9 Month Check-Up

Sterling weighed 23 pounds 2.5 ounces. He was in the 91st percentile for weight. He was 30,5 inches long and in the 98th percentile for height.  The doctor said he was perfect and right on track!

December 23rd

Our advent activity of the day was to have a birthday party for Baby Jesus.  So Grandma and the boys baked some cupcakes.

 We put up some decorations and got out our gifts from advent day 14. 

 The boys opened the 23rd book

 and read them with Grandpa and Grandma. 

December 22nd

Today our advent activity was to go to our friends house for a gingerbread house making party.

 Sterling munched on a graham cracker,

 while the big kids made their houses.

 There were so many friends there, that the kids had to make houses in shifts.

 Afterwards we all sat down for lunch.

 Sterling and his buddy, Conner

 For dessert, the boys enjoyed eating their gingerbread houses!

 The boys opened up their 22nd book today.

 Tonight we read the whole Christmas story out of the big boy Bible. 

December 21st

This morning the boys opened their 21st book, which was "Frosty the Snowman".

 Sterling was super excited!

 Our advent activity was to go to Zoo Lights at the Oregon Zoo.  Nana joined us in the fun

 and so did our friends, The Phipps Family.

 When we first arrived it was not dark yet, so the kids got to see some of the animals.

 Sweet Sterling took it all in from the stroller.

 As it got darker, the lights started coming on. 

 Nana and Her Boys

 Daddy and Sterling

 Nana and Beckett

Daddy and Mommy

 By the end of the activity, we had some tired boys. 

Fireplace Remodel

This was our fireplace when we first moved in.  It was a floor to ceiling dark, brick fireplace.  Not really our style.  So when Grant asked me what I wanted for Christmas, the answer was easy....A New Fireplace!

 

The answer may have been easy, but the process was certainly not.  First Grant had to remove the sides and mantel.  He then framed in the top portion of the brick

 and put drywall up, with the help of his little assistants.

 Then he cut out two holes, for wall sconces. 

 Next, he removed the old hearth.

 The Family that Works Together Stays Together

 Then Neal and Grant laid a new stone hearth and started covering up the old brick with stone.

 This portion of the project was interrupted due to a problem with the original mantel that we had purchased.  The mantel ended up being too small, so Grandpa and Grant built a custom mantel.  During this process, I repainted all the wood trim around the windows white.

 Finally Grant was able to finish up the stone

 and install the wall sconces.

 We were almost there!  A little touch-up paint, some added trim, the wiring connected

and we had a beautiful new fireplace.  Just in time for Christmas!

December 20th

This morning the boys opened the 20th advent stocking.  It said to go to the snow and make a snowman.

 Under the tree, the boys found new coats and gloves.  Also a snowman in a box kit that Mommy had made them.

 The kit included eyes, a carrot nose, coal mouth pieces, buttons and a scarf. 

 Then the boys opened their 20th book

 and Daddy read it to them.

 We all loaded up and headed up Mt. Hood to find the snow. 

 Uncle Eric and Ellyse joined us for the fun, advent activity. 

 

Look at those bright coats!

 Everyone got right to work rolling the snow,

 to make a body for the snowman.

 Daddy made the bottom piece.

 Ellyse and Beckett worked together to make the head.

 Teamwork

 Once the body was finished, everyone started putting the snowman kit pieces on.

 Putting on the Finishing Touches

 That is one cute snowman!

 Afterwards it was time for a SNOWBALL fight!

 Everyone ganged up on Uncle Eric.

 Mommy and Sterling just watched the craziness.

 Tonight Beckett pulled the 20th chain.  The story was about Jonah and the Whale.