Christmas 2010

This Christmas - it was all about umbrellas and Leapster Explorer. Our immediate family tradition is to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve morning. The boys opened their stockings first - which included Star Wars umbrellas for each of them. Jacob has been wanting an umbrella for a LONG time - so they both were pretty excited about them.

They also got some M&M chapstick in their stocking - mmmmmm.....chocolate flavor! Levi has slathered his lips up well - with brown rimmed lips to boot.

Jacob opening Leapster Explorer.

Levi opening Leapster Explorer.

Jacob busy opening up some PJs and slippers.

Levi playing with his new foam, lighted sword.

Jacob opening up a game for his Explorer.

Levi eating PEZ and playing with his new umbrella.

Jacob dancing around with his umbrella.

Some more sweet umbrella moves.

Levi - our lil drummer boy - playing the drums while wearing new slippers and a new hat from Auntie.

Jacob playing Explorer with his umbrella on his guitar box.

It was difficult to get Levi to willingly pose for a picture - here was one.

The boys being silly - while trying to cooperate for pictures.

We celebrated on Christmas Day at our house with my family. Here are the four youngest grandkids in line waiting for their turn at a present. Caleb was our "Santa" and handed out the gifts.

My brother Joe and his wife Ofelia.

My parents and the Murphy dog with his festive coat.

Jim and I and my friend Missy who spent the holidays with us.

The boy cousins grubbin on some food.

We were enjoying some dessert - while playing Apples to Apples.

Missy made the trek out to Sacramento from Wichita a few days before Christmas and stayed for a week. She had just got engaged - so we had lots of catching up to do and researched some options for her upcoming wedding. It is always great to spend time with her - and we pick up where we left off. She will be starting a new phase in her life soon - and we may not get as many of these opportunities to share this holiday together in the future.

Auntie with her buddy Jacob.

Auntie with Levi.

The boys love it when Missy visits. Although - Jim and I feel a bit less than important.

Missy and I went out shopping for a short time - and when we returned - Jacob would run up and give Missy a hug - and not even hardly say "hi" to me.

One of the things they loved to do was play games on Auntie's phone.

Very hard to get pictures with Levi this year. He has a mind of his own these days - and does what he wants on his terms.

It was wonderful spending the week off with Missy this year. After being roommates for over 12 years, it is saddening that we aren't nearby anymore.

She took a few pics of the family on her last day here. Here we all are - mostly paying attention and smiling...

And - going with how the boys took pictures this year - let's all make goofy faces - so here we go!

And - leaving you with a video of Levi opening his Leapster Explorer. Very fun to watch his expression.

Merry Christmas - and a Happy 2011 to you!

Children's Christmas Play at Church

Jacob participated in the children's christmas play at church - as "Wiseman #1 - Gold." Oh how he has them fooled!

Being "wise" with the other kings.

With his trusted camel - Matthew. Matthew is his friend from community group and church - who is also in kindergarten.

It was difficult to get good pictures during the play due to lighting. Jacob didn't have any speaking parts - just demonstrated what was happening while someone narrated.

Here he is preparing to give his "gift" of gold to Jesus.

This was his first "acting" experience - I can see a future for him in it!

Here is our bright and shining star!

It was fun to see all of the kids involved in sharing about the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of our savior.

Jacob's 6th Birthday - Super Mario Party

Jacob LOVES Super Mario and everything to do with this fun game - so we had to give him a Mario party. This was the first party we have had - where we invited other kids besides family. There were 12 kids invited - from daycare, church/community group, Jim's work, and cousins. Here are the boys in the kitchen before the party - with some of the decorations - and Jacob is in his Mario PJs.

The cupcakes were decorated like the mushrooms from the game - along with white M&Ms for the dots. Jacob looking intently at it as we began singing to him.

Blowing with all his might to extinguish the one candle.

We got a bounce house for the event - along with playing some games. Jim made PVC blow guns to shoot marshmallows at the evil Mario figures attached to plastic cups. We also had a "yoshi" egg hunt with gold coins inside (which we are still finding around the house!). Jacob got some great gifts - here he is with his guitar. He loves playing it - and making up songs.

Singing another song - for my listening pleasure.

He got Old Navy clothes from his aunt and uncle in Texas. He looks great in them. Although when he opened the gift, he was less than excited about clothes. I guess clothing at this age is kinda a present for the parents :).

Last year, Jim and I put together all of the legos that Jacob received for Christmas - and then Jacob would play with them until they busted apart. This year - he got some legos for his birthday - and he actually put most of it together himself. Our lil boy is growing up!

Soccer 2010 - U6 - Dragons

Jacob played his final year on an U6 (under 6) team this year. Our team was much smaller - last year we had 12 players - and everyone typically played 1/2 a game. This year we had 9 - and often 1 or more kids were absent - meaning most of the kids played the entire game. Jacob did better this year - was more interested in playing - but still got distracted often.

Here he is taking a much needed water break.

Levi just being cute - watching his brother. Levi was able to practice a few times with the team - and he was all in the middle of it. He will be ready to play on his own team next year.

Jacob loved playing goalie. We are not quite sure if he liked the position - or just the fact that he didn't have to run up and down the field!

At attention ready for the ball. His teammate Collin was great - one of the younger ones on the team - but you can definitely tell he will be good as he gets older.

Making a goal kick after a save as goalie.

Another goal kick in action.

Waiting for the action to come his way.

The team waiting for a kick off - Jacob is on the right.

Jacob in the middle of the action - with the ball. This didn't happen very often - so excited when he actually engaged and had fun with it.

Mr. Goalie with his batman cap.

Kicking off the ball - great action shot.

How cute is this - Jacob is number 5 next to his friend Joshua. We are not sure Jacob is destined for team sports - but we are going to try t-ball/baseball this year too. It is great experience to be a part of a team - and want to continue to encourage him in different areas to help him find his niche.