Group Shot

Can't tell you how chaotic this was.

Parent's everywhere behind me, trying to get their children to look.

I'm no photographer, or else I would have thought of a better plan.

But.

You can still see how stinkin cute these kids are!

I love them all!

(Back Row: Isaac, Max, Bayley, Brittyn, Ruby, Isaiah.

Front Row: Ethan, Danica, Angelina, Emma, Tyler, Sadie, Gwen, and Layla)

That's all 14 folks!

And here they are, showing their true colors...

And with Grandma Colleen.

Best Grandma EVER!

(Nonna is still the best Nonna ever, this way it's even!)

Thanks for putting up with us all over Christmas break.

It was crazy, but we had a great time!

(Just want to add that I would have LOVED to have some cool photoshop program, where I could swap heads, while editing these pictures. Then I would have been able to get one with everyone looking at the camera... even if it was a trick)

Meet the Cousins

Brittyn, Danica, and Tyler.

The walking babies.

They were a lot of fun over Christmas, watching them pal around, getting into mischief.

Love them!

Here's a group picture of the babies.

Gwen was always a bit reluctant to join the bunch for fear of them looking at her the wrong way or even touching her.

She's quite sensitive.

Lovely Layla

Most handsome little guy, Tyler.

I just think he's the cutest!

Max and Isaac

Great buddies.

Sweet Sadie

Gorgeous girl.

Ethan!

Love his pose with the "stick gun"

Such a fun little boy.

Pretty Angelina

Isaiah

Never a dull moment with this guy.

Miss you bud!

Emma and Ruby

Quite the pair.

Great friends to Layla too!

I just realized that I don't have a picture of Bayley!! Sorry!

Everyone was scattered everywhere that day...

My niece Bayley is the oldest Steveson Grandkid and such a talented, beautiful young lady.

You'll have to try to spot her in the pictures to come.

Before Christmas...

The girls and I were starting to get pretty anxious about going home to WA for Christmas.

We had our house decorated, but knew that we'd be leaving soon to join the family for the real festivities!

Look at those peepers!

Do all Mothers think their babies look just as cute when they aren't facing the camera?

I think she's absolutely gorgeous looking down as well.

Layla gave her a little prop.

You can't really tell, but all the hair on top of Gwen's head is sticking straight up.

I love post-nap hair.

And Layla couldn't miss out on a picture...

My messy faced beauty!

We left for Washington on the 17th, I think.. and stayed until the 31st.

Lots of fun, but I've realized that I don't pull my camera out much unless I'm bored.

I definitely was not bored over break, so not many pictures to share.

BOO.

I'll work on that.

But I did manage to document the first annual Steveson Cousin Christmas Party!

Pictures of that coming soon!

Lovely Tree

It's a little silly to think about all the joy that comes from setting up a TREE in your home.

But it's true.

I love the magic of a Christmas tree.

I actually get sad in the morning when I wake up, after Tanner has gone to work,

and see the tree unlit.

I kind of rush to turn it on.

Yeah, it's a fake. So what? It's still pretty.

Layla took this of Gwen and I.

I love Gwen's thoughtful expression, gazing towards the tree...

When babies have milk on their faces it instantly makes them look smaller,

younger, more babylike.

Merry Early Christmas

(This is just incase I forget about blogging again)

The closet is SO much fun.

Who knew?

Gwen and I played in the closet for about a half hour the other day...

(in baby time, that's almost forever)

Peek-a-boo in the dresses.

T-shirts became scarfs.

Shoes were fun toys to chuck at the wall.

It was GRAND.

and so is SHE.

...thanksgiving...

Here it was...

Apple pie heaven.

And a glorious turkey...

And all the delicious fixin's...

And 7 mouthwatering pies...

And some Rockband with friends...

Equals a happy Gwen...

And a comatose Layla,

shocked from all the good food and sugar...

Happy Late Thanksgiving.

shrieks of joy and disappointment

Gwen is gazing out the window at her sister frolicking in the snow.

Bummer.

She must surely be longing for a chance to go out as well.

Yes.

This really does sum it up...

At the very same moment,

Layla squeals with joy.

How ironic.

Oh my little fluffy haired babe.

You're time will come all too soon.

I already feel the pull that toddlerhood has on you...

Please stick around in babyville for a while longer.

Please?

How can I blame you though, when SHE makes all that kid stuff look so fun.

"Wow"

Soon enough, little one.