{A Very Merry Christmas}

We had such a wonderful Christmas yesterday...so thank you to awesome parents and grandparents for all of the great presents and money! We truly appreciate all that you do for us. It was nice to have such a relaxing day yesterday-- it was fun to just let Hunter play with all of his new toys--while Steve and I hung out in our pjs all day. We did make a delicious ham dinner that night, and then later went for a drive to see all of the Christmas lights still up. So we hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas, so without further delay, here are a few pics from our big day!
Hunter was soo excited to get dinosaurs this year--he now has a whole colony of them. And thanks to uncle Kyle for the cool dinosaur that roars!

Hunter also got some "Thomas big boy underwear" and a big boy potty from Grandma and Grandpa Stewart and money for his savings account. This will be "our" New Years goal to get Hunter excited about being a big boy and out of diapers---Yay for me!! (I think he already is excited about the Thomas pants...ya think?)
Hunter also got some fun books and a cool truck and horse trailor, and a very much wanted Spongebob pillow....


So of course it was Tanner's first Christmas and he was such a good boy yesterday! I love how is such a snuggly baby, and loves to be "sugared" as Steve and I say. He just loved to watch all of the excitement... and just took in all of the day! I love you Tanner :)
And lastly Trains Trains and more Trains!!! Steve spent 3 hours setting up Hunter's new train in his room, so after we had opened up everything and had breakfast--Steve went to work getting it all ready. Then we took him upstairs to his room and all I can say is WOW...Hunter loves the new addition to his room. He could literally spend hours playing with trains....(needless to say, I have spent many hours at Barnes and Noble while Hunter played with the trains there) So WE are all excited for Hunter's new present! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Morris!

{Twas the night before Christmas....}

We had such a fun time tonight celebrating Christmas Eve with our good friends the Halls. Our kids play so well together...so it sure makes it a lot easier on us parents to have a nice relaxing night before tomorrow's festivities. We had a delicious meal of chicken enchiladas and yummy nachos. And then the kids got to decorate gingerbread houses and make yummy doughnut snowmen!
Then it was off to the "Festival of Lights" where you can drive through a park that has all of these cool light displays set up. Hunter loved seeing all of the fun lights as we drove through...and then we stopped and had some hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows--SO FUN!!


And then after we got home...we all got to open up our new Christmas jammies, and had Steve read us "The Night before Christmas"! So we hope you all had a wonderful Christmas Eve, and we wish you a very Merry Christmas tomorrow!~

{Cookies....YUM!}

Well I think tonight we started a new "Morris Family" tradition-- we made yummy Hershey kisses peanut butter cookies as a family. (Even Tanner helped by staying in his swing and being a good boy while we baked:) I don't know why but these cookies always seem to remind me of Christmas time. So I think that we will make them every year around this time. We are really looking forward to the next few days, especially because Steve is out of school for 2 whole weeks--yipee!

Check out my Slide Show!

{Preschool Christmas Party}

Today was Hunter's Christmas party at preschool!! They always have such fun and creative activities for the kids to do. First they had snack time...which is always Hunter's favorite! And then off to the crafts--they got to decorate and paint little snowmen-- and they turned out very cute I might add. Then they got to play some fun games, and lastly had story time--where they read about silly alligators on Snow Day. What a fun day!! The first picture is of the adorable "friendship wreath" the teacher's made for all of the kids that have their handprints and pictures on them.

{Brother bathtime and Friends}

I thought these pictures were soo cute that I had to post them. I don't usually let Hunter in the tub with Tanner, but this morning he came running into the bathroom while I was giving Tanner his bath, and started to take off his jammies, and wanted to jump right in with his brother. (Notice the look on Hunter's face...priceless)
This next picture is of Hunter and his cute little friend Breckyn, aren't they adorable?? They play so well together, and its fun to just let them go and see what fun games they come up with to play.

{Santa}

What would this time of year be...without a picture on Santa's lap??? Our ward Christmas party was this past Friday, and afterward we had a special visit from Santa Claus. I don't think Hunter still quite gets what all of the hype is, surrounding this jolly character all dressed in red--but nonetheless he sat on his lap with brother Tanner, and smiled for a picture.

