January and February Highlights

I know it's been awhile since I posted last and a lot has happened in that time. Rather than bore you all with the details, I thought I would just share the pics. We celebrated Christmas with my family when my sister and her family flew up from Arkansas, visited with both sets of grandparents, played in the snow both at home and at Mt. Baker, played with the kids' cousin Leah, quick trip to the beach, Brian's preschool winter concert (since it was cancelled in December) and of course the few pics of Allison just cuz she's cute.

Can you say brrrrr!!

The girls in their matching jammies. Thanks Grammy.

Allison and Aunt Crisi

The cousins together for the first time in 2 years. Way too long between visits!!

Allison is going to be my little helper. She loves putting on my apron and sweeping, or wiping down her highchair or face with a wet rag. She is so cute!

The kids love to sleep in the living room any chance they get!

This picture was taken before we knew about her allergies. One of her favorite things has always been getting into the bread drawer!

Allergy difficulties

I think by now most of you already know, but figured I would post anyway. We found out that Allison has several food allergies. We knew that she was allergic to dairy because everytime we had anything from that category (sour cream, milk, cream cheese, etc.) she would break out in hives everywhere it touched. But we had no idea just how many foods she is allergic to. Wednesday she went to the allergist to discuss the results and how to proceed. Although it was a great appointment I am now feeling at a loss. Her list is very extensive. Wheat, dairy, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, oats, barley. I know that there are many places out there that have ideas and recipes, but I am having a hard time finding any that encompasse ALL of her allergies and not just some. It is pretty hard to eliminate all of those from recipes. So if you have any ideas or suggestions, websites you know about, anything at all let me know.

Christmas Day with most of my Family

Christmas Day my sister Dina and her husband, James came over for dinner and to open stockings. We get to celebrate Christmas in January with my whole family when Crisi, Rickey and Leah fly up! I can't wait!!

We had a great day with everyone having a nice ham dinner, lots of sweets, stockings, and finished off with a movie. There were lots of lightsaber battles, IronMan running around, as well as the Incredible Hulk. We also were able to enjoy the snow. It was so beautiful and fun to watch it come down on Christmas day.

James, Brian and Dina.

Grammy, Collin and Papa.

Isn't Allison so cute in her Christmas dress?

My cousin Megan and Allison.

Allison got stuck in a big piece of styrofoam. Being the good mom I am I took a picture rather than help her out!

Christmas Morning

Christmas eve was lots of fun with Fred and Trina, and shortly after they left my parents and cousin, Megan arrived. We had a nice evening visiting, and then getting the excited kidlets to sleep. They decided to sleep in the family room (which is where the fireplace where Santa would come down if he was real is located.). Collin was pretty sure that Santa doesn't exist, but not convinced enough that he totally wrote it off. He and Brian brought their sleeping bags in and got comfy in the recliner and couch. They were planning on catching Santa in the act. Brian even went so far as to say that he was going to sleep with his eyes open. Collin set some "traps" so that he would hear if Santa came. He put loud toys all over the floor in front of the fireplace. Then he wrote a note to Santa that said "Dear Santa, This is Collin W. Sorry for all the pain but I need to know if you are real." We were trying so hard not to crack up and he was so serious! Once they finally fell asleep we snuck over and filled the stockings that were hanging over the fireplace. In the morning we asked them if Santa was real and if he came. Collin still isn't sure since he fell asleep, but Brian is convinced that he is real because there were presents in their stockings!

Surprisingly we were able to sleep in Christmas morning. At least Steve and I were able to. My parents who were sleeping in the living room were not so lucky. (hee hee hee) Once we got up and drank some coffee I made a very healthy breakfast that consisted of cheesy buscuits with lots of butter and scones with red and green white chocolate chips. Okay, not so healthy but awfully good! At around 9:30 I think it was the kids were finally opening stockings! They were so patient all morning.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

Allison and Papa

Brian lounging in his new Iron Man jammies.

Glow in the dark Transformer underwear! Woo hoo!!

Just hangin out by the food. Her favorite thing.

Eating scones and biscuits.

The boys waiting so patiently to open their presents.

Allison showing Megan her new toys.

Allison and Grammy

The boys each got 2 lightsabers and Allison was quick to grab one and join in the battle!

Superman!

Allison's new "cell" phone. She was so excited and can be seen walking all over with it.