today in the life of the koks
Ben kept bringing Kevin Christmas books to read to him by the fire tonight. It was so sweet. Lauren had to join in too, of course.
When I walked over with the camera Ben looked up and smiled big and said, "CHEEEEZ!" He's a little Ham this last week!
" Okay Mom, you got your shot, now go away."
"Really Mom, do you need to take a picture from every angle?"
Diego & Dora heading out on an animal rescue! (they had to wear these vests because they were going on a boat and needed life vests- safety first for Diego & Dora!)
Ben had to go grab a bag so he could be like them and have a "rescue pack" and he put some animals in it.
Bennett wanted to have a vest on so he could be like the girls too...the only other vest we had was this pink sweater vest. Darling:) I love how the boys try so hard to be like the "big" girls!
Aunt Pam came to visit last weekend and she brought Lauren & Ben some monkey jams. They LOVE them.
Getting a good pic of these two is a little tricky but I kind of enjoy all the outtakes.
Ben is into saying "cheese" lately whenever he sees a camera. It's nice because we actually get a good smile!
Love this one, we said give your sister a kiss and wow- did he ever! This picture will surely be a big source of embarrassment for both of them later in life:) 
Lauren hasn't really been herself this week and the last few days she's been pretty sick with a good amount of puking- fun for all of us:) About an hour ago she threw up again and I said, "I'm sorry you are so sick today." She said, "Mom, it's okay some days are just like that." Then she went on to tell me she was all better now, she just needed to throw up that one last time. She's been playing like her old crazy self for the last hour and I just snapped a picture of her and her baby on the way to the doctor. Doesn't she look fabulous?! Life is never dull with Miss Lauren around!
We headed up to Nana & Pa's yacht club for their annual Christmas party with the boat parade. The kids were scared of Santa...yet again!
Lauren & Hadley got a little braver and kept getting near him, near enough to get candy canes anyway! But never quite brave enough to sit on his lap. Ben didn't even like it when the girls talked to Santa, he would scream whenever they got near him!
Getting ready to watch the boat light parade.
Nana & Lauren watching all the boats that were decked out in lights! One even had Santa on it.
Hads & Lauren with Nana & Pa watching the parade. 
We had the best intentions of cutting down our tree this year but time escaped us so we ended up heading to good old Home Depot! Ben was pretty intrigued when the tree came in the house.
Being the handyman that he is, he had to make sure it was tight.
The kids were both in terrible moods by the time the tree was fluffed up and ready to go so we put them to bed and just Kevin & I decorated it. It was much more enjoyable that way!
The finished product! Lauren & Ben did "help" me wrap most of the gifts, which was oh so helpful but they were pretty cute and had a great time! 
Ben went and got this screwdriver and started working on the snowmen. He cracks me up, this boy definitely takes after his daddy!
We went to see Santa on Saturday. She started out all smiles.
He was a little apprehensive but okay...
Then we saw Santa and it was all over! Both kids screaming hysterically and trying to escape Santa's lap. So Kevin & I got to get our pictures take with Santa yet again. Another one to add to our collection! 
They were giving out free puppies and lolipops which helped in the recovery from this horrible trauma we put our kids through! They should have been handing out free drinks to parents too!
Not sure what Kevin's looking at here but had to get a picture of Ben's post Santa face.
Happy as clams now that they are in their stroller with lolipops and puppies. Maybe next year will be our year!
Since we werre already downtown we decided to enjoy the sights a bit. We attempted a family photo for the Christmas cards but didn't get any. Plus I realized I hated Lauren's outfit, not really what I want to send out to everyone!
We saw the carousel and had to ride it.
Ben was a little unsure but he liked it!
Nana even rode!
And Lauren got this fabulous sucker at the candy shop. It was hilarious looking but she loved it! Until it was gone of course. Then she decided that she didn't actually want that sucker, she wanted something else. No such luck but good try Miss Lauren.
Ben asleep on the way home. Check out those cute fish lips!
We all met up at Memorial Stadium this morning to cheer on Ryan as he crossed the finish line of the Seattle Marathon.
There he goes!
Lauren had to check out his medal. 
Ben had to try it on too. 
Ben LOVES plugging things in. Kevin kept our old dvd player that recently died for him to play with and he could do this for hours.
So focused. Maybe he can figure out why our Comcast doesn't work all the time?
And this lovely look pretty much explained his mood all day on Friday. He seriously whined from the moment he woke up until the moment he went to sleep. At one point Kevin & I just started laughing and decided to take some pictures of the wonderful mood.
If only there was sound you would hear, "EHHHHH, EHHHH, EHHHHH" over and over again. Lucky for him he is darling! 
Megan got to join us because the hospital wasn't too full...both great things.
Having people you love so much they make you smile this big.
Having the sweetest girl in the world to cuddle up with at the end of the day.
Having cousins that are also your best friends. 