Weekend Activities

We were able to do some fun things together this past weekend!! The weather here in Iowa has been a bit on the frigid side, and so outdoor activities are pretty much out of the question. We did however have some fun at Valley West mall on Saturday. They have a really fun holiday set up there, which includes a train you can actually ride for only $1.(As you can imagine...Hunter was all over that activity!) They also have a cool arcade play area, and Steve and Hunter had a great time throwing aways some tokens there :)

{Frosty... the candy snowman}

I have been looking on the Internet for fun holiday craft ideas for Hunter and I to do together! And I came across this cute idea for a snowman made out of doughnuts (yum!) So today we got to try it out!! What is needed: 1 package of snowballs (those hostess coconut cakes that come in the 2 pack) pretzels, skittles, chocolate mint cookies and reeses peanut butter cups (for the top hat) and 1 doughnut hole for the head. I have to say that our edible snowman turned out quite nicely...
It was twice the fun--because we went over to one of Hunter's friend Gage's house to make our tasty little snowman. Gage also has the complete Thomas the Train set with table and all, so that was definitely an added bonus for Hunter. Really-- what more could a 2 year old boy ask for... other than trains and treats with friends? :)

O Christmas Tree{s}

This is definetly my favorite time of year to decorate my house for the holidays! Nothing is better than a beautifully lit Christmas tree, a nativity set, stockings, and wreaths to get you in the Christmas spirit. We set up our tree for Family Home Evening this past Monday, along with everything else, and to my dismay--I have found that Hunter has found a new "toy" to play with... that being our tree. It is so funny to me, because he couldn't have cared less last year, in fact he hardly seemed to even notice anything was different. But of course, as if I needed one more thing that Hunter can get into, while mom is busy with brother Tanner---our Christmas tree would be it :) So as to with every problem...there must be a solution! Ours came in the form of a Walmart special mini tree for Hunter to have all to himself. And thus the "Christmas Tree Destroyer" fiasco is over. He is delighted to have his own tree to decorate- take off the decorations, and then put them back on over and over again. And so am I....it has kept him occupied for hours :)

Cousin Time

It was a whole lot of fun (ha ha) trying to get the three cousins together to take some pictures, but I think we got a few good ones! Also, I thought I would include a pic of Steve and Scott's day hunting pheasants!! (They were quite proud of themselves ehh) It was funny how interested Hunter was in daddy's birds, he didn't even seem to notice that they weren't exactly alive.

Turkey Day

Well unfortunately our Thanksgiving weekend is soon to be over!! I hope everyone had a relaxing and wonderful time together with friends and family. We had a great time at the Morris household this week with Scott and Christie and cousin Carter here visiting from Utah. Hunter had so much fun playing with his cousin, and spending time with family. It was so nice to have Steve home--and Steve was happy to have a break from school, and to have time to go hunting with his brother. I have to admit... I was a little nervous this being my first Thanksgiving away from home, and to be all on my own (oh yeah...and with the much appreciated help of Christie) to make a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. But I have to say we had quite the spread-- with homemade pies, stuffing, mashed potatoes and rolls. Everything actually turned out perfect, and we all had a great day.

Up Close

Many of you have requested to see pics of Tanner "up close!" So here you are....

I can't believe he was born 4 weeks ago tomorrow--Wow!!
Also, seeing as Thanksgiving is this week-- I made a short list of the things in my life that I am grateful for (in no particular order)

1. Two healthy boys named Hunter and Tanner

2. A very hard working and dedicated husband (whom I still adore after going on 9 years of knowing each other) 5 of them being married.

3. For being a Iowa resident for the time being. (we really do enjoy our Waukee living)

4. Sweet Hunter for giving hugs and kisses on demand. (most of the time)

5. For Spongebob square pants and Thomas the train- that keeps Hunter entertained for hours.

6. For wonderful family members of which I love and miss and think about everyday.

7. Great friends that I can depend on, and a great ward to be apart of.

8. For autumn leaves and cooler temperatures (this is my favorite time of year)

9. For my testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, our Savior Jesus Christ, and a living prophet Pres. Hinckley.

10. Lastly I am grateful to be a mom! (even at 2am...4am..and 6am) thanks Tanner!!

Rare Occasion

Well I have to say, it is a very rare event that I can get Hunter to hold his new baby brother--so I seized my opportunity as soon as I could, to get this picture. I actually have been quite impressed with Hunter these past days, as he is slowly but surely warming up to little Tanner. When I am not looking, he will walk up to him and start talking to him-- and the latest breakthrough is that he kissed his head for the first time the other day. As Thanksgiving is soon approaching....I am reminded of the many blessing in my life. As I look at my two boys I am overwhelmed with gratitude for their sweet spirits, and the great joy they have brought into Steve's and my life. So as we prepare for our "Thanksgiving Feast" of turkey, stuffing, pies and mashed potatoes-- what are some of the things in your lives that you are grateful for everyday??

