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I have a friend, Cyndee, who decorates her mantel each year with Santa pictures throughout the years... just in those L-shaped plastic stand-up frames (her reason was how the nestled together for easy storage!). She did this because her mom did this too (and even made you "sit" on Santa's lap no matter your age, so she could see the family dynamics change). She said her mom's eventually filled the mantel and extended across the window sills in the living room. I'd really like to do this! Then, this year, I saw my friend Kendra post pictures from past Christmases. I love the idea of capturing your family each year and making the comparisons. I decided to do this post on Christmases past (more because then my blog book will have a few shots from the "pre-blogging" Christmases. So here they are:
We have thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas season, and hope each of you have as well.
The Youth Center hosted a free WINTER OLYMPICS the Monday and Tuesday before Christmas, to give the kids something to do during the break. Cooper was ALL OVER IT! He, as many of you know, doesn't take competition lightly. I wish I knew how to teach him to not "rub it in". He is actually doing better, but there is something in his blood... especially when it comes to sports! They had a basketball toss, turtle race (these really cool little machines), over-sized tricycle race, obstacle course, free-throw competition, and shuttle run. They all got medals, and they gave you a print out of your times. Cooper did great for 5, and even beat some of the older kids in a lot of events. Gunner got a medal too, and they let him do the events he could (it was for 5 and older, and he was still 2).
We just can't get enough of THIS:
Andrew had signed him and me up for a "fun run" to raise money for a family who's child has leukemia. It was a 2-mile run. We have a double trailer/stroller that we figured we could put the two younger boys in, but weren't sure what to do with Cooper. He recently took off his training wheels, and is doing great! But, we weren't sure he'd keep up for the whole 2 miles. I suggested we see if he could run it. Andrew agreed, saying that if he couldn't finish, we'd just walk with him.