We had a special treat to have our friend Nicole Burger and her 9 month old son stay with us for a few days. We were lucky to have good weather. It was chilly in the mornings but the afternoons warmed up enough to be outside. The kids were happy to be outside. Evie found her chalk and quickly decorated the back patio.
Ariel with legs who collected a bag of shells
Ewan liked crawling in the grass.
He even got to swing for a bit. The kids haven't been out much before this with the weather being so cold so this was a nice treat. Ethan was happy to swing. He could swing for hours if I had more patience to stand and push him. I think an hour is my limit.
Nic brought the kids t-shirts from Reno, NV. They wore them proudly to school and told everyone about their new shirts.
We had Laurie and Mandy over for dinner to see
Nic. The kids played nicely which gave us grownups time to eat and chat. Joel is feeding little Ewan. He is such a good boy. He never fusses and takes every situation (however loud and no matter how many kids are in his space) and handled it like a pro.
Nic, Bob and Mandy making sushi for dinner.
Ethan sporting his t-shirt from
Nic and giving some love to Emma. He was actually quite flirtatious.
Good morning Ewan. The kids usually huddled around where ever Ewan was. It was fun to have a baby in the house.
Ewan playing peek-a-boo with
Nic
Ewan found the blocks
Once again the kids gathered around Ewan eating. We're just getting ready for the kids' Christmas concert at church. They just got out of the bath and Ethan came down wearing Ewan's pants. I couldn't believe they fit him around the waist but as you can see they were quite short.
After dinner, we headed to the kids Church school for a little Christmas concert.
Ethan was a present. His whole class dressed up as presents. Ethan was a good boy. I wasn't sure if he would stay put but he didn't move. He just stood as still as I have ever seen him.
With party hats on they sang Happy Birthday to Jesus
Ewan enjoyed the music. It was cute to see him clapping or eating his snacks like popcorn at a theater.
After the concert the kids enjoyed a snack reception and ran around with their friends.
Nic and Ewan took off at 5:30am the next morning so it was off to bed and an early morning. We had a great time seeing baby Ewan. Thanks again for the visit
Nic!!
Evie asked for a Ninja birthday party this year after a friend of hers wore his karate costume to school for Halloween. We happened upon a ninja costume on sale after Halloween. She has been working on her karate chop moves on Ethan. Ethan wants a Pirate birthday party so he gets even with his sword. Evie is excited. She is moments away from her cousins arriving.
We also are lucky to celebrate my mom's birthday with Evie since they are only a few days apart. Something special I hope she will always remember. Grandma turns 60 this year - you'd never know it though. She has more energy than the grandkids.
Dinner time. Just a few of the cousins - I love that the family has so much fun together.
Happy Birthday to the most amazing mother! 
Jack and Evie
Most of the kids dressed up, which was fun. Emma is sporting knives in her hair.
Finally, it's time to open presents. Evie picked the one from grandma and grandpa to open first.
Aubrey and Jeremy
Louis, Laurie and my dad
Mom opening dad's gift. A pretty cross necklace. 
Ethan and his buddy Joe.
Claudia
Clare sang a special happy birthday song to grandma and Evie
Mom and dad have a fun tradition of getting the grandkids matching jammies. It's always a fun picture.
Evie wanted a dragon cake and we ordered mom a fortune cookie for her cake. 
Isn't that cute...all those matching jammies. The kids were sitting around the bowl of fortune cookies waiting for their cake.
Happy Birthday Evie.
Happy Birthday Grandma
Maddie is holding up the message from the fortune cookie. Happy Birthday Grandma Potter. We love you so much.
Grandma and Joel
Aubrey and sweet little Maria
Grandma is helping the kids get their new farm out of the box. Thanks mom and dad, the kids love it.
Evie, Claudia, Ethan and Emma
And a little party favor to take with at the end of the night. I'm so grateful to be around family and that the kids are such good friends with their cousins. It was a fun time.
