Party for 2

My number 3 is now 2. Wow. It was a fun day as Den stayed home (we had crazy rain), the kids had no school, we were able to go to the gym together (don't applaud, it's been forever since I've gone), run some errands and just have daddy's help as we prepared for the big boy's little birthday bash.


He loves bumble bees. He has this book that has bees on every page and must point them all out before moving on.

He was so thrilled to have everyone singing to him. (see video below)

He loved his presents. This firetruck from grandma & grandpa was a hit. But he mostly played w/ the musical card from Aunt Denise and Uncle Michael.




(I know this is loooong. Just watch the singing part at least, he's so sweet and he blew out one of his candles on his own!)

Lastly...he's in a big boy bed! Well...kind of. A toddler bed. This was his birthday gift from 2 great grandmas, a mom mom and us. I found it for a steal on craig's list, new and unused. He's doing pretty well at staying in bed at night, and had a great first nap in it. Today's nap, not so successful. Still, he loves it as you can see in the video. The pink pillow is just so he doesn't fall in the crack created from the baseboard heating. It was time since he could get his leg over the side of the crib, and I didn't feel like going to the ER for a broken bone anytime soon.

2

*current pics and party post to come

It was time...

Look at that face. My little ragamuffin. I love his hair. He'll be two in a week and no scissors have touched. However, after much pleading from my husband (i agreed that it could be cleaned up a little) we cut it last night. (please note that the mirror was cleaned immediately after this pic was taken!)

Before:

After:

It's crazy how a simple hair cute can make him look like a entirely different kid. Den says he looks more like a little boy. I actually think (after it dried..you can't really tell here) that he looked a little like Julie Andrews. Ah well, it will grow.

Last Lingering Days of Christmas, and a New Year

We were blessed and overjoyed to have my parents come and see us the Tuesday after Christmas. As usual they spoiled us. We mostly relaxed and just enjoyed each other with a few outings scattered here and there.


Making a welcome sign, moments before they walked in the door.


They're here!

Mom & Dad marked one present per kid to be saved and opened when they came. The kids also gave them presents that they bought w/ their own piggy bank money.


Yes his lips are blue...frosting from cookies I think.

This girl has been wanting her own sewing machine for a year now. She was ecstatic.

V was strutting in his construction hat.

We went and saw the Miracle of Christmas at Sight and Sound. And despite the look on my children's faces, they really did have a good time.

Climbing on Grandpa was a definite highlight.

Nine minutes before midnight on New Year's Eve.

Me: E, honey, don't go to sleep, it's almost time!

E: I'm not, I'm just resting my eyes.

J made it and toasted in the New Year with us. (Blood Orange Italian Soda, yum)

On Sunday it was time for them to leave and we said our farewells after a brunch at Cracker Barrel. And of course they got the kids treats when I wasn't looking. I guess I'll get over it and let them come back anyway. Sooner than later hopefully!

Christmas Roundup

We spent Christmas Eve day down at the farm sledding and snowmobiling. It was my first (as well as the kids') white Christmas and we made full use of it.

The guys would give kids rides back to the top of the hill, and as you can see it's always safety first w/ the spangler's.

Uncle Michael made a "ramp" for the boys to sled over. I actually went down w/ my niece and we accidentally went right over it. The baby didn't seem to mind.

The boys said they were "surviving".

The siblings.

We spent the evening w/ Den's parents and siblings and all the kids.

Christmas Pj's on Christmas Eve at home.

Christmas morning, reading the account of Christ's birth.

We stayed home all day, which was wonderful.

That night we went to his Aunt Lois'. J and den's cousin Bill.

The following Sunday we got together w/ Den's mom's side. Here are the girls w/ their dolls in matching dresses, from mom mom.

Den and uncle Dave looking spiffy.

IT's A.......