I've wanted to write a post about my children individually, but beings I feel pressure to post this before the end of the year to be published in this year's blog book, I'm combining them into one post. This is for me and my kiddos. I want us to read this years from now and remember every stage they went through this year.
London Kate,
You never cease to amaze your mommy. You're our first little miracle. You came at a time when you alone brought so much love and joy to us and our families! You've always been mommy's special little one. You've always been my sidekick. I'm pretty sure you've figured out that you're able to talk mom and dad into almost anything. You can reason with the best of us! You have got to be the cutest, smartest, funniest, most creative girl I know. You want to do and learn everything. You have the memory of an elephant, and it drives mommy crazy some times! You've always been a great sleeper, and this year you haven't disappointed. You've LOVED sharing a room with Pippi and have yet to wake up when she cries in the night. You even still nap on occasion. You love to play constantly! You are always making up some game with crazy rules, or playing house or store. You're constantly making projects and writing letters to your teachers and friends.
You've definitely love to shop, especially online. I find you on Gymboree's website all the time asking if certain things are on sale yet. Whenever we're in a store, you pick up nearly everything and ask, "Isn't this just perfect for me, Mommy?"
You have such a kind heart when it comes to serving others. When you lost your first tooth, you immediately asked how much 2 ice cream cones would cost; seeing if you had enough from the tooth fairy to buy us each a cone. You love to help out around the house with dishes, dusting, vacuuming, and laundry. You love to write cute love notes on the magna doodle for us; complete with pictures! When Mommy was so sick earlier this year, you always tried to hold back my hair when I was sick, or tried to get me to eat to drink something when I hadn't for a while. You were so patient when mommy couldn't play or do much for so long.
Your favorite shows this year have been Arthur and Cyberchase. You would watch them all day if we let you! You love to play games as a family, and ask to constantly. You're loving learning to read and write. You're sounding out every word you come across and beg to read "just a little bit longer" at bedtime. I love your love for reading! You started Kindergarten this year and have just blossomed! You love to learn and play with friends at school. You also ask to have a playdate EVERY day after school. You've taken dance and swimming this year, and now just started piano lessons.
London, you are the strongest willed child I know. You've always known what you want. It's definitely been a challenge keeping my sanity at points, but I truly love your independence. You're finally not the instigator of all fights in social situations, and for that I am so grateful! You have your moments, but the meltdowns are becoming fewer and farther between. You're definitely growing up! I love my sassy, fun, smart little KaterTot!!!
Beckett,
My little buddy....You are the most beautiful thing I have ever laid eyes on! I was always told that there is something between a mother and son, and it is true. You make me melt! I love your cute voice, your chubby cheeks, and the way you keep us laughing. You get away with murder around our house because of your cuteness! You are so, so smart! You never ever stop talking and singing! We only wish that you came with a volume button! You started preschool this year and seem so big walking up every time with your backback (which is larger than you are) on your back. You love to tell me about the letter of the day, show and tell, what job you had, and all about who and what you played with during play time. You don't forget a thing! You're already outsmarting us all! You've figured out that mommy and daddy's threats aren't always realistic, and you call us out on them. If we tell you to pick up your toys or we'll throw them away, you just say, "sorry mom, but they won't fit in the garbage can!" True... You know that when you don't take a nap, you don't get any treats or to watch shows the rest of the day. If I come in to tell you to lay down, you will say, "it's okay mom. I'm not napping today. I know, I know...no shows, no treats. I'm okay with that..." What a little bugger! Luckily you're usually a champion sleeper! You sleep a solid 12 or so hours at night with a couple hour nap every day.
You love to play sports. We finally had to stop playing baseball in the house becuase you're hitting so well now! You love to play catch, practice hitting the baseball, throwing the football outside, and going out with daddy on the golf course. You beg daddy every night in the summer time to take you out on golf cart rides and love to look for balls and tees on the course.
You're the favorite in the ward, too! You've got a following of kids and adults that constantly come up to me and tell me something cute you've said or done. You have the nursery leaders in the ward wanting to take you home with them! You love nursery; especially singing and snack time.
You're favorite show is by far Little Einsteins. You love to sing along to all the songs and always ask to go to the places around the world that they talk about. Just the other day, London told mom and dad that we probably needed a vacation. You piped right up and said, "how about Denmark? I've never been there. Or maybe the Eiffel Tower..."
You've got OCD when it comes to being dirty. You can't stand having sticky hands or sitting on a chair or table with a single crumb on it. When you open presents, you have to throw every piece of paper away as you tear it off. You're very into shoes and clothes. On your third birthday, where other kids would open clothes and throw them to the side, you screamed, "shoes, I love shoes mommy! and Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, a Goalie jacket! I love soccer stuff mommy!" You're always so animated and fun! You constantly tell mommy and daddy that we're your best buddies, except when you're mad, and then you're quick to inform us that we're no longer friends! We just can't imagine life without our little buddy!
Piper Jane,
It's amazing what you can learn about a child in 5 short months! I have never expereinced the joy of having a newborn like I have had with you. Maybe it's because I'm older, or maybe it's because I was just too stressed when Londy and Beck were little. I cannot get enough of you! You have cheeks that just beg to be munched on and eyes that sparkle when you smile. You've been the center of many fights around our house! Everyone wants to hold and play with you every second that you're awake! Mommy and Daddy still have to fight over who gets to snuggle you at any time! You are so, so loved! You're definitely going to be another little London. You're easily distracted and want to see everything that is going on. You're strong willed already! You flat out refuse to take a bottle and will starve until mommy can nurse you. You just started on baby oatmeal and love it! Your first two teeth broke through at 4 months, and they were a bugger! You're a great napper, as long as you're on your stomach. You take several great naps a day and luckily we can just lay you down and you're asleep almost immediately. You want attention as soon as you wake up so you immediately cry and cry until someone enters the room. Then you push yourself up and give us the biggest smile! You're getting better at sleeping through the night. You either wake up once or not at all these days. It's heaven! You love the bath, especially splashing when you kick! You're still loving the swing and just laying down on the ground playing with random toys. You absolutely despise your car seat! You cry and cry until we take you out! You are patient as mommy tries out all sorts of crazy things with your hair. You've discovered your thumb and also love sucking on your hands. If you do wake up in the night, it's usually because you've tried to wiggle your arm out of you jammies again to have access to your entire arm. We've recently started rolling up the sleeves of your jammies and you're sleeping better already! You are an absolute joy to have in our home little Pippi Jane!
The Santa gifts; pre kids! 
We went to my mom's that evening for an awesome dinner and to open gifts. Again, we were competely spoiled! My mom goes way overboard for Christmas! She always gets the funnest stocking stuffers (yes, I am 30 and still get a stocking. I get an easter basket too. I LOVE it!!!) and shops all year long for the perfect gifts for everyone! It was so fun watching everyone open their presents! There are 7 grandkids now on my side (up 3 from last year) so it was pure craziness and fun! We had some cousins stop by and we spent the rest of the evening chatting, playing, and having a great time! 
Beck in his new get up from Grandma Jilly!
