Build a Bear

One of the gifts the boys got for Christmas was a giftcard to build a bear. We had never done this before, so I didn't know what to expect. They loved it! Preston already knew what he wanted when we went in because we had looked online. Once Gavin saw this black dog he knew he had to have it. I really loved how the people helping them create the animals made it individualized. It was cute to see them stuff the dog and pick out everything they wanted for their animal. Preston wanted the soccer uniform as soon as he saw it. Gavin wanted everything and had a huge pile of stuff his dog "needed". We were able to talk him into a hoodie and jeans for his dog and promised next time he could buy it something else. Preston named his dog Sparky and Gavin named his Good Dog. Gavin wanted to name his underwear, but I told him I thought his dog deserved a better name, so Good Dog it was.
Preston stuffing his dog

Giving their dogs a bath


The finished dogs


Thank you Papa and Nana!

We had a great Christmas! Santa was very good to the boys this year, and so was everyone else! Here are some pictures of Preston and Gavin on Christmas morning-

Gavin looking cute with his monster truck


Preston as Batman

Preston with his k'nex

Gavin loves his "Bella" dog

They got the airport and bridge this year, so we had to build a really cool track for all the trains and airplanes. I think I had more fun with it than they did!
I am trying to catch up on all the things I have missed the last month, so watch for a few more quick posts in the next few days.

We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday Gavin!

(a little late)! Gavin turned 4 on Monday Dec. 15th. I have been so busy I haven't had a chance to post about it until now. Gavin loves animals, especially dogs and cats, so of course we did a dog party. I made cupcakes that were decorated to look like our dog Bella,
we played pin the tail on the dog, had dog party favors and each child got a bag of "puppy chow" to eat. He loved all his gifts- Preston and his cousin Jadyn helped him open everything and they went crazy opening them. I couldn't get a good picture of him opening anything because they were moving so fast and tearing into everything! I love this little boy- he is very attached to me right now, and I can't help but like it! He won't go to primary alone or even on the other side of a store with my mother. We spend everyday together and he is such a sweet and good boy. I am glad I get another whole year with him until he starts school (if he will let me leave him then)!
Schuyler made balloon animals and swords for everyone.

Here is a picture of Gavin when he was born

and a picture from his 1st birthday

and a cute picture of him as a baby

Silhouette Auction

My cousin Laura works for the company quickutz and they are auctioning off a silhouette cutting machine package for a good cause. I have had if for a year, and LOVE it! Go look at her blog for all the details and to place your bid.

Why I love Toby

This post is dedicated to my very large cat Toby. We have had Toby for 8+ years, and he is the best cat ever. Right now as I type he is sleeping on the floor and Bella(the dog) is laying on top of him. She uses him as her personal pillow, and he doesn't even care. The boys lay all over him and he just purrs. I used to say I didn't like him because his hair is always all over and I hate a litter box, but he is just the best cat ever. Yes, he has a lot of hair, but he does a great job of keeping it clean and he keeps it off of the couch and beds because he can't jump up on them. It takes too much effort. The only thing he asks for is running water from the bathtub in the mornings and to be loved. He used to attack me if he thought I was leaving or going to bed. Talk about scary- I would turn the lights off for bed and he would assume the stalking position and come charging at me. Now it takes too much effort so he lets me go. There is a stray cat (is it still stray if it spends almost every day in my house?)that comes in and eats his food, uses his litter box, and can get places he can't and Toby doesn't care. He hissed for a couple days, but now lays by the other cat. Toby gets baths, and once I even vacuumed him to help with the hair situation after I shaved him with clippers. ( Now he has a great fear of the vacuum). He weighs close to 30 lbs, while the dog is 8 lbs., and they are the best of friends. She attacks him daily while he lays there and then she will curl up on top of him and sleep on her warm pillow. I just love this cat! Gavin and Toby
Preston and Toby

Preston's School Picture

This is Preston's first school picture- I think he looks so cute! He still loves school as much as the first day he went, maybe more! I have tons of pictures of this exact pose if anyone wants an 8x10???