Emma is crawling!! YAY!

Today, Emma decided to show us that she can crawl. Megan was putting some photos in an album and Emma was determined to get to the photos. She crawled almost halfway across the family room. YAY! I have to say that she is taking her time compared to the boys. We made sure to fill all the outlets with covers.

Cooper, as well as the rest of us have been enjoying his four day weekend. Birthday party, swimming lessons, and dinner with friends. Emma had her first donut and her first chocolate chip cookie, which she devoured in no time. The boys enjoyed playing baseball with dad this afternoon in the 43 degree weather. It feels like Spring around here. Megan enjoyed a nice walk with Tamra.

This is how I found Emma today when I went into get her after she woke up. Trying so hard to stand up.

Happy girl.

Cooper helping make Tapioca pudding for dessert.

Charlie's Valentine's craft.

Helping mom out. It only lasted about two minutes, but it was sweet. :)

This is how I found Emma today when I went it to get her. Trying so hard to stand up.

Emma crawling!

Emma is 11 months old.

It is hard to imagine that Emmy will be one year old next month. She has grown and changed so much this past year. Her latest tricks are standing with support and trying to crawl. She will crawl with one leg under her. She is saying da da now. She brings smiles to our faces many times a day. She is such a happy little girl. We love our Emmy!

Showing off her stuff. She stood there for about five minutes. When she was tired of standing she started to cry. Wasn't sure what to do.

She has two bottom teeth now. Loves to eat what we are eating. She isn't into baby food that much anymore. Likes avocados, chicken, and pineapple lately.

Siblings laughing together.

Saying da da is so much work.

This one is for you mom. :)

A baby is Born!

We had a wonderful holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus. Both sets of parents came up to visit, Megan's brother and Nate's brother. The kids had a great time having all the family here. We went to Christmas Eve service and Charlie fell asleep during it. Coop was excited to hold the candle at the end when we sang silent night. Nate sang a couple of songs with the Men's choir. It was a beautiful service.

Christmas Day began at 5:19am. It took Cooper a while to get Charlie to come down. Almost half an hour. Emma joined us at about 6:30am. We all were so tired, everyone in the family took an afternoon nap. At Christmas dinner, we asked Cooper what the best part of Christmas was. We were waiting for him to say something he had gotten for Christmas. He told us having the family all together was the best part. It was so sweet. Charlie said the prayer at Christmas dinner, "Happy Birthday Jesus! We love you and we will see you soon." It is nice to know that they realize what Christmas is about.

We have all been struggling with colds. Over Thanksgiving and Christmas now. We hope it passes soon. Megan has a sinus infection.

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.

Oreo was going crazy behind all the gifts.

This was the first night the boys ever slept together at home. Charlie did not want Cooper in his bed. They slept together for three nights and made it through it.

The gift the boys got to open on Christmas Eve, that lasted about 10 mins. We took it back and got one large remote control car.

Charlie and Emma reading with Nanni Owen.

Emma opening her gift on Christmas Eve. She got a doll stuffed animal and some pretty bows.

The boys cheering before Christmas Eve dinner with their OWN sparkling cider. They loved having their own mini bottle. They drank 1/2 on xmas eve and have on xmas day.

Charlie got to try his first progie Christmas Eve. They were so yummy. It has been about four years since we have made them.

The boys were tying to get a photo of Nate and I before the Christmas Eve Service. :)

I wish Nate was in this photo. Need to figure out how to set the camera to timer so we can all be in the picture.

Cooper and Charlie already for church. Charlie wore this shirt all day. Cooper went up and dressed himself. Mom and dad did not pick out the outfits.

The boys asked for blocks this year.

Emma playing with her toy Santa left.

Cooper helping Emma open her present. She got some new bracelets.

Charlie enjoyed Emma's presents the best I think. :)

Charlie loves phones and Ipods. :)

Charlie giving Uncle Spud his Christmas present that him and Cooper made.

The boys showing Nanni and Boppi the calendar we made for them for Christmas.

Emma hanging out with Boppi Owen.

Grandma Verla, Megan and Nate.

Uncle Greg and Emmy.

Trying to stand up with support from Uncle Greg.

Nate apparently gave approval for grandparents to buy these nerf guns. I did not. They do love to play with them.

The boys Christmas present to daddy. It is pretty cute and pops the popcorn very quickly.

Readers as Leaders

Saturday evening, we went to the U of I Men's basketball game. Cooper's Kindergarten class met their goal of reading 100 books in two weeks. They all received a U of I t-shirt and got to walk out on the court at half time. He had a fun evening hanging out with his friends. Charlie had a fun evening of hanging out with all the girls. ;) Now Cooper is working towards his silver goal of five hours of reading. He has read three hours and 10 minutes so far. If he reads 10 hours then he will make the Gold goal. He has until sometime and February to reach these goals. We know he can do it.

Here they come!

Emma had a good time dancing and watching the game.

Charlie hanging out with the 3rd grade girls.

Charlie sitting next to Shelby.

Meeting Joe Vandal. Charlie kept saying, " I want him to come over and see me." We finally went over to meet him. Aiden and Evie are in the picture with the boys. They live next door to us. Aiden and Cooper are good buddies.

Charlie wanted his picture with a cheerleader.

Charlie watching the game with Evie.

Christmas Program

The boys did a great job in the Christmas Program on Sunday. They sang silent night and did the hand motions. This was Charlie's first time in front of an audience. He did very good. We thank Uncle Bernie for taking some pictures. Our family was the 9th day of Christmas and we got to up from and pretend like we were getting a family photo. I thought I got a video of the kids singing, but something must have happened. It didn't come out. :(

Here is the link to the pictures:

https://cid-0fc04bed83537435.photos.live.com/play.aspx/Church%20program/IMGP6430.JPG?Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos&wa=wsignin1.0&sa=660713406

Emma trying to stand up

Emma has been getting a lot stronger lately. She likes to hold onto the couch, bed, and even the sides in her crib. We have to stand her up, but she loves it.

Trying hard to hold on.

Emma showing off her stuff. :)

Emma's first tooth

I just noticed, as Emma was playing in the tub, that she is getting her first tooth. It is barely showing and is coming up on the bottom center. Cooper got his first tooth at a year and I have no idea when Charlie did. I don't have it written down, but I am assuming he got his first tooth after Coop because we started brushing his teeth around 15 months. I love these first milestones.