My Favorite Thing...

Time together.

Zoe got a new bike for Christmas. She tried it out the day after Christmas a bit. But since today was pretty warm (for Winter), we all bundled up and headed out for a family bike ride.

Ryan had to walk with Zoe to help her with her biking. He gave her tips and such to help her know what to do if she starts to fall. How to lean and such.

She's getting really good at this. And I love that she's so proud of herself. At one point she said something like, "I'm the best biker!"

I love creating these happy memories.

My oh, my. Those are some fun boys. And, yes, that's a pink bike Emmett is riding. I got it free. He's saving up for a new one though. Although, truth be told. He doesn't really care that it's pink! Can you believe I totally forgot he needs a new bike? AND he just had a birthday on Wednesday? Ack! I can't believe I forgot that.

Zoe had her first crash. Her daddy hugged her better.

And she got right back on.

I'm glad she has a sweet daddy to help make things better. And to teach her how to ride a bike. 

It's great to do something together that everyone enjoys.

Ryan looks great on a pink bike, right?

A baby bike seat was one of the best things I ever bought. Molly loves bike rides. LOVES them.

And so do I.

Busy Happy Days

We're soaking it all up. 

Nerf gun wars, sleeping in, late night games of Pit, too many goodies, lego-building contests, candlelit dinners, wii tournaments, celebrating a birthday (Emmett! How can you be 10??), sledding, playing with new toys, laughing at anything and everything and....the best part?

Having everyone home. 

Love it.

For My Molly Monkey

I am running out of time to get all the projects done and the ribbons tied and the last few things bought! But at least I got this adorable bit of cute all done....

I can't wait to give her to my little Molly Monkey. Don't you just love those shoes?! 

I love this pattern. This was seriously one of the easiest stuffies I've made. To make your own, check out the tutorial and pattern at MmmCrafts. And that is one smart chickadee over there. After making this monkey, I want to buy some of her patterns and whip out some more (check out her cute Little Red Ridinghood....so stinkin' cute.)

Going on a Tree Hunt

We love getting our own Christmas tree. None of that tree farm nonsense for us. Nope. The Shakespears just need a tree tag, a vehicle with 4-wheel drive (and actually this isn't even necessary. We've made a van work for this activity in a pinch) and an ax and we're good to go.  Throw in some snow and we're a happy bunch....

I have the hardest time getting a natural smile out of this one!

Ack! How did this happen? How is it possible that this good looking young man is my son?

He could not resist throwing the snow in the air. "Mom! Take a picture!" he yelled.

These boys are so good to each other. Yes. They bicker. But for the most part, they are

each other's best friends. They love to gather up all their legos, head to the basement and create

a whole world to inhabit. Zoe has even started to join them. She is asking for pink legos

for Christmas. Shhhhh! Don't tell, but I found a pink lego (off-brand) set which makes 

a princess carriage and horse. It is so stinkin' cute. I can't wait to give it to her!

My goodness. That is one handsome cowboy. 

That little one was having the best time out in all that snow. 

And yes. Those are socks on her hands. I couldn't find her mittens.

'

We stumbled across an icy road and the kids (and their parents) had

loads of fun slipping down it on their shoes. 

 Oh, why can't I just freeze her? For a few years? And then I promise...I'll let her grow up. 

But, not yet. Please, Time? Could you slow down?

We found two good trees and had a vote.  The kids voted all voted for tree #2. It was bigger. 

So, my handsome cowboy chopped it down, threw it on top of the Suburban and we headed for home 

singing Christmas carols and laughing and chatting. I love Christmas. Especially when I take the time to 

simply be with my family without worrying about the baking, the shopping, the buying or the running around. 

We took the tree home, got it into the house and had a grand time putting all our handmade ornaments all over it. Yes. We have a hodgy-podgy tree. And I love it. Hopefully I'll get a chance to share pictures! But for now I need to pop the wee ones into bed (yes, they're up late tonight!) and get some sewing done. Molly's monkey doll is just a bunch of body parts at this point. I can't wait to get it all together!