Merry Christmas!

Tyler and Jacob have become good friends now that Jacob is moving around. Tyler can get Jake to laugh better than anyone. Tyler will always ask where his little brother is- if he's asking, the typical answer is that Jacob is napping. As you can see- Tyler is a potty -trained pro by now. He loves his Cars underwear and almost never has an accident (don't want to jinx myself)

Before leaving to Heather's house the Wed. before Christmas we were surprised with these gifts from an anonymous ward member. We were touched and Tyler was excited. The ironic thing is, as we were bring in the gifts to set them down, one fell off the stack and knocked Tyler right in the eye. The poor thing had a little shiner for the next few days. He was so sad- but recovered when he remembered we were going to see Grandma, Batchu (grandpa), Great-Grandma, and Uncle Ben.

Jacob was doing awesome being our "little drummer boy". He sure has grown up. He enjoys rolling all over and now army crawling around to get whatever he wants. I didn't think he'd get the drums- but he actually hit it with the drum stick and all. Love his hair- I still refuse to put any kind of goop in it because it just seems wrong to do to baby hair. Maybe someday I'll buzz it because no matter how long it gets, that hair just won't lie down.

I love his goofy smiles that he does now. He's got 4 teeth as of 8 mos, 2 top, 2 bottom. He loves to chew on anything and everything.

Christmas Eve morning we had daddy home from work so naturally we went to Glaziers for donuts and chocolate milk. It's kind of a fun family date that we do every now and then. Ryan always went out on Saturdays with his Popa so now we try to go out to keep the tradition alive. Tyler always picks some random donut and hardly touches it. He just likes buying his own breakfast and enjoying chocolate milk from a carton.

Looks like Tyler enjoyed his choice this time- chocolate chocolate. At least it matches his sweater!

I would have never let this happen when Tyler was a baby- but Jacob gets away with trying a ton more than Tyler ever did. Jake didn't actually take a bite, but he enjoyed licking his lips after trying a bit of daddy's donut. Oh well- maybe someday I'll get healthy food in these boys ;)

My mom and dad made it to town just before naptime. The kids got all excited again and pushed naps back a bit. Jacob loves spending time with Batchu (grandpa) and hearing all the silly noises he makes. My dad also likes to see that some of his genes made it into this kid. My dad was very blonde as a baby and still has his blue eyes.

Tyler loves being outside. I just wish we had a little more space in our backyard- but it sure is nice to have Heather's house with plenty of room and the fun little track that goes around so the kids can ride their bikes, scooters, or just run around! I loved having the little guy get tuckered out with other people so I could spend a little more time with Jacob.

Looks like the typical Christmas scene- we all hung out and watched the kids tear the place apart. It was fun to be around family, tell good stories, catch up on what is going on in everyone's life, and just be together. We spent a lot of time just being together.

Jacob found Heather's tile steps...we had to have someone stand duty so he didn't crack his head open. So far- so good. He hasn't figured out how to go up steps yet though. Maybe next month.

Tyler wrapped up as our present ;) He sure enjoyed having Ryan around for a few days. We were getting ready to play a fun new game that Taylor set up for everyone...

Christmas Eve Fishing Pond! We got to "fish" over the sheet and we caught some pretty fun and funny things....

Tyler's first attempt at fishing...(Uncle Taylor is hiding behind the sheet)

The first prize- Jelly Belly Belly Flops. Ryan has told me about these before. The rejects from the Jelly Belly factory. Funny thing is that Taylor found them at the 99 cent store. The kids all loved them.

Even Jacob got a turn to be in on the action. He's got a good grip already.

Tyler's second attempt....

He got some cool knight thing.

Even Grandma Denos got to go fishing in the pond. We all got some good candy bars and some funny perfumes/cologne.

Everyone decorated cookies while I put Jacob to bed. Decorating cookies is probably the one tradition that we (the Crooks) do for every holiday.

After filling the kids with sugar and treats Uncle Taylor helped wear them out. They did squats, push-ups, sit-ups, and plank...Tyler did awesome. So proud. Unfortunately it didn't solve the world's problems. I'm pretty sure the kids are still getting all the sugar out of their systems.

The loot. I think this was all of it. This covered the Waites, Crooks, Denos, and Great Grandma.

Santa left his presents by the fireplace. Tyler got his bike, Jacob got this fun ball that rolls around so he can chase it with his new found mobility, and the sockings.

Even Uncle Ben had on his footie jammies...for pictures at least. Little Ben put on his matching jammies for pics later.

Getting excited to go downstairs and see what was waiting for them. Aren't they adorable.

Maddy joined the boys. We need a little beauty in the picture :) So much fun having all the kids around for Christmas. They really do make the Holidays.

Tyler was so excited that morning. He woke up a little earlier than usual. I asked him what he was hoping Santa left for him and he went into such cute detail... a bicycle. A big boy bicycle. Pedal bicycle! Well, I guess he was a good boy after all :)

Jake opening his present from Santa. He was pretty good at opening the presents...if Tyler didn't get to them first. Tyler was a force of nature when it came to opening gifts this year. It was insane.

Go buddy go!

Pretty sure this wasn't even Tyler's gift. He was helping my dad open his gift from us girls. We got mom a necklace and bracelet and dad some spice rubs and cedar planks to grill with.

Truly enjoying the wrapping paper. This kid is so mellow. I actually still have two wrapped gifts for him. He'll open them sometime...maybe when he asks for them.

The spiderman helmet to go with his new bike. Thanks Granny for keeping his head safe (this is what you got him)

That is a workout video- and that is a genuine smile. My sister is so good about working out daily...even with 2 kids. She really likes this Cathe lady who does step and Taylor was good enough to get it for her.