Laying Low

It has been awhile since I have posted anything, but that is because we have been taking it easy around here and just coming down from all the excitement from Christmas. We have spent most our time at home and playing with new toys. Just now we are starting to get back into our routine again and inviting friends over, going places and getting back to life as usual. I haven't done any updates on the kids in awhile so I will update you with what is happening with them.

Maggie is getting bigger (thanks to baby food) and is eating like a champ. She still doesn't sit on her own yet, but she is awfully close. Mags has started to drag herself small distances but mostly gets around by rolling over and over. She also can stand by herself while holding onto something for a short time. Maggie still doesn't have any teeth (at almost 8 mos. old) but her hair is finally starting to get a little volume and length (thank goodness, I have been dying to stick a bow in it). She is happier than ever but sure does like to be held.... they all do.

Owen is a big boy these days and never ceases to surprise us with all of the words he is learning. He loves his sisters "Ese" and "Magowyn", just now starting to give Maggie a little attention. He had a rough holiday with being sick but now that he is over it, he is back to his normally happy, independent self. Owen enjoys reading in his bedroom, messing with the microwave and jumping off all pieces of furniture. His new love is banana bread.

Elise is always our little mother around the house. She takes care of her siblings with "love" and assumed authority. She is a very creative child and comes up with all sorts of fun things to do and stories to tell. When she talks she says things just like her mom does (it is often frightening to realize the similarities). Ellie enjoys cooking with mom, doing crafts all the time and playing with her friends. Elise loves fruit of all kinds and really likes broccoli.
These pictures are pretty funny... I am holding them up with my feet but if you turned them upside down it looks like I am stepping on them.
We continue to have lots of fun together as a family. The weather has been quite pleasant this week and we hope to take more advantage of it in the coming days by visiting the park. No big plans for us coming up except the return of my brother from his mission next week for which we will be visiting Houston for a weekend and then probably nothing else until March.