After reading the latest NYCBros post, I decided to see what reading level our blog scored. Fully expecting elementary (considering I usually write about my toddler and pre-schooler), we surprisingly scored this:

The Christmas Program

Okay, proud mom moment...first preschool program ever tonight. Avery was awesome. She said her part all by herself, sang all the Christmas songs, and did all of the motions in pure Avery style. Just like last night, I had a difficult time getting any serious pictures of Avery.

Recital Time

Avery's dance recital was tonight. She was awesome! Her dances were "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and "Believe" from the Polar Express. Avery only wanted me to take funny pictures of her - hmmm, I think she takes after her dad and her uncle jeff.

piggy tails

Avery wanted a picture of her pigtails on the blog. Voila.

Middle Class White Trash

So we are officially middle class white trash. A few years ago I bought a little $35 artificial tree. We were only going to use it for a year or two. During the tree's second year, Avery ran into it, knocked it over and broke the stand. Last year, we were at Uncle Dell's and Aunt Colleen's and didn't need a tree. Most people would have given up on that little broken tree. However, in our little attempt to save a few bucks this Christmas, we were determined to use the little tree for one more Christmas. Mikey worked hard duct-taping the stand together. We hoped for the best. However, after only a few days of being decorated, the little tree fell over breaking three ornaments (all favorites of course). Maybe we should have finally given up. I thought about it, but while at Hobby Lobby, I found a replacement stand for only $8 (I had a coupon - wahoo). $8 or $200 for a replacement tree - which would you choose?

gingerbread house

For FHE today the kids decorated their gingerbread house and shoved their little mouths full of candy. We found Avery hiding under the table twice eating candy after she wasn't supposed to eat anymore. Aidan was even picking candy off the house and eating it before we were finished decorating it.

Puppy or kid?

Last night while we were doing the dishes, Aidan got into the mashed potatoes and began licking out of the bowl like a dog. It was pretty funny. At least we know he ate a little dinner.

Wahoo It Snowed

We woke up Saturday to find a lot of snow...not sure how much, but it was a lot. This was Aidan's first time playing in the snow and he thought it was delicious. We really need to get some better snow gear...Aidan was in Avery's old pink boots (we figured it would be okay since the snow covered them). Avery wore her pink cowgirl boots and I was in tennis shoes...we got cold and wet quickly, but it was worth it.

The Christmas Lights

The kids took turns making silly faces.

Jeff and Caitlin finally have a tender picture in front of the Salt Lake temple.

On Wedsnesday night we met Jeff and Caitlin for dinner. They had a nice little layover in Salt Lake which gave us a good opportunity to hang out. We ate at the Garden and then saw the lights at Temple Square. I think Avery had one of the best nights of her life as she demanded the Mulcock's full attention.

the wishbone

Thanksgiving

This year we stayed home for Thanksgiving. Evan and Bridget came up to eat and spend the day with us. We cooked a 23 lb turkey (yes, there is a ton leftover in our freezer) and had the basic holiday essentials: mashed potatoes, creamed corn, green beans, baked apples, candied yams, deviled eggs, stuffing, and rolls. Yum.

The Evil Grasshopper

Tonight Avery was playing with her doctor set and decided to check out Mikey's heart beat. After listening she exclaimed, "You are SICK." Mikey responded, "Oh no, what is wrong with me?" Dr. Avery then told him, "There is an evil grasshopper that lives in your heart!" We are unsure of the prognosis.

Gobble Gobble

Last night for FHE we made Thankful Turkeys. The kids both had a great time. Aidan was especially insistant on being in on all of the action and repeated "turkey turkey gobble gobble" over and over and over.

So Avery

I walked into Avery's room the other day to find this very sorted line of dolls. Ever since Avery popped from the womb she has been lining up her things. We hope it isn't indicative of OCD!

happy halloween

After both being sick with croup and pneumonia for a week, the kids were lucky to be feeling good enough to participate in the Halloween festivities. We spent the afternoon trick or treating at Mikey's work. For dinner we had the delicacy "mummy" dogs (they were actually pretty good). After dinner we went to visit Uncle Dell and Aunt Colleen. We trick or treated at a few houses in their neighborhood before coming home and putting the quasi-sick kids to bed. Over all, we had a fun Halloween. Avery was, however, disappointed that Mikey and I did not dress up and told us we better start thinking now about what we are going to be for next year.

Aidan's Birthday

Aidan turned the big 2 years old on Oct. 26. He was so excited when he finally realized that this time it was his birthday, not Avery's or daddy's. He loved getting a bunch of presents and licking the frosting off of his baseball cookie cake.

Mikey's Birthday

I forgot to post pictures from Mikey's birthday. He turned 29 on Oct 17 and officially has less than a year left of being in his twenties! Nick just happened to be in town and got to come party with us. The Dairy Queen cake was yummy as usual.

Halloween Party

Avery had her preschool Halloween party on Tuesday. The parents got to come for a parade at the end where the kids marched around the yard in their costumes and then sang Halloween songs. It was adorable. Avery, however, was upset with me because she said I didn't clap for her. (I was taking pictures with one hand and holding Aidan with the other). I guess me yelling "Wahoo, way to go Avery" wasn't enough!

Build a Bear

On Monday before we drove home from Boise, Gramma Becky decided to take the kids to Build-a-Bear. Whoever invented that place must be rich. It was absolutely adorable - the bears, the clothes, the process of making the bear, etc. Of course Avery didn't want any of the cute bears or bunnies, but rather the purple, blue, and pink hippo. I must admit (rather shamefully) that I did try to convince her to get the bunny, but she was adamant about getting that hippo. I must say in the end, it completely personifies Avery and I am so glad she didn't listen to me! "Cinderella" was adorned in a ballerina outfit, sunglasses, crown, bow, and wand. Aidan got a doggie which we clothed in a BSU football uniform. Keyton also got a dog, but was most impressed with the little toy football accessory (see picture). On our way out of the mall, we stopped for the free 8x10 at Kiddie Kandids.