The Drakes

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Saturday, January 23, 2010

I've always wanted my kids to be better than me at everything. I want them to be super smart, great athletes, strong, faithful Christians, financially responsible, and happy little, confident people. It hopefully makes me better at all those things as I try to model it for them. That is why when they have recently become afraid of spiders I questioned where that came from, because I ALWAYS try to put on a brave face as I say, "Oh my!! We must get that silly spider!!!" :) I guess they can see through my "act". However, it won't stop me from trying!

Before Christmas my mom took Grace shopping for Operation Christmas Child where they filled a shoebox for a little girl Grace's age. She really got into it and I'm so happy they have started this tradition together.

She really got into the gift giving this year, as I had hoped she would. We, as a family, also gave to a little girl in the area for Operation Elf. She was so fun to shop with while we were picking out toys and clothes for her. The love of giving is another one of those things we hope to foster in them.

Adding hats/scarves/mittens to the tree for those in need.

With that all said, this ends 2009. What a crazy year. In all the craziness that was that year, we certainly never forgot to count our blessings. They were amazing and we feel so blessed.

So long 2009, please, 2010, be less eventful....

Friday, January 22, 2010

Farm Fun

Always a good time at the farm.

Standing on the air vents!

The First Snow

The first "playable" snow of the year was beautiful! We headed out after the crowds thinned on the hill and it started to snow huge flakes! Cooper kept yelling "Rain!" and wiping it out of his eyes! No sledding pics this time as we both took our turns - those will come later!

We made a little snowman, and I thought I get a cute picture of Cooper squatting down to check it out, but before I could get it he knocked it over and yelled, "Smash!" ! It was very reminiscent of Calvin and Hobbes snow creations. He certainly is ALL boy. :)

Cooper eating the snow.

Snow Angels!

We got Cooper down and told him to wave his arms and legs, at which point he stuck all for limbs straight up and shook them! Too funny!!!

He's got quite an arm!!!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Just Playing around

Christmas break seems like such a long time ago, but those days after the Christmas craziness were the best ones yet! We loved having Tim home with us; We loved hanging out in our jammies all day and playing with all our new stuff; And loved just plain going nowhere!

Christmas Down on the Farm

Well, it doesn't take long to get behind...

We had Christmas with the Coopers the weekend after. The kids made out like bandits and didn't sleep well, but we all had a wonderful time!

Ball Pit from Aunt Monica.

Sigh. (someday there will be paybacks.... :) )

Cowgirl hat and boots. Grace was not too thrilled about them at the time, but she is warming up to them here at home! Thankfully, Monica didn't seem to mind her behavior!

Ahhhh, Play-Doh. Uncle Ben and Aunt Laura know what we like!

Trampoline from Grandma and Grandpa! They love it and Mommy wishes there were two of them! But, it is great for learning how to share and wait for "My Turn"!