Merry Christmas to all our family and friends. It has been a great year full of fun in our home. And more fun is to come with baby boy #3 on the way sometime toward the end of April. We are blessed to have a wonderful home, neighborhood, friends, school, and much more. Stay tuned for more updates in 2011. All our best...
Dillon LOVES Amy. And he LOVES working on projects with her. He was in the best mood I've seen him in in months. She just brings out the best in him.
Happy Boy!
Thanks for coming over Diestlers. It really added to the season. 
Dillon was on cloud nine. He kept saying "Winter is my favorite season!"
And Wesley had fun for the first 20 -30 minutes. He really liked eating the snow and trying on different hats. Then he face planted in the snow and started getting cold.
He wouldn't keep his gloves on either, so eventually I put him inside and let him watch a show so Dillon and I could build a snowman. It was a pretty little guy, but considering my time allowance and energy level I'm happy he even looks like a snowman at all. It really was great packing snow and I kept wishing Aaron would have been around 'cause I know he would have had fun making a masterpiece.
I had totally forgotten arms for our little snowman. But my awesome Dill found the perfect little twigs and did the job.
Hopefully we'll get another "warm snow" this season so the boys can play again. For now, we're headed into the freezing temps. The high next Monday is supposed to be 8 degrees! That means with humidity and windchill we'll likely stay in the negative numbers! Winter is officially here. 
The excitement soared when I pulled out the turkey Thursday AM. The boys loved touching the slimy bird and telling everyone (phone) about it.
The finished turkey turned out pretty good--not bad for a novice.
Time to carve
The meal 
The children
The next day we put up the tree. Dillon nearly jumped out of his pants with excitement. And Wesley kept yelling, "Ho ho ho!" Children just make holidays so fun.
On closing night of our show, a cast member, who is also a hair dresser, had his buzzers up and running, shaving off all the beards and unkempt hair. 
Ron had fun "playing around a little" as the beard slowly came off.
Somehow I didn't get a final picture when it was all off, so you'll just have to stay tuned in other posts to see his cute little baby face! We had no idea he could grow such a good beard, so it was fun to have the excuse to try. I really did like the look of it, but am glad to have his smooth, more kissable, face back!
Savior appearing to the Twelve Apostles and some disciples.
Cleopas and Disciple
Aaron kind of stole the show. He is such a natural on stage and I heard never-ending compliments about how talented he is.
Mary singing "Alleluia" with the women
"How could we not recognize Him?"
Cute disciple!
Singing "Did not our hearts burn within us?" They were awesome together!
"...and for these past three days, when it seemed we had lost Him again, it was the will of the Father He was doing, as always. That is why He laid down His life, so He could take it up again, and us, with Him."
Mary Magdalene and Mary listening to Thomas questioning why he hadn't yet seen the resurrected Savior.
"Come, Lord Jesus, come"
Such beautiful music, beautiful script, and after it all, my testimony of my Savior is strengthened and there is no doubt in my mind that He truly did live and still does.
Aaron and I were cast in our stake's production of Savior of the World in late August and have been busy preparing ever since. And here we are----show week! Family night was Monday, dress rehearsal Tuesday and Wednesday was the first ticketed performance. We've gotten better every night. Two more performances and it'll all be over---which I have mixed feelings about. I'll post more thoughts and pictures later but just know that it has somewhat taken over our lives, in a good way---despite the dirty house, neglected children and Aaron's job on the line--j/k. My testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ has been strengthened and I truly do know that He lives. I am so grateful for this opportunity to study more intensely His birth and resurrection. Stay tuned to find out how it all turned out...
I can't believe we are approaching the holiday season now! Here we go...
We introduced them to Chicago style pizza the first night they were here.
We ventured down to the city and did a quick driving tour of some of the city, and then we parked so we could walk through Navy Pier. We got Chicago style hot dogs and popcorn while we were there too!
Grumpy Chandler boys for pictures---but my mom was really excited that the person that took this picture was from London and had a great accent!
The boys always love the Thomas train at Navy Pier.
I tried to get Oprah tickets while my mom was here and was unsuccessful, but I at least drove her by to see the studio.
Grandpa was the best babysitter. He rode bikes, went on walks, gave baths, drove Dillon to school, put boys in bed, etc. My mom is the best book reader, train player, back scratcher and kitchen cleaner. So the two of them together are a great team. I keep hoping I'll get them back here when I have the baby.
We went to a local farm to get a feel for the season.
Of course the boys loved the train
and the animals
and the blow up toys
My mom loved all the signs you can put your faces in
Thanks so much for coming Mom and Dad. We loved having you and are hoping you'll come back soon. End of April? First of May?? Hint! Hint!
