Handsome

Happy Birthday Jesus!

So on a whim I bought this hat thinking the girls always get hair pretties maybe PJ would like it. Guess what, he loves his hat! and he looks stinkin' cute in it! I LOVE that he likes to wear it proudly. He gets lots of attention at church because of it, or anywhere in public for that matter. I had to post photos of my handsome little man. Hope they made you smile.

X-mas "morning" @ home

The elves were up late again Saturday night transforming the living room into a special Christmas for 4 very important little people! Take 4 kids times a few presents each and ta da you have a magical looking room. The kids did not know this was coming so I blocked with stairs and put a sign to come get me. I had a video ready to play when the entered to entertain them until all were awake. Pete went down and turned on lights and captured the looks of surprise on camera as they came down the steps. I would share but they do not look as neat online as they do on my computer, so you will have to trust me.

We saved a final special gift for each till last. Makayla was overexcited to get the Disney princess barbie collection.

Maggie could not believe she got a my sized Tangled doll. It is nearly as tall as she is.

Each of PJ's gifts were a huge hit but Buzz Lightyear takes the cake. He carries him everywhere and loves to make him talk CONSTANTLY by pushing buttons continuously.

Brie completely getting into the opening today. She has it figured out. If there is music Brie dances, so each of her toys makes music so the poor little thing was "dancing" all day. Thrilled but exhausted by night time.

A very big thank you to granny and pop the children had very nice Christmas gifts this year. Thank you! We saved one final final gift for after church. When we got home we asked them if they wanted anything else and neither of the girls said anything. So we turned them loose to tear it up, there was a dramatic pause and then the screams of Kayla erupted! PJ started screaming because that is what Kayla was doing and Maggie was left confused. Makayla quickly explained what was in the box and once again screaming and jumping and pure glee filled the room. The WII has been a very fun addition to the house. I have to admit my arm is a bit sore but Makayla is really good at this thing!

All in all they had a wonderful Christmas and could not ask for more. They are all very gracious for everything they recieved and know they are very lucky little kids. We are very lucky parents to have such great kids. Pete has been off last week and this week, I was off Monday as well so we have had some very nice family haning out time. I work 2 days and then off again until Monday. It has been so nice to be able to spend some casual fun times together, all 6 of us!

X-mas Day

7:14 Makayla comes to our room and says "Santa came, can I wake up Maggie?" No darling crawl in bed it is too early! 3 minutes later" I think I have to go potty" fine go and then come back. 6 minutes later "I think I hear Maggie, can I go check?" yes then come back. 30 seconds later! "yes she is awake!! can we open our stockings please???" alright go up and we will be right there! The girls did very well with taking turns and being thankful for all the received.

PJ joined the party about an hour later. He could not figure out how to get everything out of his stocking though.

Miss Brie did not join her siblings fun until 10:45, she was very happy to sleep in. She enjoyed her treats and toys.

We were with my folks for the day. After lunch we took naps while grandma snuggled a baby who had just woke up. When we got up my brother and his family were there so we visited for awhile and then packed it up to come home. After getting home we opened the gifts from the cousin kid exchange and played with the new toys for a bit, then off for an early bedtime.

X-mas Eve

Christmas Eve was at my folks farm place. My brother now lives on the farm and offered to host Christmas. It was a very nice evening. Here is a photo of my eldest sister, mom, Brie and myself.

Brie's Godfather is having a serious talk with her and all she does is smile. You just wonder what they are thinking!

A little crafting time with cousins. We made beaded candy canes for the tree. A break from all the hustle and bustle of the evening. All seemed to enjoy it.

The following are pictures of the kids being very happy with their Christmas! Makayla received a Barbie head that you can do her hair and make up. She LOVED it!

Maggie was thrilled with her hopscotch!

Pete could not get PJ's car out of the box fast enough! He has LOVED this car!!

Brie is very carefully figuring out how to do this present opening thing!

Christmas Eve concluded with midnight mass at my old church with my family. I sure wish I had a photo because the church is just beautiful and being surrounded by family is really what makes life good. We managed to tuck in the wee ones around 1:30, waited for dreams of sugarplums and then the elves could fill the stockings! Sleep with the angels my babies and we will see you in a few hours.

ear tubes again

Miss Gabriella had surgery today. She had her adnoids out and tubes put in her ears. We checked in at 11, surgery at 12, back to mom at 12:50 and headed for home at 2:15. She did very well and has handled it all very well so far. We are home snuggling now and hopefully her ears will improve from here. Poor little thing has been miserable over the last 3 weeks with ears and given her siblings histories we went ahead with surgery before the end of the year. This is a photo of her "cute hospital jams".

Baby on versed(happy medicine), to help with the leaving mommy and daddy.

Recovering and snuggles with daddy.

All done and ready to go home!!

visitors

So the cousins had a weekend of fun! Lots of playing and hanging out, then topped off the weekend for them with the Pizza Machine. What fun we had! I think all slept well Sunday night. The dads were able to take in a movie and do a bit of shopping. The mommies were off about 2 on Saturday and headed out shopping. We shopped till we dropped!! As we left Target Saturday night we heard the locks click and turned around and they had shut out the lights! we just laughed. It was so nice to have no curfew and just shop at our own pace without anyone in tow! Thanks a ton Jill and Eric it was a very fun weekend for both the kids and parents!

