

Daddy and Ashton setting up his new train table and set

Katie, Grandma and Weston

Kimmie helping Ashton open his presents on Christmas morning

Grandpa trying out Ashtons new guitar

Weston loved his new bouncy chair that Grandma got him

Ashton enjoying some "dip dip" at California Tortilla (holla Kim...woot woot!)

Uncle Jeff and Ashton. Ashton had a special connection with Jeff. Every morning when he would see him he would say "hi Jeff" and he loved giving him big hugs. He was so sad to see him go. About an hour after he left for the airport Ashton was asking for "Jeff".

Me and Weston checking out the Airplanes. We spent a morning with Grandpa, Grandma, Jeff and Katie at the Air and Space museum.

Ashton of course was in heaven. There were so many planes. He couldn't figure out why he couldn't go under the guard rails to touch them. Luckily they had a souveneer shop for him to get his very own airplane.

Weston on Christmas morning just hanging out in his jammies, and playing with his toys.

Daddy and Ashton Christmas morning

We were so blessed to be able to spend Christmas and New Years in Virginia with Tommys family. Our week was spent relaxing, visiting, playing basketball and ultimate football, playing guitar hero and other Wii games, watching movies, watching football, and of course just being with those we love. It was so fun to see everyone play and hang out with Ashton and Weston, and they too loved the attention. We were also able to take some great family pictures while we were there. Despite the airlines losing our luggage for a little over a day, and Westons car seat for 4 days, we had a nice, stress free vacation.
Thank you for letting us come and visit and for everything you did to make our stay so comfortable. We miss you guys, and look forward to the next family gathering!

Feeling ready and thankful for Christmas (sigh)

Today was a big day for the boys and I. I started feeling a little panicked realizing that "our Christmas" was coming soon. We are flying out to Virginia on Tuesday to spend Christmas with Tommy's family, so we will be doing our own celebrating on Sunday night. Tommy is leaving tomorrow for the Las Vegas bowl (Merry Christmas to him) and will be returning Sunday afternoon. That only left me with today and tomorrow to "wrap" up all of my shopping. Not really wanting to go out on crazy Saturday, I was out the door this morning by 9 and home at 11. I have everything from gifts to wrapping paper so it was a very successful trip. Keep in mind that Weston was strapped to me in the baby bjorn, and Ashton rode in the carts. They were extremely good boys. Santa will definitely be visiting them.

It feels good to be done with all of the whirlwind shopping. I am truly grateful for this time of year. I am thankful for the real meanings of Christmas and the love that our Savior has for us. Merry Christmas, Love The Bells

Christmas crafts

Ashton and I had a fun time doing some coloring and crafts this morning. Weston was content in his chair, so I printed out some coloring pages and let Ashton go at it. We also made some snowflakes, and yes I let him use scissors. Don't worry though they were not sharp and they barely cut paper. He had a blast with the scissors and loved to cut. We had some Christmas music on and one of the chipmunk started playing. It was funny to see him start nodding his head to the beat.

Ok, I did it

I walked downstairs to put something in the storage room, and I saw them. All of our Christmas decorations begging me to please put them up. I thought ok, maybe just some figurines, garland and the nativity. But it turned into a full on Christmas decorating party. So what if it was just me, Ashton and Weston. We turned on some music and decorated away.
We are going to visit Tommys family over Christmas, and I was set on not putting up anything this year. For one I didn't know how I was going to chase a 21 month old away from the tree and ornaments while taking care of a 4 month old, and for two why put it up if we weren't going to be here to enjoy it? Well Ashton has proven me wrong and is doing great with just "looking and not touching" the tree, and I guess we can enjoy it for the next 12 days while we are here.
Tommy was pleasently surprised when he got home from work to see all that we had done. Our house looks great and I'm glad I did it. The kids love all the sparkles and lights and it's fun to see the "magic" in there eyes.

2 peas in a pod

Ashton loves playing with Weston, but I never thought that I would find him inside of the bouncy chair with him. I walked away for 2 seconds, and found these two little guys giggling and smiling together in the chair (yes all 4 of their legs are through the holes and everything). I grabbed the camera as quick as I could and was happy to capture my boys being ummm, boys :)

just 4 fun

Holding his new Cars and Go Diego Go underwear

Being silly

Reading some stories to pass the time

Yay! I did it!

We decided to kind of get into the swing of potty training. We are going on vacation over Christmas, so the serious efforts will be postponed until after we get back. We bought Ashton a "big boy" potty and underwear this weekend. I am pleased to report he is doing exceptionally well! He is so smart and gets so excited when he goes in the potty.