Candy Candy Candy!!

Tis the season to eat CANDY!!!!

And we wouldn't want to dishonor any of these important traditions.....

Colin at pre-school making a "gingerbread" candy house.

The parents got to come in and spend and hour helping their child build and decorate their houses. Someone had the brilliant idea to use an empty milk carton as the frame for the house. All we had to do was apply frosting to the sides and stick our graham crackers on. What an easy way for the little kids to create a sturdy structure.

Our finished project!

Kelley and the kids with their Candy Train.

It is a Starker family tradition to make these trains for the holidays. This year both kids got to help with the construction and decortaing of Kelley's train. We have both masterpieces on display in our kitchen at the moment. If that isn't enough to make you crave sugar I don't know what is!! That's what New Year's resolutions are for- right?!

The kids have been elfed!!!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1573001458

Storybook Land and a visit with Santa

Our annual trip to Storybook Land to see Santa and "tell him what we want so that he can bring the right stuff on Christmas Day". Colin remembers the drill from last year and Janessa is in disbelief that Santa is not at the North Pole and she will really get to see him.

Janessa looking at the Cinderella story display.

Colin liked jumping on the X to make the Grinch leap into the air.

Looking at the model train with Grandpa Ron.

Colin's turn to sit on Santa's lap. He asked for a Star Wars dart blaster gun that transforms into a light saber, a black Jeep, and a pink Jeep for his sister Janessa. He got double bonus points for asking for something for his sister during his turn with Santa!

We kept coaching Janessa while we waited in line about what to say to Santa when it was her turn. When the moment arrived all she wanted was the candy cane! She would not say another word but at the same time she did not cry or scream about being left on Santa's lap.

All five of us!! Bundled for the cold and enjoying being together.

Janessa's gets an A+ for bike safety

We are just getting back from our christmas tree hunt and on her way thru the garage Janessa spots her bike helmet and pads. Which she then insists on wearing immediately. Never mind that its maybe 40 degrees outside and her bike is locked in the shed and she can barely reach the pedals.... I am busy feeding Eliana so she enlists her brothers help in getting her gear on. They were so serious about their mission that we had to snap a few pictures. It's a rare moment these days that they can see eye to eye and work together to accomplish anything other than giving me gray hairs!!

Did you know that elbow pads should be worn on your forearm or wrist?

Strike a pose.

Then chin strap is too tight...

How much do you want to bet that when bike riding weather is back she will refuse to put on any of her safety gear so that she can ride her big bike?!?!?!?

Decorating the Christmas tree

The kids were so excited after getting the tree that they wanted to decorate it right away. Needless to say, I didn't have the ornaments ready and things like meals and naps took too much time to complete so we had to wait one whole day before the tree could be decorated- you would have thought that the end of the world had come to the Smith's house!

Finally, I am ready to hand out the ornaments and the battles ensue. She got a bigger one then me, I wanted to hang that one up.... not exactly the Christmas spirit.

After a lengthy conversation we were able to peacefully decorate the tree. I let them place all of the ornaments wherever they chose so only the bottom few feet of the tree were dressed. When no one was looking I spread a few out- just couldn't quite let it be.

Colin & Janessa

Very proud of themselves!

I found these silver jingle bells at the Dollar Tree and Colin decided to make them into his own Christmas tree. Then insisted that I take a picture of his magnificent creation!!

Papa's idea of fun with jingle bells. Brand new shiny eyeballs!!

Christmas tree hunting

Colin & Papa cutting down the tree.

Janessa holding the "golden ticket".

Looking at the wedge of tree trunk from our tree. Very exciting!!

Mommy and the girls all bundled up waiting for the wagon to come back.

A collection of pictures from Eliana's first week

Happy Birthday Eliana!

A tired but happy Mommy & Papa

All bundled up- it's her absolute favorite way to be!

Kaden came to visit at the hospital

Grandma Vicki and the girls

Janessa holding baby sissy

Colin and Eliana

He took a copy of this photo to school so he could show everyone there that his sister had come. He was soooo proud!

Great Grandma Betty comes for a visit

We have had many other visitors thru the week, I just haven't had the energy to chase down the camera! So far Eliana is the ideal baby- sleeps all the time, eats great and only cries when she needs a diaper change. We'll see how long it lasts!!

Eliana Rose has arrived!

We are the proud parents of another baby girl. Eliana was born on Dec 3rd at 3:41pm. She weighed 7lbs. 6oz and was 19" long. She has a headfull of blonde hair and is absolutely perfect! Stay tuned for pictures.....