If you can't beat em'... join em'

OK so if any of you read the last post....you know of Hunter's latest activities. Since he decided on his own to have "arts and crafts" time with my makeup and bedspread- I thought it might be a good idea to actually give him supplies to channel his creativity. So I went to the store last night and bought some washable paints, construction paper, and glue sticks. This morning I told Hunter if he was a good helper for mom and didn't get into anymore of our household items on his own, then once a week we will have art projects of our own to make together. As I was looking around my house I found lots of empty boxes, and had a great idea. So as you can see we converted this would be garbage bound box into a "car garage" for all of Hunter's many cars. He really enjoyed the painting aspect of our activity, and only painted the kitchen floor once (its ok--washable paints) and then had fun painting the paper I gave him. If any of you, have any great "art activity" ideas I would greatly appreciate it! Have a great weekend everyone!

Paging Dr. Hunter

I thought this picture was so cute of Hunter. He loves to play with his "Doctor's Bag" that we got him from Walmart awhile back! He likes to carry around his case and put assorted toys and instruments in it, as well as walk around with the stethoscope around his neck. He doesn't really know what any of it is used for---but enjoys playing "Doctor" nonetheless. Today was also a very interesting morning to say the least-- (I am now completely on my own with the two boys) both grandma's have come and gone, both giving some much needed and appreciated help during their stay. So back to this morning....well I thought I was off to a great start as I had both boys fed and bathed for the day by 8:30 am. Then it was mom's turn to get ready---and thats when the fun began. I had Tanner in his swing sleeping, while I brought Hunter upstairs to sit on my bed and watch "Thomas the Train" while I got in the shower really quick. I knew there was trouble to be found when I didn't hear the TV on when I walked into my bedrooom to find Hunter had got into my makeup (which by the way he has never done before) and had squeezed out onto the carpet the entire tube of foundation. As well as taken my black eyeliner pencil and drawn all over my cream bed spread and all over himself as well. Don't worry it gets better--later on in the morning, as I was feeding Tanner on the couch, I notice Hunter has discreetly left the front room and is now in the bathroom. Hunter seized this moment of freedom since he knows mom can't come running after him when the baby is being fed...and proceeded to drop the shampoo, lotion, and baby wash in the toilet. Honestly is this really how it is going to be????
I guess its a dang good thing he knows how to give great big hugs and kisses and say "sorry" because I can already tell it is going to be a very long winter.

Family Photo

Well we had our first family picture taken together--(this was taken on Halloween night!) We also got the boys together in their "spooky" jammies, and surprisingly Hunter let his new brother sit next to him. We are all doing great, and love having little Tanner as a part of our family. He brings such a sweet spirit to our home, and it has been alot of fun watching Hunter respond and interact with him. Tanner is growing and changing everyday it seems, and Hunter is just as active and full of energy as ever!! Steve is staying busy with school as usual, and I am just trying to keep up with my new "mom" duties.

Spooky Times

Well these past two weeks have been a bit hectic to say the least....but we all have been looking forward to the many Halloween festivities to take part in. Hunter's preschool Halloween party was on Monday, and the Trunk or Treat was last Saturday--and today of course is Halloween! We will be making yummy chex mix and carving pumpkins tonight, and eating some of Grandma Morris' delicious cheese soup. And after the boys are in bed...watching some scary movies. Hunter went with Steve to the Trunk or Treat on Saturday, while me and peanut stayed home. I love this picture of Hunter in his Knight costume. On Monday we got to go to the very spooky preschool party for Hunter. He decorated sugar cookies, and his own trick or treat bag, and then all of the kids took part in a parade around the classroom. Brother Tanner was also there--dressed as Tigger. Things are staring to calm down a bit here in the Morris household. Hunter is getting more accustomed to little brother more each day, and I am getting back to feeling like me again. So we wish you all a very Happy Halloween today!

Brothers

Hunter is starting to get "adjusted" to having baby brother Tanner living at our house! At first I could hardly get a picture of the two boys in the same vicinity. Now Hunter is staring to show some interest in him, and likes to sit next to him while he gets his morning bath and watch curiously. It was so cute too, last night while Tanner was in his swing sleeping--Hunter got down on his knees, and started to slowly push him very "carefully" in the swing. I know these two brothers will be great friends!