Christmas Morning

Since the boys were up late the night before they slept in Christmas morning.  What kid does that?   They were tired and we actually had to slowly wake them up at 9:45.   Once they did wake up they were excited about their presents.   (After downloading these pictures I realized I only took two pictures and two videos.  I'm not sure how that happened)

Brody & Colt got a remote control monster truck from Santa.  Ollie got a little Mickey Mouse & Goofy Car. It is so fun watching our boys get excited for Christmas.

It was supposed to be a relaxing Christmas morning, but since they woke up so late we had to rush to get down to my parents house for more Christmas presents. 

Misplaced Camera and Baby Jesus

You may be wondering what this post is all about, but here goes.

I like to try and post something every day about our family (sometimes Sunday gets left out).   However, last weekend I misplaced my camera so I was unable to download some pictures.  After an emotional breakdown over my lost camera it was finally discovered at my parents house.  (don't worry my emotional breakdown was because of a lot of other things...but this did contribute to it...oh and my hormones are likely going crazy since I am pregnant).

Anyways, my parents were able to send me a few pictures and so I was able to upload those and have a few posts to put on this blog.   I also had this picture that I haven't been able to share yet, so I thought I would today.

These little Baby Jesus treats were at Brody's preschool cookie reception.  I didn't get a real good look at them, but Shirley did so she was able to give me some good pointers on how to make them.  I gave it a try and they were really easy.  They might not look exactly like Jesus but what I love about them is that they at least get people asking what are these.  Then you can remind them of the real reason for Christmas. 

There is my little "Martha Stewart" moment. 

*The plan is to get my camera back tonight so I will have more pictures for the blog. 

Christmas Eve

We know we are very lucky to live so close to family.  And even though it can be a challenge to coordinate family functions around the holidays we always try our best to make it to whatever we can.  

This year my dad's side of the family is having our Christmas gathering after Christmas.  This made it possible for us to enjoy Christmas Eve with Brad's family. 

Before we joined them we went to the Christmas Eve service at our church.  I just love being able to go to a Christmas Eve service.  It was a family friendly service so it was a little chaotic but it was a great reminder of why we celebrate this season. 

After our service we drove to Brad & Shawna's.  They were waiting for us to eat, especially JT and Erik.  Once we were done eating then we could open presents. 

The boys opening their gifts.

Watching Erik play the Wii.

The poker table.

It was a very late night but the boys were superstars.  I was the one struggling to stay awake.

Watching "UP".

I didn't do a very good job taking many pictures but at least I got some. 

Train Set

Brad finally decided to bring out the train set the day before Christmas.  We have been worried about how the boys would be with it (especially Ollie) and since we host our neighborhood party we were also worried about what might happen to it.  

The boys love it!  They have been really good and careful with it, even Ollie. The only thing they aren't very good at is turning it off when they are done.  

Brody has the forward/reverse function figured out and also knows how to switch the tracks.  Colt is quickly learning.  Ollie just gets Brody to help him. 

Christmas with Friends

We made last minute plans to visit the Welke's on the 23rd.  We all love being with them.  Not only do we get along well with Karl and Lori but the kids play so well together.  It makes everything so comfortable and easy for everyone.

Karl was once again willing to give a horse ride to these four.  (I think Ollie is still a little unsure about the whole thing)

Taxi anyone?

Ollie thought it was fun to put a pillow on his head and Karl was a willing participant in the fun.

The kids watched a show before we had to leave.  TV Zombies.

It was nice to be able to visit them because our heat stopped working in the middle of the day.  The "instructions" said it should restart in 3 hours.  It never did, so we came back to a cold house.  We ended up getting our problem resolved the next day, but we had an open invitation to head back to their house if we needed to.  

Happy Birthday Jesus!

We are thrilled to be celebrating Jesus' birthday! 

We are grateful for all we have been blessed with; our family, friends, health and faith in God and Jesus. 

We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! 

More Reading

One of Brad's runners came over for dinner.  The boys were so excited to have someone to play with.  Ollie quickly warmed up to Tanner and sat in his lap for a story.   Tanner was such a good sport and read lots of stories to all the boys. 

