Father's Day

Happy Father's day, Eric!  We had a little celebration in honoring our father in the home.  We are so lucky to have such a great guy to call dad and spouse.  Words can not explain what you mean to me and I am sure your children. 

Brooklyn showing her love.

Like father, like son

These two are so alike there will never be doubt in knowing if they are related.  I often refer to Bentley as, EJ. Eric Junior.  He has many of the same mannerisms as Eric does. He loves to cuddle, read books, hang out with dad and LOVES being outside.

Bentley's first bike ride

March.  It's still cold, but if there is no snow on the ground we will take it as a nice day.  Eric and Bentley went on a little bike ride.

Christmas 2012

Santa visited our house:

Yes another year on the nice list! 

Our family tradition is after we see what Santa has brought us, we eat breakfast as a family and then head back down to the Christmas tree and open each gift one by one.  

I love having Christmas last longer than 5 minutes.  We have done well so far throughout the years.  We each take turns and open up a gift and we even let the kids open it up all the way and play with it for a few minutes.  As you can see, Eric already started his book. :)

The kids were very excited and happy with all their Christmas gifts they received from family.  We are very thankful for all the love our family has show for us this holiday season.  

After lunch, Brooklyn and uncle Kyle whipped up some treats on Brooklyn's new East Bake Oven! 

We had a great Christmas and are thankful for our family, and the Savior.  We try to focus the holiday season around Christ and the true meaning.  Brooklyn knows the three gifts that Jesus received from the wise men.  Which we are proud she learned and realizes.  

Family photos

Family photos for December 2012

 Bentley 1 year old.

 Brooklyn 4 years and 3 months old

 Family picture

Thanksgiving and the Cottriels

Happy Thanksgiving.  All the credit goes to the man of the house, Eric!  He made sure everything was cooked, hot and done on time.  I really am so thankful for him.

Grandpa Cotttriel had the honor or carving the turkey. 

 Brooklyn ready for dinner! 

Bentley ready for dinner! 

And it was served 

 what a happy man. right?

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to spend it with wonderful people. 

Everyone who attended: 

Eric, Alyssa, Brookly, Bentley, Grandpa Cottriel, Grandma Cottriel and Uncle Kyle. 

You can't have a visit from the grandparents without crafts, games and fun right. Brooklyn made sure she kept them busy. 

The Grandparents also took Brooklyn to a Rec Center that had a huge water area.  They spend some quality time playing together and swimming. 

First snow of the season

 Holy Moley! Did we get snow or what.  It was reported we received around  8 1/2 inches.  It was so much fun! EVERYTHING was covered and was deep.  

 As soon as we got a break in the snow, we put on some of our snow stuff and played and played.  Brooklyn and Mommy build a snow man.. ( no picture) and Daddy took Brooklyn on a little ride. Each time she fell out, but still wanted more. 

 Maya loved the snow.  She would jump and run back and forth.  Brooklyn got a real hoot out of watching her. 

 Eric played and threw snow all over Maya, which she loved. 

 And of course you can't have snow unless you decide to eat some. 

Bentley was sleeping during this time.  But i did dress him up and take him out for a ltitle bit.  He wasn't the happiest with the cold weather but he did love to stare at it from inside the house.

One day older and wiser too..

Happy Birthday to you, Eric! 

We celebrated the

 father of my children,

love of my life,

caregiver of the family, 

bread winner,

 school goer, 

hard worker,

selfless,

tickler, 

and 

laundry doer's

 birthday this week.

We had a modest pie and open present party with our little family. 

 I think Brooklyn was more excited to blow out candles then Eric was.  Heck he had done it for almost 28 years.  

 He let Brooklyn help him 

Yeah!

For being one year older and wiser too... Happy Birthday to you. 

How you know your husband loves you.

He put a nice cold Pepsi MAX in the fridge for me. :) 

*Some days I need this more than others*

Back to School

When you think Back to School, you think little kids with their lunch pales and huge back packs. But this is the first Back to School we have in our little family.  Brooklyn is basically 4, but won't be going to school for a while and Bentley well the obvious.  So that leaves Eric and I, and we made this choice a while back, but finally we were dealt the right cards and we are going back Fall 2012.  Eric is very excited and I am right along with him.  We know its going  to be crazy the next little while but in the long run it will benefit our family.

Good luck to us!

Candy land kick

 This game is the most used game in the house. To the point the box is no more.

 Brooklyn plays this game almost daily, with either, Kevin, Daddy or mommy. Oh ya she even plays by her self.

Father's day

 There were pictures and the kids and I made for Eric for Father's day. 

Eric's ties and Eric's fan club. 

Why Eric is such a good father:

He loves his children unconditionally

Cuddles and plays with them

 Does goofy fun stuff, with both of them

Gives them special time to play with just daddy

 Gives them treats and surprises

Loves their mother and teaches them how to show love 

 Builds things for them

Fixes toys and bikes 

Works hard to give them everything they need and would like

 the list could go on..

Happy Father's day DADDY!