I love talking to Sam.  He's hilarious. 

Here's a little conversation we shared this afternoon:

Sam: Mom, I don't like all girls.  Just girls who are my friends.

Me: Why don't you like other girls?

Sam: Because they're just boring, and I think they even poop and stuff.

Yes, Sam...even girls poop. 

We fart, too.

Deep breaths...

January has been completely exhausting.  From interviews and traveling, to having our future completely up in the air; we are just plain tired.  We are more than anxious for March to arrive, the 18th to be exact, but until then I just have to remind myself to take deep breaths.  Why stress about our plans for next year, whether or not we'll have a job, or where we'll be living?  It's pointless right?

Just say yes. 

Despite a little stress, life is good; great actually!  Eric has finally hit that magical point of his 4th year where things suddenly become easy.  His schedule is amazing right now.  I can't complain one bit.  We're going to enjoy these next few months as much as possible, because rumor has it that the next five years are going to be a wee bit harder.

Anyway, here are some happenings from the past little while...

Sam was beyond thrilled yesterday when he received this little letter in the mail:

 

Sweet cousin Eva sent Sam the most perfect and darling letter...complete with whales!  Sam said, "Eva can draw so good.  The killer whales and sperm whales are perfect!" 

Sam's also been so excited to be back at school!  He loves his little preschool friends.  He talks about them all of the time and calls them his "buddies."

And little Max...oh so cute, but into OH so much.  He's a busy bee.  I think way more than Sam ever was...  He's climbing on everything, opening everything, eating everything, and making messes of everything.  He's also trying to talk about everything.  His favorite words right now are: cracker, Mama, gum, and Elmo.  He's an eater and out eats his big brother at every meal.  In fact, he often cleans off Sam's plate after he's finished his own. 

And last week we had a quick and very last minute visit from Eric's brother, Chris!  He was in Detroit, visiting from China, for work and drove down to Holy Toledo to meet us for breakfast.  He came bearing gifts for the boys, so of course Uncle Chris was a huge hit with Sam!  As fun as it was to see Chris, we so missed the 4 girls he left back at home! 

Life is good with the Dockter Crew!

I'm cold.

We live in a cold place.  Ummmm, let me clarify that a little; we live in a freezing, frigid, awfully and utterly cold place.  I love it here, but around this time of year, my whole heart and soul ache for warmer weather.  The sun has been shining beautifully the past couple of days, which is lovely but wicked at the same time.  While the sky looks gorgeous and almost warm, the wind seems nippier and nastier than ever.  It's down right chilly.  It's a good thing I have two little boys who remind me to enjoy the everyday moments, even the cold ones.  They wanted nothing more than to play outside in the snow yesterday.  So, that's what we did, and we loved it.  Even if we only lasted 15 minutes in the winter air ...it was worth it.

Holiday highlights...part 2

6) Eva.

Sam loves his cousins; especially Eva.  The two of them were just meant to be friends.  Whenever they're together, Sam and Eva are always found holding hands and watching out for each other.  They are so sweet!

 

7) St. George.

One of the most beautiful places on earth!  St. George is definitely a family favorite.  It was so great to get away from the snow and enjoy being outside in some warmer weather.  And despite the lack of snow, Sam insisted on wearing his Napolean Dynamite snow boots where ever we went...always on the wrong feet, of course.

We had such a fun holiday break!  Now it's back to real life and a real routine...always a hard adjustment after vacation.  Thanks to all who made Utah so fun!  Can't wait to see you again...

Holiday highlights...part 1

1) Family parties. 

The Morgans, the Jensens, the Dockters,the Richards....Sam and Max never knew they had so many cousins!

2) Christmas Eve.

 Wasn't complete until killer whale cookies were baked for Santa and new pj's were opened!

3) Christmas morning.
SO much fun this year!  Sam was at just the right age to make things magical!
Santa left Sam with nearly every ocean creature imagineable.  He was beyond thrilled and kept saying, "This is so exciting!"  He of course had to jump in the tub with his whales as soon as humanly possible!  And Max, well he didn't get too overly excited about gifts this year.  A sucker from his stocking was all he needed...

4) Old friends.

Always a good time catching up with great people!

5)Salt Lake City.

I can't think of a better place to be during Christmas... 

Okay maybe a warm beach, but you can't beat temple square!

more holiday highlights to come....!