Merry Christmas!

Check this out:

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/t4a5RgaDBlftBLMF?cmpid=ey_fb_self

BOO!

It's almost my birthday...(dunna dunna dunna) Happy Birthday to me!

Eden's birthday came early this year...ok, not really...but her party did! She was so excited to have a pink princess party. Honestly, the girl has been talking about it since Ronin's party. I know what you're thinking...'When was Ronin's birthday? It couldn't have been that long ago...wasn't it just your last post?' Yes, yes it was. I'm a decent party planner, and a horrible blogger!

This was Eden's first friends party. She told me who she wanted to invite, picked out princess invitations, and told me what kind of cake she wanted. All I had to do was make it happen. Anything for my little princess! It was a great time. Eden loved it, and I loved watching her love it!

Making her "under the sea" picture

The kids played 'kiss the frog' (the princess-ified version of pin the tail on the donkey). It was so cute.

Last week we watched How to train your dragon. I guess Ronin was really paying attention.

The main event!

Princess cake!

Eden has such thoughtful friends...ok, in reality it's probably the most thoughtful mom's of the friends.

This about sums it up. The party was

Bonus: Ronin video! This is what he did at Eden's party.

I guess he'd keep standing up and just rock back and forth. The kid has some good balance. Every time he saw Dus grab the camera he'd get off.

I'm a little bit slow...

I was looking on my friends blog- and on her list it says 'Kinsey blog' updated 4 days ago. I thought 'Umm I didn't update 4 days ago...did I? Did Dustin'? And then I realized. I started the following blog about Ronins birthday the other day...or as it turns out 4 days ago, and finally just got around to doing it/ posting it today. Thanks a lot blogger. Way to embarass me. Telling everyone it took that long to do one little post. Guess what...I'm a busy girl. I don't always finish the things I set out to do all at once. Ask my laundry. This post only took 3 minutes. Maybe you could update that on everyones lists (heehee)!

My Bubs is 1!

We had a great time celebrating Ronins first birthday! He is just the cutest little monkey, which is why I made him this cake! I really don't have too much to say. We had a few friends come over, had some BBQ, opened presents, and ate some cake. It may not have been on the same level as Eden's first birthday, but we all had a great time.

Getting so big!

Enjoying his dinner. I can't believe how much food this little guy can put away!

Mustache

First attempt at a family picture

Second attempt

Opening presents

I wish I would have got this on video: See that cool dump truck he just opened. If you press a button it rumbles and then if it weren't in a box, it would move. Well Dus pressed the button and Ronin freaked right out. I've never seen him crawl over to me so fast. He kept trying to climb higher up my lap, and his little heart was racing. He HATED that toy, so we took it back. Good job Dustin, way to know your son (jokes). I thought he'd like it too!

The monkey cakes

Cutie little monkey enjoying her little monkey

Eating it so carefully, and then...

To my Ronin: Here are just a few (of the many) things I know about you. You are a beautiful little boy. You are fearless and tough. You have this giggle that melts my heart. It also makes me want to continue tickling you or keep making weird noises so I can hear it longer. You love to play with your ball popper toy and make T-rex sounds. Your favorite game is peekaboo around the couch. You do not like to sit still, and you dislike books (like your Dad). You love your sister. She can make you laugh harder than anyone, she can make you cry harder than anyone too. You love to crawl all over your Dad, and chase him around the couch. And as for me Ronin...well, you're crazy about me. Good thing the feeling is mutual. You are quite literally the reason I wake up in the morning, and the reason I can't sleep through the night...and I love you!

Thanks coupons

Most of you know I have a love/ boarder line obsession with coupons...here's why. Total cost for all this: $-4.52. Woohoo! I love makin' money!

Sunday Naps

In the Smith household, everyone takes a nap on Sunday afternoon...everyone except me that is. I always think I'd better take advantage of this quiet time and do something or read something....or be creepy and take pictures of my family sleeping...heeheehee!
Awww...don't they look peaceful!


But sadly, all good things must come to an end.

I love to see the Temple

About a month and a half or so ago we were driving home from Church, and we asked Eden what she learned about in nursery. She said " I learned about Temples. Yeah, I like them. I want to go to there...please!" The next day was Memorial Day (Dustin didn't have school) so we took a drive to show Eden the temple. She loved it! We had a great time just walking around the grounds, smelling the flowers, and playing around the fountain. It was a great day! I love that at 2 and a half Eden already has a love of going to see the Temple!

A family of dinosaurs

Thanks to Grandma Jan and Aunt Amy (and all the Kohls bucks they gave us), we finally bought Ronin his very own stuffed animal! He LOVES Rex...ok, we all love Rex.

I found this video of baby Eden the other day. Turns out we have a thing for dinos!

Oh the places we've been!

Hi family and friends! Sorry about the picture strike. I just can't seem to find the time to sit down and blog anymore! Eden is done with naps, therefore no 'me time' in the day, and unfortunately Ronin still needs me in the night, so no 'me time' in the night either. It's a good thing I'm so crazy about them, otherwise I'd be complaining. Life is good, busy, but good! I was going to post more pictures (believe it or not- even though it's 1:27 am) but the blog is telling me there's an error with the autosave- so I'm not going to risk it by trying to add more.

We had a fantastic Christmas break staying in Portland, doing whatever we wanted. So here is some of what we've been up to. Where to start...

The basketball game. Our sweet friends Mike and Amber invited us to his staff Christmas party and even let us bring these two along. We had the best time! Great people, yummy food, oh, and did I mention the box seats! I don't know if I can ever go back to regular seats again! Eden loved being able to run around- and she was so cute cheering for the Trailblazers!

Next stop: The Stepping Stone Cafe. We discovered this little jewel on the tv show Man vs Food. Why would we wait outside in the rain just to eat at this place...? One word...

MANCAKES! A pancake fitting of its title. It was huge, and so delicious!

Here we are at Peacock Lane. It's a street where everyone puts up tons of Christmas decorations. I know from this picture it doesn't look that busy, but it was CRAZY. People everywhere, and police, and strollers, and 'For Sale' signs.

Going to OMSI to meet Samson the dino.

Ronin's expression after seeing Samson

Just me and my boy

Here we are at Zoo lights. There were over 1 million lights! It was awesome! Here's the classic 'take it yourself photo'. Ronin came too- he was sleeping.

Bundled all up in the chariot.

Oh, Dustin! He's so funny!

Choo choo!

We had snow! Just for a few hours. Eden and Dustin had fun building snowmen together. She was so excited, but sad that they melted a few days later.

Cutie monkeys in matching monkey jammies.

My big little man! Isn't he so sweet?!

Just a cute picture of Dus and Eden.

And here's our favorite (and only, but still favorite) visitors.! We had a great time seeing Aunt Jess and Uncle Griff, even if it was only for a few hours.

Finally, we've reached the end! Here's the most recent picture of the kids. They are so fun!