The week before Christmas the high was in the 20-30's with snow on the ground (as pictured a few blogs back) while the day after Christmas we hit 70 degree weather. So Austin was able to get outside and enjoy the new Spiderman car he got for his birthday (notice the short sleeves and no coat). Gotta love that crazy Oklahoma weather!!!
After we were done at Papa Dave's house we came back home and opened up Austin's new toys. Craig and Austin had fun chasing each other around the house in the dark playing "laser tag" with Austin's new light up/sound making guns. Kind of funny how the cheap $5 guns were the most popular toy that night.
I almost feel guilty writing this blog without saying a few words about the true reason for the season. I have been thinking a lot the last couple of weeks (especially the last few days) about my own testimony of Christ and the things I know to be true. There are many things I could say but the thing that brings me the most comfort and peace is knowing that Jesus Christ lives, that He loves me, and that He is my Savior and my Friend!! I know that it is through His atoning sacrifice that I can repent and be forgiven of my sins. But I also know that the Atonement allows only Him to truly understand my pains and sorrows perfectly and because of that He is able to comfort and heal my heart. This is the gift He has given to all of us for which I am eternally grateful and which we celebrate on this day!!
Kelsey was the referee for the game.
And the trophies go to....
The Big Dog Award (over all best player) - Mook
I love this little guy!! As I heard someone say recently---your first born will always have a special place in your heart because he (or she) made you a mommy. And that is so true. It is so hard to believe that my baby boy isn't a baby and how fast time goes. Everyday I wonder what new word he will say or what funny thing he will do or how will he imitate me today. Of course there are good days and some not so good days with trying to be a good mother but nothing brings me greater joy than looking into the eyes of my son and hearing the words "luv you mommy."
It was fun celebrating Austin's birthday this year. He really had no clue all day long that it was his special day. I practiced with him all day---"Austin how old are you?" then the reply "two". Of course it has to be phrased exactly that way or else you won't get the correct reponse. 
Our family and one of Craig's friends from work came over that night to celebrate Austin's birthday. We ate pizza, opened presents, and had cake and ice cream.
Austin sure enjoyed his cake and ice-cream. In fact, once he finished what was on his plate he took he started 
digging into his cake for more. Since it was his birthday & his cake I just laughed & cheered him on.
Thanks to our family, Austin walked away with quite a lute of gifts. He is definately one spoiled kid.
Since he was having so much fun, we took the sled over to his Grandma Vicki's house so Connor and Klayton could join in on the fun!!! They even went sled riding again that night after Craig got off work.
So for the last few days everytime we look outside, go outside, or drive in the car he is shouting out the word "snow!!"
The primary put on the Nativity story and then Santa Clause came. I have taught Austin the word Santa but it is still a fairly new concept to him. He did sit on his lap though.
However he was more interested in playing with the "baby Jesus" doll on the stage. Luckily since it was my mom's doll Austin got to take it home. 
Once we got home he played with the doll for at least an hour straight--talking to baby, putting baby in the swing and under the covers, and he even took the baby to bed with him that night.
For some reason Austin likes to line things up in row. They can be big items or small ones. Some of the things I have seen him line up in a row are the following: his large vehicles (as seen in the picture), Jenga pieces, his small cars, his blocks, and even Mikayla's shoes.
