Jacob and Chloe always read their school books before bed to practice reading. The other night I walked into Jacob's room to check on him and this is how I found him. Asleep with his book over his face!! I was disappointed because the day before I came home to find Bella asleep in her high chair (David had the kids). I didn't think to take her picture before I pulled her out. Her picture would have fit right in with this post!! 
Growing up...
Bowling for Jacob's birthday party...
Having my 4 year old daughter show me up! (If you are able to see the top score of this picture my score is 99.(Hey, it's hard to concentrate while watching kids) The next picture Chloe's score is at the top with her group and her score is 110!!!
Having not so flattering pictures taken of us bowling...
Wishing Jacob a Happy Birthday again...
Playing basketball...
Getting our ears pierced and ballet... (Getting her ears pierced happened on a whim. I never cared how old she was as long as it was what she wanted. Well we were at Libby Lu because they were closing down. :( She wanted one last makeover and somehow we left with a makeover and earrings!! I didn't come prepared for the occasion with a camera so I bought a disposable one. I have to go develop the pictures still...)
Goofing around in mom's shoes...
Five days after Christmas we must make sure to not overlook a very special boy's birthday. A boy who can go from being incredibly shy to be people he doesn't know (he will NOT say a word!) to incredibly active when he is comfortable. He is a wonderful big brother to both of his sisters. He has a BIG heart and a sensitive personality. He loves all sports, video games, star wars and playing with his friends. We love having him as part of our family and we are so thankful for him!!
Jacob turned 6!! We kept his actual birthday to a low key day. His Grandparents stopped by throughout the day. He got to pick what we were having for dinner. in the evening he opened presents and we enjoyed cake and ice cream. He's really excited because soon he is going to take some friends bowling and have a little party!
Star Wars and Transformers all in one...
A slot car track like daddy used to have...(David loves shopping for this kid!)
I am not a big fan of Power Rangers but it was the cake he wanted. I'm pretty sure because it was the cake with the most toys on it. He skipped over The Hulk, Darth Vader, Spiderman....yes pretty sure it was because there were more toys on it!! 
Every Christmas Eve, since I was a little child, we would go to my Grandma and Grandpa Monroe's for dinner and presents. We still follow the tradition to this day.
Here we are opening presents. Jacob loves these camouflage clothes, and, he thinks because they both have camouflage on them that they match! It drives me crazy :)
Bella eyeing Chloe's present
Later... Bella loving her present from Great Grandma!
So, all year I have been wanting to get my kids new bedroom furniture for their rooms and I've also wanted to decorate them. It was very needed since I gave away the bunk beds Chloe and Jacob used to share. Their mattresses have been on the floor ever since. I decided early on that no matter how much it drived me crazy that I was going to wait until Christmas. Chloe was so excited she would tell me everyday exactly how she wanted Santa to do her room! Jacob wanted a Star Wars room and Chloe wanted a pink room with little pet shop animals. It was a fun idea, but let me tell you, as 3:30 am was nearing I was telling David I really wish there was SANTA!!!!! We loved doing their rooms but because of my lack of sleep I wasn't really 'all there' when morning came. I was just happy to make it through the morning and unfortunately I wasn't on top of taking pictures or filming.... I'll just have to savor the images in my mind!! The kids LOVED their rooms. I think they turned out really good.
Here's some pictures of the kids opening presents..
Bella loved this present. A little roller coaster.. At first she loved walking all over it. Now she loves to ride it.
Later we headed to David's dad's for breakfast and more presents. Amanda made these cute Santa pancakes for the kids. They loved them.
Everytime we go to the store and Bella would see this Elmo she would get soo excited. So when she got it for Christmas she was excited!!
The snow reports said it may snow here early this morning but it doesn't always turn out to be true. If it does come true it usually only snows for a little while and then melts away. We woke up this morning to snow coming down. I rushed the kids to get ready before it stopped. I wanted them to have time to play in it. Little did we know it would be snowing all day and into the evening. I can't remember the last time it snowed this much here!!! The kids had so much fun. The were in and out all day. Since we don't have proper snow gear when the kid's clothes would be soaked they would come in, change, and head back out again. I've had a constant flow of laundry going all day!!
This is around 9:00 this morning..
Jacob, Chloe, Jackson,Evan (cousins) This is about as big of a snowman they could make this morning..
Snow angel at 9:00..
Snow angel at 6:00 this evening...
My brother's family..
Quick family pic. before we rush Bella back. She was done!!
The snowman they could make this evening!!!
Meet the SHARKS! Here is Jacob's soccer team on the night of our awards ceremony. The kids were so excited to get their trophies. The awards ceremony was quite the event. AYSO splits each ceremony up into age groups and each coach stands up, says a few words, and hands out trophies. Cindy was an excellent coach and ended up whipping the team into shape. I'm not sure who enjoyed the season more, Cindy, or the kids. In fact, Cindy almost shed tears when she handed out the trophies! I am so proud of you Cindy and Jacob!! - David
