is seeing your children really get excited about creating and giving gifts to others.
Tucker decided to make a high chair for Lorelei and her new dolls. He spent an entire Saturday in the cold garage working hard, and built most of it entirely by himself, with Toph’s ‘coaching’.
So awesome to see him working hard to make this for his sister.
This year, like so many years previously, the kids LOVED being able to set up the train around the tree. This train has become a loved tradition, and unlike years before, I think it was set up almost a completely different way, every other day. 
(The only reason it changed was because the two youngest would ‘play’ with the awesome tracks set up by their older brothers!) My only regret was not getting more pictures, as this year there were consistently two levels!
Our Yearly Christmas Video to our Family and Friends.
Family
The Phillips family had lots of adventures in Utah at some new and old favorite places including ice cream at Thankgiving Point, Trafalga, Kennecott Copper Mine, the Da Vinci Museum, Chuck-a-Rama and the the Nickelcade. We finally figured out how to catch a few fish and found some great hiking spots in the local hills.
We lost a pet Hammy the Hamster, but were soon after joined by Scout, an energetic Jack Russell Terrier who can almost keep up with the 4 kiddos. We also made it out to California for a few days and had some grand adventures in surviving some theme parks and finding lots of cool creatures in the tide pools.
Tucker
Starting 4th grade this year, Tucker is having a harder time finding any books in the house that he hasn’t read yet. He used his book reading skills to lead his team to the finals for the school Battle of the Books. No longer content with playing video games Tucker is learning how to make his own game titled “Eraser Head”. He is now a Bear Scout and was excited to attend his second scout day camp this past year.
Truman
Truman’s favorite part of 2nd grade is being able to play soccer at recess. That said, soccer is also his preferred after school activity and favorite thing to do on the weekend. At school, Truman sang in the school choir, is a Soda Pop Math champion and won a prize for his artwork in the Reflections contest this year. When he is not playing soccer Truman has found a knack for making pot holders on his loom and enjoys playing Bionicle and chalk wars with his friends.
Elliot
Although Elliot enjoys his new preschool class, he does miss his old Mom and Me preschool where they apparently had better snacks. Elliot is happiest when wearing one of his Halloween shirts anytime time of the year and has a personal goal of the most emergency visits to the doctor in a year for 2012. So far, he is doing pretty good.
Lorelei
Lorelei finally found a group of people who could understand her when she met the princesses at Disneyland this year. With tubes in her ears she is learning how to talk, but often doesn’t need to as simply looking in general direction of something will often send her brothers scampering to bring it to her. Lorelei love brushing hair and taking care of dolls as well as playing cars and wrestling with her brothers.
Truely wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
After talking with my neighbor, Diana, about how we wanted to do some fun things with our kids during the break, she invited us over for a gingerbread house decorating party!
We had a lot of fun, and made a big mess. Pictures to prove it:
Here are the kiddos explaining their houses,
Elliot
Truman:
Tucker:
Lorelei:
Don’t you remember thinking as a kid, “What could be better than a house made of candy?!?!” this is one of the traditions from my childhood, that I can still relate to. 🙂
I really do love it, because it gives me a chance to craft and create little things for the people In my life who I love!
Burlap wreath for Tiff:
I was just incharge of the Tags for our ornaments for the YW:
Tags for Neighbor presents:
Teacher presents:
I also made some capes for my nephews, and a few other thins, but apparently the pics got deleted.
Love the opportunity to create time to create.
Truman:
Dear Santa:
I have been good this year. I want a ninjago final battle set. It has the great devour and dragon.
Tucker:
Dear Santa:
For Christmas I want three things. All are listed below.
1. To play mine craft, and other games, just leave a note to my parents.
2. A nintendo any kind, or a kindle fire.
3. A surprise toy or game.
Thank you for whatever you get me.
Sincerely,
Tucker
(and again Tucker in cursive)
Elliot: (Dictated by Elliot, written by me)
Dear Santa,
I’ve been a good boy, can you please bring me a remote control car? The on you gave me last year got broken! Thank you Santa!
Love, Elliot,
(Notice his car drawn in the top right corner)
Lorelei:
Dear Santa,
I’ve been a good girl, I want a baby. Love, Lorelei
(Words encouraged by her brothers, but she knew she wanted a baby!)
Everyone wanted to help…
Elliot didn’t quite get the concept 100%
We were out of shovels so Lorelei used a broom,
And the big boys worked hard,helping me finish the job.
How I love these kiddods.
With the Phillips Family, it wasn’t planned, just spontaneous, it was a pretty fun Sunday Afternoon! 🙂
We had a fun time together.
Lorelei’s Speech Therapist recommended we do lots of activities with choices, so what could be better than deciding ornaments to put on a tree? She LOVED It, and so did Elliot.
Any excuse to craft, I guess. 🙂
