January 2012

My sister, Rachel turned the big 3-0 in January, so we celebrated one night when she was in town. You're still as beautiful as ever Rachel (maybe more so).


I watched Levi and Janie overnight again in January. Jared had a good time playing with his cousins. Here they are, all trying to ride on the fire truck at the same time.


I finally found a piano teacher for Kevin and Jenna. They started taking lessons at the beginning of January. Here is Jenna practicing. (If you ask Jenna what she thinks of piano lessons she will tell you that she likes piano, but she doesn't want to do it anymore because she hates practicing).


Jenna went to a "girly" birthday party at her friend's house. They did make-up and nails. She had to close her eyes so we could get a shot of her eye shadow. :)


Jenna reading to Jared in another one of their forts.


Jared decided he wanted to help me cook one night. Here he is with Derek's apron on.


This is what Jared does to entertain himself while Kevin and Jenna are at school


Santa brought Alyssa this fun play thing for Christmas. She has loves it.


Derek and Alyssa


Alyssa after a bath (still her favorite thing ever)


This poor girl rarely gets to nap in her own bed. With three older siblings we seem to constantly be on the move.


Kevin got to participate in his first ever pinewood derby in January. He was pretty excited. Here is his "car" (actually a bullet train) called "The Silver Bullet." He designed and painted the car himself. We are not the type of parents to do it for him just so we can win. He was very proud of his car, and took third place in his division.


Another view of The Silver Bullet


Kevin (on the right) watching his car go speeding down the track. :)


Derek and Alyssa enjoying the pinewood derby


Jared and Jenna holding the checkered flags at the pinewood derby


Every car received an award, of course. Here is Kevin receiving his certificate.


This is the "trophy" that each participant got along with their certificate at the pinewood derby. I thought they were genius, so I had to get a picture. The main part of the car was made with a singles pack of cookies (oreos in this case, but there were other types too). The wheels were peppermint patties (the off-brand), and the spoiler is a laffy taffy.


My parents came to visit for a week in January. I think that Grandpa and Alyssa bonded during that time.



This time Derek has a good excuse for being asleep while caring for Alyssa. This was pretty late at night. Alyssa was having a hard time sleeping because she had a little cold. Derek sat with her on the couch so that she could be more comfortable. Being that it was late, and he was just sitting there, he fell asleep too.


Poor, sick, sleeping baby. Luckily she was doing much better by the next day.