Santa take 2

We had Dr. Shawn's Christmas party over the weekend and the red guy made an appearance once again. The big girls were very happy to tell them exactly what they wanted once again! Makayla was deemed Wii champion before the night was over, I was amazed at how well she can play!

Maggie had a good time chasing the boys and just being Maggie.

PJ was way more interested in the candy cane and he was not letting go for one minute. Poor Santa was alittle sticky after PJ's turn. This little boy was not one bit scared of him, in fact he was part of the welcoming committee for Santa and directed him to his chair.

Brie was not scared either. She was desperate to eat her present and really had no problem with the red guy. In fact she was quite the social butterfly flirting with everyone and allowing lots of snuggles from many people. Long about 10:30 she settled down into Grandma Karen's lap for a long evenings nap while the rest of us enjoyed playing the Wii.

So a big THANKS to Dr. Shawn and Amanda, the kids really do have a great time at the party! The parents enjoy themselves too. You are great hosts and we are very lucky to not only be able to work with you but also to be able to call you friends.

headshots

So we all check the blogs for updated photos right?. I took just some headshots of the kids because Pete and I have been commenting lately on how much each of them is changing just recently. Makayla missing her two front teeth, Makayla angel kiss is really fading quickly, and PJ with the latest haircut completely looks like a little boy and not a toddler. Brie, well she is 10 months and I am still trying to swallow that one!

Christmas programs

So Wednesday morning we were treated to the girl's Christmas programs. They both were very sweet and so precious. At this age they can make anything adorable. Makayla was the angel Gabriel and had speaking lines, she was very proud and did a nice job.

A quick pose before running back to class.

Maggie's program was equally nice. It amazes me how well these little people can sing. We are so lucky to have such a great preschool for her.

Maggie "the sheep" posing for a photo before I headed out to work.

St. Nick

What is that at the door, could it be? But of course it is! St. Nicholas has arrived, I guess you have been good.

Everyone diving into the bag of loot, Brie was not to be left out of this. They were all thrilled St. Nick remembered them and brought them a couple little treasures.

There really is nothing as special as watching childrens glee in all this holiday excitement!

Christmas begins....

My lovely husband made a ton of cookies while I was shopping Saturday, then the good guy let the girls decorate them Sunday while I slept. They had a blast.

When I woke they all were very excited to put up the tree. PJ was explaining this talking Santa to Brie. He is also telling her very plainly "No touch Brie!" This Santa reads the Night Before Christmas and it is a favorite at this house.

We could only take her out of confinement for brief periods. Then it was back into the exersaucer while we continued decorating.

Alas the finished tree! Very tired mommy and daddy! The kids were wondering if we could start wrapping presents. I am sorry my children but wrapping presents is not an activity we are going to start at 10 pm! Good night, may you have fun dreams of sugarplums.

Grandma

Big news, my mom was in town for a weekend of hanging out with us and we did not take one photo! darn it! oh well she was here and we had a great time!! We played Friday night at home, headed to Santa Sat. am and then we shopped all day without any children! Then took supper home and Pete and I headed out for a dinner without kids. Sunday am we were off bright and early for family photos, grandma in tow. She was the keeper of the things and then keeper of the kids as we picked out the photos. We managed to get a couple good ones! Then off to church and out to breakfast, I managed to get a migraine so Pete and mom handled the kids and I went to the car and slept. Back home and I went to bed, managed to give her a squeeze and say thank you. Aside from the headache it was a GREAT weekend! It was very nice to have alittle mom time. A huge thank you to all my siblings for helping with my dad, otherwise this would not have been possible. Thanks mom for a lovely weekend, I love you!

Make A Wish

A co-worker was in charge of the Make A Wish breakfast with santa Saturday. We loaded up everyone and took part in the activities. I was able to capture only one group shot as they had a professional photographer present for good photos.

Kayla of course had her list well prepared and rehearsed!

Miss Magoos list just seemed to keep going and going! She had to be cut off.

PJ was not one bit afraid, turned right around and backed right up into the red guys lap and explained he wanted a "choo, choo". Much to his surprise santa understood him and repeated that PJ said he wanted a train and PJ was THRILLED! See the glee!

Only one shot of Gabriellie as well but she too was not one bit scared. Her list was very short but she got her point across.

Brie 10 months!

10 months old and full of energy! We have offically retired a few baby toys as she has outgrown them. This toy is not far off, she is ready to crawl out. Got a call from daycare today and she is one fever away from another ear infection, poor baby. She remains quite smiley though. I put her on the scale and she is about 22 pounds. She is very loud, learning quickly how to get everyone's attention. She is such a joy, we just love her to so much. Stop growing so fast Brie we love you just the way you are!

Daisies

Kayla's little Girl Scout troop met today and I was in charge of activities. We managed to get a good group photo.

We were able to make a bracelet, decorate cookies, bedazzle an ornament, make Christmas cards and sing carols. All this in just a fast 75 minutes! The girls seemed to enjoy themselves. A huge thanks to a couple of my co-workers as one babysat and the other helped at the meeting. Without them I would not have been able to pull this off, thanks ladies!