Explorer Girl...

Alexis has hit the month 18 month mark, with a vengence! I've finally come to the conclusion that although I had my heart set on raising a girly girl, it's just not going to happen! Thanks to her 3 older brothers, she is definitely a tom boy... already! And she is a fearless little girl, too! She's constantly climbing onto everything and thinks it's hilarious to immediately do it again if you get her down. While I had my Christmas tree up over the holiday, I had to ban her to her bedroom because she kept taking ornaments off (even though I had it completely surrounded with gates). So one day I was in the kitchen making dinner and heard someone playing with her piggy bank. I walked in her room to find her sitting on the floor with it, so I assumed Aaron had gotten it down and given it to her because he was in there playing. So I put it back up on her dresser and made him come in the kitchen with me so he couldn't give it to her again. Well within 5 minutes, I heard her playing with it again. I walked into her room to find her standing on her Leapster table (she had pushed it across the floor and put it next to her dresser) with it in her hands. She looked directly at me and said "uh oh", like man I'm busted! And anytime the door to the boys' bedroom is left open, I can guarantee she has climbed Austins' ladder and is chilling on his top bunk. She's also become quite the little bully to Aaron. There have been a few times where she has just pummeled him in hopes of getting him to wrestle with her. It's become one of her favorite activities to do with her brothers! However, she also loves it when they want to cuddle or read her a story. They really look out for her :)

At her well check-up, she was still measuring in the 5th percentile for weight and 10th percentile for height, but she is still consistantly growing. I was hoping she would have caught up to average by now, but the doctor said she will most likely remain petite. I guess she is making up for her small physical size with her lager than life personality! She's saying all kinds of words, and even putting a few together. Although her favorite word to say is still "no", "thank you" is coming in strong at 2nd place! She's also very nosey inquisitive and problem solves quite well (video below is proo!). She loves playing with all her toys and is starting to gain a good little imagination. I think we have already started the terrible twos stage because she can already throw a tantrum like none other. It's shocking to me how early this started, but then again, I was warned girls are more dramatic... regardless of age! I think I am in for a bumpy ride with her!!!

Just hanging out of in her crib...

It's hard to be neat when you're learning to eat...

Being mischievous...

Christmas Cuties & Chaos...

After not getting home and going to bed until well after midnight on Christmas Eve, I thought my kids would at least sleep til 7am on Christmas morning. Boy was I wrong! They were up exactly 2 hours after I lay my head on my pillow. As much as I wanted to lock my door and hide stay in bed, I got up and and joined them in the living room. Before they are allowed to open up any presents, we read the story of Jesus' birth (just like my dad used to do with us on Christmas morning) and then the letter that Santa leaves telling them how well they were this year and what they need to work on for next year. After that, it was on to opening up the presents! 

The boys posing with their stockings...

Aaron checking out his new cleaning set (that comes complete a kid vacuum that actually works!)...

Austin scoping out his new Joker Lair...

Andrew in awe over his new Batman Cave...

Andrew and Austin listening to the noises the Batcave make...

Aaron loving his new playdoh set...

Austin digging his new mode of transportation...

Andrew enthused about his Razor, too...

Alexis wasn't fully awake when the boys started diving into their presents, so she just sat back and watched all the excitement until her brothers were done. I was anxious for her to open up her gifts, because I had it on good authority Santa brought her some great girly stuff. And after 7 years of seeing all boy toys, I was beyond thrilled for a little change!

Alexis still barely awake but clutching her stocking...

Alexis finally opening some presents! Her very first baby doll...

And a bathtub to go with it...

And of course, a miniature nursery set... 

Alexis taking her new doll for a walk in the new stroller...

However, before she was fully able to enjoy all her doll stuff herself, her brothers decided to test it all a test-try themselves! I guess they were as ecstatic as I was to have a baby doll in the house, too :)

Austin and Aaron tucking the baby in for a nap...

Austin changing her butt after naptime...

