Ready to just turn it all OFF!

We've never been that big of a "gamer" family, until recently. The kids would have their weeks where they would play video games non-stop for a while, but then get sick of it and forget about playing for a few months.

Then Christian and Dane discovered "Black Ops". Gaming has now become a family event (minus mom). Every night Dane, Christian, Maddy, and even Sam (with a pretend controller) would play this game of blood and gore.

Now the kids are into Minecraft. And well I guess I should be happy that at least this games requires them to think and be creative, it is also VERY addictive! Sam right now has it the worst, as this is his first video game. I could not believe how fast he learned how to play it. If allowed he'd play this game all day long! He mostly likes to see what he can create and then find the most explosive way to blow it up. To control his Minecraft addiction I make him play ABC mouse each day for an hour before he can play his video game for an hour. 

Maddy loves  this game too. However her approach to playing is much different. She likes to create farms with lots of animals. She'll make 2 animals of one kind share a pen, if she feeds them they'll love each other and make babies! Too cute :)

Sundays used to be my escape from electronics. Dinners at GaGa's house. But not anymore! :(   The boys have taken over the two back bedrooms to game with eachother. I think it might be time for a power outage at Wenzel Mountain!

Boys playing Command and Conquer 

Sam teaching Aunt T* about Minecraft

Samuel's 5th Birthday

Yep, Sam is a whole hand! I can't believe my little boy is already 5 years old! This was a big year for Sam. He became a big brother (which he LOVES), got a big boy bed (which he refused to sleep in), got rid of diapers and binkies (took his sweet time on these), and has discovered video games (I really wish I could go back on this one)! On the other hand, some things stayed the same. Still loves pirates, cowboy boots, and snuggles while playing with my hair. He's still very much a little boy. I treasure all the many firsts he's still to have!

Favorite present... Mincraft blanket made by Aunt Jenn.

My girls on thier 1st Birthday

                Madelyn                                                                          Emmalyn

The picture of our two girls on their first birthday. Maddy had classic Minnie, and Emmalyn loved her pink Minnie dress. That's about where the similarities end. Maddy was shy and clung to me, whereas Emmalyn was silly and outgoing, taking in every part of her party. Maddy had long hair and big brown eyes. Emmalyn's eyes are still changing. They've gone from deep blue to green, and now hazel. Maddy took a few first steps on her birthday, and Emma was running about.

I love that our two girls are so different. Both are one of a kind and have brought me so much joy! 

Christian's 12th Birthday

I can't believe Christian is 12 yrs old! He is growing up so fast. Wasn't it just yesterday he was playing and watching Thomas the train. Next it was Pirates and Legos. Now his favorite shows are Gold Rush and The Walking Dead. And the only things he plays with now are the computer, PlayStation, and the Kindle. One thing that's stayed the same through out the years is his love of soccer. Christian is such a great player, his favorite position is right wing. He also tried paintball this year, LOVES it!

Emmalyn's 1st Birthday Party!

Emmalyn enjoyed her party so much! I mean really, really enjoyed it. I've never known a 1-year-old to be that engaged in a party. She loved seeing all her guests, clapped and danced when we sang the birthday song to her, and she played with ALL her cards and new toys. The only part she didn't enjoy was her cake. Yep, you read that right! She didn't want anything to do with her cake. GaGa made her a separate smash cake all her own, but she didn't even want it on her high chair! After lots of coaching to get her to taste it, she pushed it off her tray! Smash cake smashed into the carpet. Little stinker! So instead of birthday cake, she enjoyed her first See's Chocolate. Yum!!!

I can't believe she's already one! Seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital. Emma is so loved by everyone the other kiddos would fight over who would get to hold her next. Now they fight over who gets to play with her! I pray that we have many more happy and healthy birthdays.