Winter Band Performance

Here are a few pictures of Ethan's school winter band performance. He was really excited to perform with his friends for his family. And he did great, he wasn't even nervous at all! I thought they did an awesome job decorating the stage, aren't those huge snowflakes so pretty.

First Haircut

Libby Lou just got her first real hair cut. Aunt Carly took some clippers to her hair during the summer, but that wasn't an official hair cut. She sat perfectly still, well not really, but still enough! Her hair was starting to get long and unruly in some spots, but she still has a bald spot that is coming in. So it was time to clean it up. I was really nervous. But I am so happy I did it. I like it a ton more now. And her hair is even long enough on top to put a little clippie in. She hates headbands and pulls them off immediately, it drives me bananas. Any one have any hints to get little ones to wear them??

Snow Day

Can you believe it actually snowed in Phoenix? Its totally crazy, right? I must admit it was one of the most exciting things. I can count on one hand how many times I've actually seen it snow, so it was kind of a big deal in my book. It snowed off and on for maybe 3 or 4 hours. When it really started to come down the boys had to have an impromptu snow ball fight. Ethan said the snow was like Styrofoam, because it was so soft. I had no idea snow could actually be soft and so easily pliable. I usually see it when it is more ice, and not so soft. Crazy, you learn something new everyday!

I loved it! We had soup, turned up the heater, got all cozy...It was a good memory.

A Hancock Christmas

Our annual Sunday Christmas picture in front of the tree. I think both of the boys started undressing as soon as we walked through the door.
Grandma and Poppa got the boys a new trampoline! YAY! Our old one died several months back in our neighbors yard during a monsoon. Hayden was so excited! He loves to jump. Shawn was relieved to have some help putting it together. Thanks guys!

I was a little excited about the boys new bathrobes and super sick slippers. They make me laugh. Don't they look like Grandpa's?
Hayden helps Grandpa Darryl open his present...as if he didn't have enough of his own to open, that little turkey.
Hayden is such a sweetheart. He bought a "Baby's first Christmas" stocking at the student store for Libby. After he bought it he came home from school and wrapped it up for her. He loves his baby sister!

Ethan's number one present that he wanted this year was Lego Universe. Thank goodness Santa pulled through for him!

According to Ethan Christmas this year was the Best ever! And I think I would have to agree, it was pretty great. We were lucky enough to have my Mom and Darryl, and friend Eddie, be with us this year. They are such great guests we always love when they stay with us, and are sad when they leave.

A few Christmas highlights:

1. Baking in the kitchen with my Mom
2. Christmas Eve FHE, and thinking about our gift to the Savior
3. Boys loving their stockings so much they didn't wake us up to early! Even though Ethan opened his stocking at one! That little stinker!
4. Christmas morning pull apart- most delicious ever
5. Kids loving all their presents, and getting everything they wanted, and not feeling like I went completely overboard
6. Being able to get a baby doll, and stroller (I was so excited all month for Libby to open her presents!)
7. Shawn bought me everything I wanted this year, he was so good to me! I got jammies, a camera, Just Dance 2, and piccross (a ds game...I know kinda silly, but so fun!) (Man I must have been a good girl this year!)
8. Going to the movies to see Gulliver's Travels
9. Christmas fettuccine (This is Shawn's favorite thing that he prepares, so its become our little tradition)
10. And of course playing with all the loot is always a highlight. Shawn said its his reason we had kids...so that he can still get all the fun toys for Christmas!

Sedona

My Dad and his girlfriend Nancy are staying in Sedona at their time share for a week and invited us to come and visit them. I've been looking for an excuse to visit Sedona for forever so we were really excited to get the chance to go with them. Their time share is beautiful and very comfortable. We had a great time together. We went for a walk to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, Sedona is gorgeous. I love the red rock with the beautiful pine trees. We also went window shopping. Played games in the game room, and even had a little time to relax!

Thanks so much for having us Dad, and Nancy! We love ya!

A Gingerbread Party

I thought it would be fun to have a few of our friends over to make gingerbread houses together on our first official day of winter break. It was so fun.

We had 14 kids + 3 babies + 4 Mommies!

The kids really got into it and came up with some brilliant houses- I was quite impressed! I think I might be cleaning up frosting for a few days but it was totally worth it!

Ethan and His Band

OK so maybe its not Ethan's band, but he rocked out like it was! Ethan talked Shawn and I into letting him play drums in band this year. He wasn't busy enough with scouts and baseball, he had to do one more thing. But in his defense this isn't a time consuming hobby, he practices at school and on the days we have time he practices. So it is mostly just for fun...Well for him, I am not crazy about the practicing, I usually go out for practice time. Is that mean??

Anyway this last Saturday the kids met at the Norterra shopping center and played a few songs for shoppers. It was a fun idea. There were quite a few other schools and groups playing too. Ethan thought it was cool because they played on trash cans instead of the drums.

After the concert we went to Target for their "Rides for Toys" night. If you donate a toy you get to ride around the parking lot on a firetruck or police car with the siren and lights on. Needless to say it was a hit.

It was a very fun and festive night!