In an attempt at helping the kiddos learn how to clean their room to my satisfaction, one day in January, after they went back to school, I raided their room and closets and bed, and DEJUNKED their spaces, and created a checklist, for them to do weekly.
The checklist with pictures has helped:
And I like to look at these pictures, to remind myself of how good that room can look! 🙂
The Beginning of January didn’t only signal a birthday, it also was the beginning of Sunbeams! Elliot wasn’t to sure about going to the big kid primary, and wanted to go back and get snacks in the Nursery, but we’re glad he decided to stick with it and be a Sunbeam after all. 🙂
And also this little Gem, Toph got on video:
A painter or a rock n roll star. Can’t wait to see him grow up into his dreams. 🙂
And he was so excited!
He knew exactly how he wanted the invitiations, and made them by himself, (I wrote the words, then he cut them out and glued them on the invites)
Toph spray painted some boxes the day before,
When the guests came, we put Stickers on the Cars (Boxes) and License Plates,
Then we did an obstacle course, where the kids had to make their cars stop and go.
Then we opened presents
Sang Happy Birthday
Ate Doughnuts and Ice-cream
Then sent them home with Balloons!
Elliot was so excited to be turning four, and a day hasn’t gone by since, that he doesn’t remind me that ‘he’s not just four. He get’s older everyday.! True story.
Four is a big age, and Elliot was so excited to be having his birthday!
The tradition of Birthday Doughnuts continues!
He got his first present of the day:
We went and met Aunt Tiff, Nora and baby O at IKEA for Lunch, and Elliot got his present, that he LOVED, and carried around with him for 2 weeks. And LOVED being with his cousin!
Opened more presents
That night, Toph’s train broke down, and Amy went to rescue him, only to get lost trying to find an unmarked station on unnamed roads. So we had a little mac n cheese movie night while we were waiting for their arrival.
Then when they got home, we sang Happy Birthday Again:
The desert he wanted? Blueberry Muffins. 🙂
Ane he opened his final present of the day, a trailor for his new cozy coupe, which is perfect for hauling around Lorelei.
Happy Birthday Fourth Birthday Buddy!
The baby of the family is getting bigger–
Love to see how her speech is progressing!
And she has become OBSESSED with dollies, and being the perfect mommy. 
Wishing Time would just stand still!
I love the few days after Christmas, before kids go back to school. This was one of those days. The toys were up in the livingroom, everyone was setting up a station, and Lorelei insisted that her castle be brought up as well. Her brothers listened to her babble and helped her bring it up…then proceeded to play with it with her for over 2o minutes, even though they had castles on the other side of the room. So cute.
IMG 5157 from em phillips on Vimeo.
Here she is playing by herself after the brothers left to get another load downstairs.
IMG 5158 from em phillips on Vimeo.
So fun.
Lorelei is the ‘help-iest’ child I have.
Always there when I am Cleaning the counter, or washing/sweeping the floor, she LOVES to help!
Left for Logan, and had to stop for a birthday lunch, Tucker’s choice, SUBWAY!
We arrived in Logan, and spent some time with cousins:
Did a little last minute food shopping (I love this pic):
Eating our New Years Eve Feast!
Celebrating Tucks’ and Eli’s Birthday:
2012-12-31 20.22.35 from em phillips on Vimeo.
Grandpa tied some flies for Tucker for his birthday. He was thrilled.
2012-12-31 17.59.48 from em phillips on Vimeo.
2012-12-31 20.17.11 from em phillips on Vimeo.
2012-12-31 20.17.11 from em phillips on Vimeo.
Staying up until midnight! (I may have fallen asleep at 11:45!)
Cat painted all the girls nails, and they all we’re PLEASED as PUNCH!
New Years Tradition is playing ‘Just Dance’ on the wii, we didn’t do it in Logan, so when we got home, we all played it. I didn’t know Toph was filming it, and I kind of look silly! 🙂 But it was a fun time!
2013-01-01 17.45.14 from em phillips on Vimeo.
Over the Christmas Break, Truman re-disocvered his love of Bionicles. It was fun to see him building all day. 🙂
