Catching up on December

In between all my busy end-of-semester-stress, I have taken the kids to the playground. It has been soooo nice outside, usually between 60-70. 

Our little girl had her very first ear infection, and we were so sad to find out! We took her to the doctor on the 5th because she had a yucky nose. She got sick on our trip but I didn't suspect an ear infection at all because she has still been her sweet self! I figured the clingyness was from the trip, not because she was feeling so owie! :(

 Evelynn has learned to pull herself to kneeling position and loves to sit on her knees like this and look around. On the 6th I found her like this in her crib for the first time! 

 Just a few days after learning to get to kneeling position she started trying to climb and getting herself to stand.  I asked big brother what he thought of it all but he just stared at me like I was crazy. I guess there's no reason to worry, silly Mommy! 

Caleb had drill the first weekend of December. After he got home on Saturday the 7th we went to our ward's Christmas Party. My little family was NOT enthusiastic about the pictures I demanded. 

 Then the next day was Caleb's unit's family day and Christmas party. As usual, there was the bounce house that Connor ADORED this time. We could hardly keep him off of it.

 And, there was a visit from Santa, who brought presents! 

It was Evelynn's first time sitting on Santa's lap, and Connor sat with no problem this time. He couldn't wait to get his turn as soon as he understood that you get toys from Santa when you sit on his lap!

The following Monday I decided it was time to do our Christmas decorating and put up our tree.

The last few years I have always watched White Christmas while I do it so I continued that this year. Connor wasn't so much a fan of the movie...but he sure likes the lights on the tree! And Evelynn just loves sitting underneath it, so our presents are staying hidden in the closet until Christmas Eve. 

 Last weekend Connor helped me make our gingerbread train he had been waiting so patiently for. 

And of course because Connor and Mommy were taking pictures, it was necessary to snag a picture of Daddy and Miss Evelynn. 

It was a good thing I took pictures promptly after finishing the train because it did not last long. Even a little girl enjoyed it! Connor sure enjoyed the candy off of it. 

Also... THIS IS BIG, PEOPLE!!!!

Just a few days ago this started happening:

 Big brother looked so proud of her! He even climbed into the crib to jump around excitedly with her. 

 This kids are growing SO QUICKLY! I am telling myself that I need to try to take pictures more regularly so that I can remember as much as possible about them at these ages. Connor still isn't the most fond of pictures...but i'm learning that he's a lot more willing if he can hold sister or stand by her in them!