Who's My Favorite Tateroo....

So my little Tate turned 4. Can you believe it?! He is getting so old. (I say old and not big because he has not ever been what you would consider BIG.) I tried bribing him and cajoling him to stay 3 but he insisted he turn 4. We did finally come to an agreement though...
He must:
1. Still cuddle me every day
2. Give me all the kisses I want
3. Stay the nice, sweet, considerate boy he has always been
If he meets these three steep criteria then (and only then) can he turn 4.
His reply was "Yeah, yeah sure mom" (in his very sweetest voice)

I am not looking forward to the upcoming sassiness that inevitably follows the milestone of the 4th birthday.

So as Sorensen family tradition goes there was a week of celebration for the great Tate.

Tate, Grey and I built a robot and his pet giraffe....

Zoe and Tate celebrated their sibling connection...

Zoe made Tate a fabulous birthday card...

Tate helped daddy work out...(very generous of him don't you think?)

Tate insisted on having Trophy cupcakes for his party and I did not argue since I am completely addicted to them. Kenzie (Tate's best friend (next to me)) came along for the company.

We stopped at Bellesquare to play...

So here is my best effort at making cupcakes into a Cars race track. (Good thing he is only 3 right?)

Then we went to the Bouncy Place with some friends to burn off the calories from the cupcakes.

See it works!

On the actual big day Tate got to go to soccer practice with his dad where a swarm of older girls tried to get his attention.

Not bad for a 4th birthday!

End of the Year wrap up...

We had such a great December and reconnected with so many friends and family. Unfortunately we had so much fun we forgot to take pictures. So for every picture there is here there is another that I should have taken. You will have to use your imaginations!

At the beginning of the month we had a fun play date with Lindsey and Laura and their beautiful girls Eden and Greta. This is Lindsey and Eden I will have to catch Laura and Greta next time.

Tate looking so dapper just before we went to have lunch with my old friend Benny. Forgot his picture too but that may be because Tate threw up at the Belle square playground and we had to rush home!

We went to Blue C sushi for Ben's birthday week. Pictured below Tate, Zoe, Ben and Grey attempt to navigate chopsticks.

We also went to the Bouncy Place for Ben's birthday use your imagination!

I made a spectacular dinner for our anniversary look there's a picture!

We went to Utah for the Holidays and to have Grey blessed.

Tate loved the snow (that makes one of us!)

The kids met Santa for the first time in seven years (minus the ward Christmas Party) They all did remarkably well. Although Zoe did tell Santa she was afraid he would get Diabetes from all the cookies. Santa good naturedly told her he would share with the elves.

We spent Christmas day at Ben's parents house. Jeremy and Pa came down a day early as a surprise. It was so great to see them and we had such a good time that we of course took no pictures. Pa did though so if you are interested check out her blog!

The day after Christmas was spent with my family. We all met up at my sister Taryn's house. The only reason I got a picture of this day was because the last time we took a family picture Zoe was only a few months old and everyone else had different husbands. A lot has changed. Pictured from left to right front to back: Chance, Randy, Jasper, D.J. Tate, Taryn, Cindy, Cheraden, Mauvia, Grey, Ben, Stetson, Kyle, Zoe

The blessing was the Sunday after Christmas. We had it at Ben's parents house just like the other two blessings. Ben's mom did a great job as always with the food and their home is always so comfortable and welcoming.

This is my mother with all of her grandchildren.

My sister Taryn, Jasper and I
(Thanks Taryn for hosting I know it wasn't easy but it was definitely appreciated)

We saw so many other friends and family at the blessing. Thanks for coming Bowman's it was so great to see you and catch up. We need to do it again soon!

Debbie thank you so much for bringing your family and for hosting that gameless game night. Next time we will play!

Roger and Claudia, Josh and Dana it was, as always, great to see you. I wish we had more time. Your lack of picture does not reflect on our level of appreciation for you. Can't wait to see you again!

Amy and Brent, thanks for taking the long drive down. It was great to see you but way too short. Hopefully we will see you this summer!

The rest of the time was spent chillin with Ben's family, playing games (when is our rematch Pa?), shopping, movie watching, Tiger Woods golfing, eating and generally having a great time.

Baby Jacob is getting big and so so funny!

This cat above is named Babe but his name should be I hate everyone. He literally tries to take your hand off if you try to pet him. Except for Zoe who diligently woed him over the vacation. Begining with mapping his routine throughout the day and gently sitting near him wherever he went. By the end of the break he was following her around. We almost had to adopt him.

Greysen the red nosed reindeer!

Funny Conversation about the Post below...

Zoe came in just as I was inspecting the post for typos and said:

Zoe: Is that Ben?
Me: Did you just call Daddy Ben?
Zoe: Okay I mean is that Daddy?
Me: Who else am I married to?
Zoe: He just looks so different, I mean you look the same and he looks totally different.
Me: Aww! Now I remember that you are my favorite daughter!
Zoe: Well except for the wrinkles. You look the same just more wrinkly.
Me: Awesome.

10 Years!!!!

Ben and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary this year.

I can hardly believe it has been that long. It has been the best 10 years of my life, and I look forward to every set of ten to come.

Hair anyone?

Three years ago Zoe donated her hair. After her hair was all cut she asked me if I would donate with her the next time. I agreed so we have been growing our hair out since then. Monday December 14th we decided the time had come.

This was our before shot...

We were both kind of nervous but I had to keep a brave face so Zoe wouldn't freak out.

Her stylist was great. He was very careful to give her exactly what she asked for but first...

Look at how thick that ponytale is! We both gave 10 inches.

Just a little teary...

Very brave!

Since I couldn't really take pictures of myself I took a picture of the pile of hair that wasn't donated after the 10 inches was already off. My stylist couldnt get it to sweep down the shoot.

Here is the end result! Zoe loves hers and while I like mine I am still getting used to it. It was worth it to have this experience with Zoe.

Bellevue Botanical Gardens

We took a trip up to Bellevue to see the lights at the Botanical Gardens.

Zoe really loved the peacock there in the background.

What a qiet bird on her shoulder. It didn't even bite.

Tate finally grew into the winter coat we bought him 2 years ago!

Happy Birthday to Ben!!!

Happy Birthday to the best husband and dad family could ask for...
Look at that sweet face!

He always makes us feel better when we are sad...

And he knows how to have a good time!

WE LOVE YOU!!!