To think that we used to force him to read...

It used to be like pulling teeth to get Jacob to read.

 Now it is hard to pull him away from Harry Potter books.

A few nights ago, I put Jacob to bed. I went back into his room for something about ten minutes later. I found Jacob curled up in bed with a flashlight, Harry Potter book, and a small bag of M&Ms. I had a hard time telling him that he couldn't do that at bed time.

Happy Birthday Jacob!!

Believe it or not, Jacob is 9!!!!

 We convinced Jacob that he had to give a speech before the party could begin. I can't remember another time that he has turned red. He gave a short speech then jumped off his chair

If you think this is a cheap tool box, you are wrong. It is actually a spy box (or at least that is what we told him).

 No, we are not sending him packing. At least not yet.

Grandma Debbie gave him luggage for their 9 year old birthday trip. Jacob gets to chose to go anywhere in the Continental U.S. this summer with Grandma.

 He is considering Lego Land, Universal Studios Orlando, or Alcatraz.

 Jacob chose to decorate his own birthday cake with The Hobbit legos. That was easy for me.

 I don't think he appreciated the trick candles.

Christmas Morning

We had another great Christmas at out house. Cade's gifts consisted mostly of sports items such as a gift card for an Angel's jersey and a Patriots cup and hat. Sorry, no Xbox like he had hoped for

 Jacob's gifts had a spy theme. We are a little nervous. He said he wanted to watch us at night.

 Grace had a cooking theme. Santa brought her a Fortune Cookie Maker. Grandma Debbie gave her her first appliance- a baby cakes cupcake maker. She is a good cook

 Santa left Jacob a birthday present- a Nerf cross-bow

 Grandma and Grandpa skyped with us while opening presents. It is amazing that we can spend time together even though we are on opposite sides of the world.

 

 Then we move upstairs for the boring parent stuff-clothes.

 They always want to know why we don't give anything but clothes.

 

Cowles Christmas Bowling Party

Each year we go to WSU to bowl with the Cowles. We rent the bowling alley and bring soups or a different pot luck meal. We all look forward to it each year. Mark was sick this year so we had to go without him.

 Grace's turn. Jacob keeps a lookout. 

 Cade and Tyler let the i-touch entertain them between frames.

 Another tradition at this party is to exchange white elephants during a story called The Little Star. Erin read the story today.

 Santa came to visit the kids. Grace got called up to sit on his knee first.

 After 13 years Cade apparently forgot what to do when Santa called his name. I think he was a little embarrassed to sit on his lap.

 He finally figured it out.

 Grace got an art kit.

 Cade got an i-tunes gift card.

 Jacob got Spy Gear.

Jacob's Tooth & Grace's Hard Work

Jacob hates having his teeth pulled. He is only kid I know that will not even wiggle a loose tooth. He freaks out if we try to even wiggle his tooth. Well, we had Grandpa M&M over for his birthday and he pulled Jacob's tooth out by tying dental floss around the tooth.

 As always, Jacob was happy when the tooth finally came out. No wonder he is almost 9 and has only lost 3 teeth,

 We will just add this picture of Grace working hard in her pajamas on Saturday morning. I hope she doesn't overdue it.

Christmas Fun

We went to the Christmas Parade on Washington Blvd with Grandma Debbie. It was so crowed that we couldn't see a thing at first. Mark had a great idea to go to the steps at the Municipal building. This worked out quite well.

 Jacob, Grace and I made a gingerbread house. Cade just wanted to eat it.

 We went to a school Christmas program at Jacob's school. It was so crowded that there was standing room only. They even turned some parents away. They will do the program at Roy High next year. This is a picture that Mark took from outside the auditorium.

 They opened up the library for siblings to watch cartoons and color since there wasn't enough room in the auditorium.

 Jacob was in the second to last group to perform. Luckily enough parents left by this time so we were able to get a seat where we could see him. He looks great in his suit.