Snow, Snow and More Snow - December 31

This is the third snow we have had since Laurel was born just 10 days ago! Since our snows often come with wind, the drifts can get pretty bad, especially in the alley. So when the garbage truck came by to empty the dumpster today we weren't surprised that it got stuck. The kids enjoyed watching as two backhoes tried for about an hour to pull it out of the big drift behind our fence. Very entertaining!

Laurel's First Days - December 30

Just a few pictures from Laurel's first days...

12-21-09 - fresh and new

12-22-09 - coming home

12-23-09 - tucked up tight


12-24-09 - bright eyes

12-25-09 - our favorite present

12-26-09 - peaceful slumber

12-27-09 - ready for church

12-28-09 - finding her thumb

12-29-09 - snuggled up

12-30-09 - sweet feet

Our Little Nativity - December 26

We couldn't resist dressing up for a nativity picture while we had a real baby to complete the cast. The kids loved it and want to do it next year..."Baby Jesus" will just be a bit older!

Merry Christmas! - December 25

Merry Christmas...from our family to yours!

Snow, Cookies and PJs - December 24

Our Christmas Eve activities included...

playing in the snow...

baking and decorating Christmas cookies...

and getting new Christmas Eve pajamas!

Our New House - December 23

We closed on our Idaho house today! Here are a couple of pictures from our house hunting trip back in November. It is about five miles from town on almost four acres. We are so grateful that God has provided for us as we continue to prepare for this move.

Laurel Joy - December 21

Laurel Joy Griffis

born December 21 at 6:51 am

6 pounds, 2.8 ounces

18 1/2 inches

Laurel was born on her due date and came very close to being delivered by her daddy on the way to the hospital!

Her older siblings absolutely adore her and are thrilled that she is finally here.

Our happy "little" family of eight - what a blessing!

All dressed up and ready to go home - our precious baby girl!

Our Personal Santa - December 17

Zane: "Ho, Ho, Ho! What do you want for Christmas?"

Sabrina (or whoever else is nearby): "I want a Barbie."

Zane: "I don't have any of those."

Sabrina: "I want a car."

Zane: "I don't have any of those."

Sabrina: "What do you have?"

Zane: "Here...you can have a train."

Wrapping Paper - December 13

Caught red-handed...painting our Christmas wrapping paper!

Christmas Program - December 13

Our children's choir usually sings a song during the cantata at church. Wyatt was excited to finally be old enough to participate this year. He sang really well...until he spotted us in the audience and couldn't stop smiling!

Fire! - December 7

Is there anything better than a warm fire at Christmastime?

Christmas Trees - December 5

We made Christmas trees out of craft sticks today...I love crafts that work all five of my kids can do and they love any craft that involves painting!

Silly Wyatt! - November 30

I was taking pictures outside today and asked Wyatt to smile...this is what I got...silly kid!

Snow! - November 29

We had our first big snow of winter today...

Zane enjoyed swinging...

Danny and the big kids had a big snowball fight...

and everyone helped build a very big snowman!

Sabrina's Lost Tooth - November 28

Sabrina has been waiting all month for her first tooth to fall out. She didn't want anyone to pull it, so she just had to be patient. Today she pushed it out with her tongue while she was going to the bathroom! She couldn't wait for Danny and the boys to get home so she could show them what had happened.

Our Christmas Tree - November 28

The boys and Danny went to New Mexico to cut down our Christmas year this year.

After they got home we all helped decorate it and then enjoyed the beautiful lights. Everyone is in agreement that it is our best tree yet!

Happy Thanksgiving! - November 26

We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner with lots of family and lots of food!

Zane was especially excited about sharing the day with his favorite cousin, Abi!

Birthday Boy - November 25

Happy 5th Birthday, Colter!

Think Pink! - November 22

It was such a blessing to have both grandmothers and two aunts in town to celebrate our sweet little girl with a baby shower. We certainly were showered with lots of love and lots of gifts...

sweet pajamas from Gigi...

a handmade quilt from Noni...

and many more very pink and very girly gifts!

A Party Fit for a Knight and a Princess - November 21

Sabrina and Colter celebrated their birthdays together with a knight and princess party.


There were presents to open...


cookies to decorate...

candles to blow out...

and lots and lots of friends to play with!