Jacob's 11th Birthday

Jacob just enjoyed his 11th birthday (over a week ago). I am just getting around to getting the pictures off the camera. After the 10th birthday, we kinda stop doing a formal birthday party for our kids. So we gave Jake a couple of presents on his birthday and had to head off ot our various Wednsday night activities. Jake was so excited and surprised. He asked for a laptop (we told him in his dreams), but once he saw the little video camera he forgot all about the laptop. Jacob is very creative and always wants to play with the camera and constantly plays with the DVD player (freezing, FF, rewinding, playing scenes over and over), so we decided to get an inexpensive camera for him to create his own masterpieces. The only stipulation is that he has to remember his parents when he receives his first award for his film making.

Cole passed out before the excitement (that is what happens when you think you are too old for naps). Jake was so excited he invited a few friends over to make movies and play dart tag on Friday.

Sunday we had a family dinner with cake and ice cream.

Wow he is growing into a wonderful and handsome young man! Happy Birthday Lakob Jizard!

TaDa...The Twins

After many months and hard work the twin cedar chests are complete, they only differ in color. Joe finished making Jacie and I matching dovetailed chests for Christmas. He made me one many years ago and has always wanted to make another with the knowledge he learned from the first. He started cutting back in October. Monday night he finished putting the hardware on.

He is so talented. Joe was able to teach the kids quite a bit while he did it. Jacie worked on it as part of her personal progress goals. She is excited to start her hope chest. Joe's brother, Uncle Nate, pitched in too. Here is Jacie learning how to apply the stain and lacquer. We love them Joe, you are so thoughtful.

Close up of a dovetail cut below. Once they air out we can move them inside.

Farewell Lori...

Sorry Renee, I could not help but post this face!

Back in December a few of the ladies went to Claim Jumper's for dinner to say goodbye to our friend Lori, who was moving back to Idaho. We had a great time and miss having her and her family here in Vegas. We are grateful that they decided to move to Vegas, even if it was for such a short time.

After Christmas

We took off the Sunday after Christmas for the hills. It is always so nice to spend time up in the mountains. We try to take the kids each winter to play for a few days in the snow. It is so very nice to play in the snow for a few hours, but to be able to retreat to the warm fire when you have had enough. It was 10 degrees when we got up there that evening, so it felt warm to be inside at 40 dergees.

Daniel fell asleep with the heat packs that the Schoenrocks sent us for Christmas (thanks Aunt Pam).

Christmas

Okay, life is finally almost manageable for a few days. Now I can tell you about our Chrismas. It was blast. The kids always amaze me . For instance, we got Jacob a basketball on a whime and it turned out to be his favorite gift. I really enjoyed watching Cole with all the aspects of Christmas this year. He was so excited about everything: lights, Santa, wrapping paper, the tree, the treats.

Christmas Prep

Wow what a great Christmas. The family was together for a whole two weeks. We had fun going to the park, preparing for Christmas, visiting with family and friends. Christmas came so fast (again) this year.

Christams eve we spent with our good friends, The McKnight Family. It was nice to hang out one last time before they moved. Christmas day was the traditional, wake Mom and Dad up and open up presents, then head off to Grandma and grandpa's for breakfast and playing with the cousins. IT is nice because Christmas seems to last two days, the day after they get to stay home and play with all the new stuff.

The Saturday before christams was our Annual Ciciliano Family Christmas party. Santa usually comes and visits the kids that night, and he did not disappoint this year. Don't the kids look excited to see him.

Santa had too much...

This is a photo I ran across today. Cole was just 4 months and passed out on Christmas day. So, being the responsible parent I am put a can (of lip gloss) in his hand and snapped a photo.