I really wish I would've recorded the whole diaper changing process because it was hilarious! However, I was able to get a little bit of their excellent babysitting skills on video. They never cease to amuse me :)

They all played the majority of the afternoon with their new toys. It was pretty hard to pry Andrew away from his DSi and Austin from the new Wii games, but I was finally able to coax them into getting ready to go with their dad to celebrate with his family. Once the kids were gone, I was able to put all their new stuff away and enjoy the evening relaxing in silence... the best gift of all :)

Christmas Eve...

Just like last Christmas Eve, the kids and I headed to Detroit again for the Wilks family Christmas party. And this year, my parents and siblings also made the trek to make it an even better time. There is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with all my family, especially during the holidays! The kids love playing with their little cousins, and I enjoy catching up with my extended family as well since I am on the other side of the state and only see them a few times a year. Alexis snuggling with Great Papa Sebastian...

Uncle Kurk passing out the presents to the kids that "Santa" left on the doorstep...

Austin excited about his gift...

Andrew unwrapping his present...

Aaron and Andrew testing our their toys from Santa...

Andrew, Austin and Aaron playing light sabers...

Little Charlie joining in on the battle with his mini light saber...

Opening up presents from family...

More presents...

Andrew excitedly showing off Just Dance 2 for the Wii...

Alexis opening up all her clothes from Aunt Patty and Uncle E...

After the last presents were opened, I got the kids in their pajamas and loaded them up in the car. I was very thankful the weather cooperated and I was able to drive the 2 hours back home without having to worry about any snow! When we finally made it into the house, we quickly read "Twas the Night Before Christmas",  and then the kids put out cookies and milk Santa along with their Christmas lists. Austin even went the extra mile and sprinkled reindeer food in the yard for the reindeer. Another great Christmas Eve!

Gingerbread Boys...

This year I thought it would be fun to have the kids decorate Gingerbread houses. One of my good friends has been doing it for years with her kids, and from the pictures she puts up, it always looks like a good time. So, I finally went out and got each of the boys their very own houses (and train) to decorate. 

Aaron ready to start decorating his house...

Austin all smiles about decking out his house with ...

Andrew giddy about embellishing his train with colorful candies...

The boys getting down to business and decorating...

Although the kids seemed to enjoy it, I don't think it will be something we make a tradition of. It was very time consuming, the houses kept collapsing even though I had assembled them 2 hours prior to decorating, and the icing was a pain to work with in general. Next time I either need to purchase different kits, or go someplace where the majority of the work is done and only the decorating is left. Despite all the setbacks, the kids had a fun time and they turned out kind of cute!

Aaron showing off his candy covered creation...

Austin proud of his whimsical house...

Andrew beaming with pride with his terrific train... 

Final masterpieces...

Baking Memories...

My best friend and I thought it would be fun to get some ladies together, along with all of our kids, and have a cookie decorating party before the holidays. So, yesterday we all met up at Tammy's house (she has the biggest kitchen) and spent the afternoon baking.

Tammy and Annabelle rolling out the dough...

Aaron painting his first cookie...

Austin joining in and painting a stocking cookie...

Brothers working side by side...

Aaron meticulously painting a snowman...

And adding some sprinkles...

Andrew decorating a Christmas tree...

Austin watching his big brother do a great job...

Austin adding some sprinkles to his painted cookies...

Andrew, Austin and Anthony putting the finishing touches on their cookies...

While the cookies baked, they each got to design their very own plate. Tammy got this kit where they take whatever you have drawn and bake it onto a plate. So, all the kids got a piece of paper and drew whatever they wanted. Aaron wasn't in the mood to color, so Anthony drew a picture of Dora for him. He's been asking about every day since and is anxious for it to come in the mail!

Austin went overboard and decorated both sides...

Andrew making a U of M plate...

By the time the kids were done designing their plates, the cookies were all done and ready to be eaten. Each child picked their favorite one and scarfed them down. A delicious ending to a wonderful day :)