The Collings Family

We parents are so funny with our rules and codes...I didn't get my ears pierced until I was 8 and so heaven forbid if I let Eden. She first asked when she was 4 and has patiently waited ever since. Today was the day folks and boy was she excited! Here is a clip: She and her bud Katie took the plunge together. I honestly can't believe how fast my baby is growing up!

We've just wrapped up our second full week with the kids home and are about to enter into the third. This is the first year that we haven't gone to SLC or had any members come up and visit us. SO, needless to say, we've spent several quality (he he) hours together. I have found myself a little restless but have enjoyed the break from routine. Here is what we've been doing to pass the time: #1. We got this for "our kids" for Christmas --I had one of these when I was a kid and spent several very competitive hours in play with my brothers. What my parents failed to tell me was how many hours they spent on Christmas Eve setting it up! This child spent 8 hours playing with this on Christmas day--no joke (notice the matching PJs) Day after Christmas, same PJs, different Thomas toy. Yes, I couldn't resist. We let him ride up and down the hallway all night on his new bike. Eden with her new doll. Dave making us Christmas breakfast. The holiday sleepover fest

So here it is, the Collings 2008 Christmas letter. I tried so hard (OK, not that hard...)to put something together but it just didn't happen. I figured that anyone that I would actually send this to reads this blog anyway ~ and quite honestly, does anyone really keep those pictures? If you do, send me a note and I will mail you one! What more can I tell you about our year that this blog doesn't already reveal? *Eden is in 2 nd grade, very sweet and obedient. She loves her dog and the piano and is looking forward to trying some new activities in January. *Luke is our non-meat eater, pokeman , bakugan ( sp ?) lover. He is seriously a carbon copy of his father (in all senses!)He is anxious to start basketball and violin in January. *Tucker is a ball of fire. He is always on the go, always has a train in his hand and always has some sweet little thing coming out his mouth. He has been suffering from in-grown toe nail pain, and just yesterday told me that he "changed his min

We took the kids to see Santa last week. Amazing enough, all 4 children actually sat on Santa's lap and started talking to him. HOWEVER, just as the photographer went to snap the photo, a child from another family pulled the fire alarm. We jumped off Santa's lap and waited outside for the fire dept. to come. 15 minutes later we returned for a 2nd attempt, as you can see, we didn't get the same results. I have yet to get a holiday photo will a 4 children smiling. Oh well, at least they are full of character!

I love Winter in the Puget Sound. It only takes a 1/2 an inch of snow to shut the whole town down. Church was canceled, I am sure school will be canceled and there is absolutely nobody out on the street. Do you know what it took to get a snow day in SLC ? 4-5 feet? and then some! However, we do have icy roads and severe wind bursts to deal with. I went all out on my door decorations this year and don't even want to put them back up until the wind subsides! Quote of the week: Mom:"Tucker, can you help me pick up your mess?" Tuck:" ummm , my ears aren't working" The Creche is over and was wonderful. Before~ After ~ Last, my 3 faves about Christmas by category~ Music: Josh Groban's "Angels We Have Heard On High" MoTab "Sleigh Ride" Amy Grant "Breath of Heaven" Movies: Christmas Story Christmas Vacation Elf Food: Specalaous (how the heck do you spell that?) Cheese balls Anything with ginger Memories: Participating in a Sub F