Three through Nine

We have noticed that Ollie has been counting.  I'm not exactly sure how he learned other than listening to me count with his brothers.  (I haven't focused on counting with him).  

So far he is very good from #3 through #9.  (although some numbers aren't as clear)

He doesn't usually cover his face but I think he thought we were playing hide and seek. 

As always, he was ready to pose for a picture.

Cul-de-sac Christmas Party

This was our 5th cul-de-sac Christmas Party.  It's hard to believe we have hosted that many, especially since I don't like to host events.   I am getting a little better.

One of the great things about our neighbors is they don't care and don't judge my hosting abilities, so it makes things a little easier.   (not to say anyone really does but I definitely feel this way with them).   The other nice thing is we have turned into a potluck so the most we provide is beverages and cookie decorating supplies.  It makes it so much easier for me.

Cookie Decorating

Adults having boring conversations.

Kelly, Anna, Anahid and Lulu

Just about every toy in our house was pulled out and played with.  The kids had a great time and fortunately all our guests were great at cleaning up.

More boring conversations.

We are so blessed with great neighbors!   We have many fun activities planned for 2012, including a camping trip, our summer party, and movie nights. 

Snowflake Lane

We made plans to go to Snowflake Lane at Bellevue Square.   We had a lot of fun last year but wanted to avoid as much of a crowd as we could so we opted for a weeknight before school were on break.   We also planned to go with a few friends, but for various reasons no one was able to meet up with us.  (Our neighbors were there but we only go in contact with them after the show was over). 

Colt kept saying he didn't want to go to Snowflake Lane.  I was hoping/thinking he would change his mind.  As soon as we started to walk outside he hid under his arms and would not move.  Brad said he would stay in the mall with him and I could go out with Brody & Ollie.  Oh my!  What an adventure!  

Brody hugging the Polar Bear

Ollie & Brody with their candy cane suckers.

A self-portrait

(I had a difficult time taking good pictures since I was either holding Ollie and watching out for Brody or chasing Ollie somewhere.)

It's snowing!  Ollie was mesmerized by this.

Brody was a dancing machine and had so much fun.  I only wish I was able to get more video of it. 

Cookie Reception

After all the singing they had a cookie reception for parents, grandparents, etc. and the kids. Here are a few more pictures from the performances.

The kids getting ready to listen to Pastor Luke.

Brody being a good listener.

Brody's good friend Annika.  (Unfortunately, she was on the opposite side of Brody so I didn't get very many pictures)

Annika and Brody after the performance.

As usual, the brothers wanted in on the picture too.

Fafa & Grammy (Colt sneaking in on the picture)

Our little shepherd. 

Chatter with the Angels

Side note: You probably don't notice in these pictures but I am "that mom" who let her son pick out what he wanted to wear for his Christmas program.  Brody's choice was his camouflage pants and his Seahawks jersey.  Fortunately for "this mom" his shepherd costume covered it up.

Here are more videos and pictures.   This first song is "Little, Gray Donkey".   Brody was so into performing for us that he hardly watched his teachers for directions.  He missed quite a few hand motions but he did a fabulous job singing.

"Chatter with the Angels"  This was the longest song and clearly the one the kids knew the best.  Apparently it's a tradition for this preschool.

I just love this little boy!  

Away in a Manger

Brody had his Christmas Program at school.  He was chosen as one of the three shepherds.  Fafa & Grammy were able to come watch and we were fortunate to be sitting on the side where he was.  This made it easy for us to get good pictures.  Plus, we became his own personal audience.  He put on quite a show.

This was when they first stood on "stage".  He hadn't noticed us yet.  His headpiece was falling below his eyes.

I snuck a picture while we were praying (or maybe I wasn't).

They sang Joy to the World as they were entering.  It seemed as if most of the kids were too focused on standing in the right spot.

The first official song was Away in a Manger.  (I was trying really hard to keep the camera still but I kept laughing at the absolute cuteness of it). 

"Bells are Ringing"

"Jingle, Jingle, Jingle"

More songs (& pictures) to come...