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.

our little piece of the Christmas spirit

This past week we have had some neat small reminders of the Christmas spirit and I don't want to forget them.

While shopping at the dollar store this past week, Tyler saw the gumball machine right when we went in and started asking for a gumball...a lot. Another little boy was already sitting in front of the machines with his wallet emptied trying to find the change he needed for himself. I let Tyler sit and watch this kid get his candy then we went off shopping. I told Tyler he could get one if he was good when we were all done. Just a minute later this other boy, probably somewhere between 8-10, came and gave Tyler a quarter from his own money. He just walked up, handed him a quarter, and said, "there you go."...so simple, but so kind. Tyler was so excited for his "friend" and went to get a gumball right away.

Just yesterday we had some gifts just dropped off at our house. Some people were driving by and slowed in front of our house. I was loading the van to go to Heather's for the day since our parents were coming to town. When I came back out with the last load this woman walked up to me and said, "these are for you from someone I know." I was confused, asked if she was sure she had the right house and said thank you. Tyler, again thought it was so neat that strangers were bringing him presents ;) There was a sweet letter with these gifts and we enjoyed opening them as a family and playing an awesome round of Operation at the cousins.

We are already so blessed- and it's not even Christmas yet!

Merry Christmas indeed.

Morning Giggles

These boys just crack me up sometimes. Jake was whining in his bouncy then Tyler started to pretend to do Jake's hair by picking up "goop" from the ground and spiking Jake's hair with it. Jacob apparently thought this was hilarious- so Tyler kept hamming it up for him. Needless to day, we ended up with one naked big brother and one giggling little boy.

December Fun

Cute little Jacob. The boys have sure been enjoying their bath time together now. Jake is so much better at sitting up and he loves to splash (and take the occasional face-plant now that he likes to grab for toys out of his reach). We LOVE his smile and sparkle in his eye.

The cute boys...and not-so-cute mom's jammies. It's hard to believe that the boys are even related. I love how unique my boys are. Tyler loves to put bubbles in the bath and wash Jacob's hair for me. Jake almost always cries when we get him OUT of the bath now. What a change.

This past Saturday we spent the day out in Henderson. We went on the Christmas train in Boulder City in the morning and then went to the Galleria Mall and walked around to visit Santa. Tyler enjoyed looking at the skating teddy bears.

Here we are after the Train ride in Boulder City. It was a real train and Santa and Mrs. Clause came to visit on the ride.

Mom and Jacob enjoying the ride. Jake went along in the front carrier since it was raining and we didn't know how long he wait would be in line. He was exhausted but seemed to enjoy himself.

The train was all decorated inside and the kids loved looking at the snowflakes inside and the raindrops outside. The cousins always have a good time together.

Jacob is such a joy! He was enjoying himself quite a bit. He was patient with us too. We had to shovel lunch in our mouths and then throw (not literally) him into the carrier as I was walking with him. It was a little precarious- but we got there in time.

A little out of order- but this was from two Sundays ago when my parents were in town. We had everyone over for family dinner. We got to have some yummy pulled pork sandwiches and great company. Everyone enjoyed playing some new Wii games that Ryan's had since his birthday. The boys have on their matching pajamas from Great-Grandma Anita. Thanks!

The boys with Santa when he finally made it to our car. He looked pretty authentic. Jacob warmed up to him right away and Tyler did pretty quick. We worked on telling him how nice Santa is since he was crying so hard meeting Santa last year. so far- so good. Tyler is even excited to see Santa at Bass Pro Shops and the Mall this year. I'm sure Jacob is excited to pull on his beard and try to steal his glasses.

Does it get any cuter? These two are quite the pair. Maddy is such a great little momma. She just puts her little arm around Tyler showing him what was going by and I'm sure they were smushing their face on the window ;)

Love Jacob's excited face. My little Santa this year. Unfortunately the rest of the outfit from Tyler's first Christmas doesn't quite fit ;) Jake is a little chunk!

The focus required to win this round of Wii. What a goof ball. His blue tongue is courtesy of a sucker- his favorite potty treat as of late. Tyler has been an amazing potty trainer. He just does it. Accidents have been few and far between. Like maybe 6 the entire time so far- about 6 weeks. Way to go Tyler!

Sunday after church. Cute boys trying to stay warm. It snowed again this year- just a little and it didn't stick- but snow in Vegas?! Common!

Tyler has really taken a liking to daddy again lately. Thank goodness. Ryan had this past Friday off of work and the two of them were little buddies all weekend. Tyler helped cut up a tree in our front yard. Then the two of them went to Home Depot and got a plant to replace it and looked around at everything I'm sure. Tyler would get Ryan to go "walk around" in the front while looking for the "dump trash" (Trash truck). He even fell asleep with Ryan one night watching It's a Wonderful Life. So cute!

I love that Tyler finally gave me a somewhat normal smile. He is such a handsome little guy. We sure do love him.

All decked out for the holidays. He loves his red corduroy shirt from Granny. Tyler was a big helper putting our tree up a few weeks ago. I think this might be the first pictures of it though. Anyhow- we're having a ton of fun around here. Merry Christmas!

Oh California!

Here's a little teaser...all completely disorganized, but it shows some of the fun we had while visiting my family in CA for Thanksgiving. I'll fix 'em up later ;) Tyler found all new (old) toys playing at Grandma and "Batchu"'s house. One of his favorite toys the last day or two was this train whistle. He has always loved trains so he was thrilled.

Jacob and Popa. Jacob is Great-Grandchild #3 of 4. We were lucky enough to meet up with Popa and mom and dad Crooks while we were visiting so Cal. Granny and Grandpa were heading out for a cruise to celebrate their 31st (I think?) anniversary.

Tyler had to go swimming while we were there. It wasn't too cold- but cool enough that we could only handle swimming in the spa- with it warmed up :) Tyler loved spending time with Grandpa showing off his excessive bravery in water.

This cute little Tyler is so excited to go outside. This was one of the first weeks he was potty training so he felt he didn't need a swim diaer either. He did awesome but his trunks almost fell off!

Great-Grandma Anita and Tyler on the fireplace. We actually enjoyed a few fires while we were there. We actually got Tyler to sit still for one second to take a picture- miracle!

This was actually from before our trip. Jacob still isn't crawling, but he gets where he wants to go...and where he doesn't want to go. His favorite thing lately is to get stuck under the couch or entertainment center. Classic face, "aren't you going to help me?"

Up on the hands and knees but not going the right direction...yet.

While in California we got to visit my friend Claire and her little guy Jaxson. Jaxson and Jacob are only 4 days apart. This was a day that I almost killed Tyler because he went in to the room while Jake was sleeping, turned on the light and started playing...really?! I was so frustrated. Jake's morning nap is usually his only good one and it was interrupted...hence the really happy face he's making at the end of our play date. Better luck next time!

I think Ihave a problem. I make my boys match...and I like it! Tyler is usually the one who asks to match actually. How can I resist? They both loved spending time with Grandpa. Tyler got special time when he was tiny...now it's Jacob's turn. Grandpa could always get a smile out of him.

We spent one morning down at Newport Pier attempting to get a good Christmas picture. Poor boys both woke up with runny noses and, you can't tell but it was way windy and cold. They did pretty well and it wouldn't have been possible without Grandma there to be my "second shooter".

Tyler loved seeing the ocean again. I love these pictures with natural light. Makes me wish I knew was I was doing a little more. This pier is where we had our engagement pictures taken 5 years ago...almost to the day.

I love these eyes. What a sweet little face. Jacob tried to be good...he really did. We'll see if we get cards out. If we don't then we'll post the "real" picture soon.