Milestones

I had it pretty easy for a while, but I knew it was bound to change.  I used to be able to leave Cora sitting on the floor with some toys and when I came back to check on her, she was still playing contently.  That all changed on January 5th, when she learned to crawl.  She is a very happy little crawler....she loves to follow her sisters around and play right next to them.  She also loves to make huge messes along her path :)  

For the record, Cora also learned to clap and wave on January 12th.  Oh, and she's pretty much the cutest thing ever!

 I just found this sequence of pictures, and well, I LOVE them.  They make me smile every time.....

(Just looking around)

 (Oh, it's mom.  With the camera.)

 (Yea!)

Tooth Fairy

Milan's tooth started feeling wiggly while we were in Oregon.  She was very diligent about wiggling that thing and when I noticed that her permanent tooth was already growing in, I encouraged her to yank it out.  She was pretty brave....just got some toilet paper and pulled.  The tooth fairy made her very first visit to our house on January 13th!  She brought $3 and a special package with a new toothbrush and toothpaste.  (Milan cherishes her special toothpaste, she has it hidden in the bathroom and won't let anyone use it)

Before:  

After:

Beach Pictures

I got a new camera for Christmas(!!!) so of course I wanted to try it out on the beach with my cute little family!  Here are some of my favorite pictures.....

Adventuring

We enjoyed some amazing weather while we were in Oregon (since we live in Wyoming, we are very comfortable in 40 degree weather!)  We spent a lot of time out and about.....

We went to Sea Lion caves with Grandpa Scott!

 The girls got to go on little dates with Grandpa Bob.

 Hiking

 We took lots of trips to the beach.  This day we stayed for the sunset so the girls could see the pink sky (it is their favorite color after all!)  

 Milan found a whole crab, then tried to scare Uncle Chip with it.

Cora was a great little trooper for our adventures.  She loved to ride along with me and look around.  Sometimes, she got pretty tuckered out and took a little nap!

The Sand Dunes.  They had a great time sliding and jumping!

 The girls would hike all the way back up this huge dune every time.  They were pretty tough!

 We also went back to the dunes with the sled.  For some reason, Eden was totally fine with going down huge dunes on her tummy, but a little nervous about the sled.  They got back into it though.

Dave and Grandpa also took a spin in his cool new truck.

Christmas Morning

Christmas Day was everything I was hoping for....magical and happy!  The girls woke up very excited about the American Girl Doll Beds, life size castle, and stockings that Santa left out for them.  After Uncle Chip and Aunt Andrea arrived, we opened all of our gifts.  The girls were surprised and excited about every gift they received.  It was so fun to watch them!!

Milan's favorite gift was the Just Like Me American Girl Doll.

Eden got some great gifts and her very favorite was her "umbellala!"

Hugs for Grandpa Bob

 And Aunt Andrea....she sure was a happy little bug!

 The girls with their American Girl dolls.  They were so spoiled with all sorts of matching outfits, accessories, and even a camping set!

Cora loved being part of the Christmas festivities too!

 While Eden was taking a nap, we decided to go on a little walk and try out the new pink BB gun (Dave might be more excited than Milan...haha!)

 After Grandma RuthAnne arrived, we enjoyed an amazing Christmas Dinner with lots of family! 

Sure felt like a perfect day :)

Oregon

We arrived in Oregon with just enough time to decorate the tree and celebrate Christmas Eve with grandma and grandpa Scot.

First thing, the girls used their creativity to decorate the tree.  They actually lost interest half way through because they were so excited to be at grandma and grandpa's house :)

 On Christmas Eve, we made chocolate cookies for Santa, opened our cute jammies, watched The Grinch That Stole Christmas, read Christmas stories, set out milk and cookies (Santa), carrots and water (Reindeer) and excitedly fell asleep.  

I'm not sure who was the most excited for Christmas morning!  I love the magic of Christmas with little girls :)

Visiting the Torlands

Next stop on our trip was my sister's house in Ontario, Oregon.  We had such a great time with the Torland family that we ended up convincing my sister to play hooky from work and extending our stay :).  First up, we exchanged presents with Brynn.  The girls got a great craft kit that will keep us entertained this winter.

 All the cousins!  We took this picture for the grandparents and amazingly all the kids are looking!

 The girls LOVED playing with Brynn.  Brynn got most excited when she saw Cora (baby!)

 Brynn wanted me to take this picture of her....what a cutie!

 Here's the team decorating sugar cookies/ eating tons of frosting!

Of course, Cora wanted in on the action too.

Marie and I also had a fun home decor shopping day while the boys played Mr. Mom with the girlies.  Fun times!