cookies

 Pete was a good daddy and baked cut out cookies while Maggie and I were away.  That being said we were able to decorate cookies, yea!! The kids worked very hard and made some very attractive cookies.

 PJ just had fun making a mess.

Brie struggled with how to make the prettiest cookies! and Brie used the most napkins! :~)

all in all a fun time was had by all and another Christmas tradition done, check!

Maggie went to the horses...

 Maggie was invited to a friends birthday party at a local horse farm. She was soo very excited and it left her sister in tears many times as Makayla is desperate to meet a horse as well. It was a tough lesson for Makayla this weekend but we turned it into a learning opportunity.

Maggie was able to meet all the horses, close to like 30! She was allowed to touch most of them, brush them, and ride them. She got to ride a brown horse and a black horse. Each of the girls got to ride the horses four times. These little girls eyes were just huge the whole 2 1/2 hours.

 Maggie was so proud of herself! She was able to even take the reigns and control the horse herself by the end.

 A huge thank you to all the staff and birthday girl as you made my little girl's day!

Santa

 

  While doing kid Christmas pictures last week we took time to visit the jolly old red man himself! Each of the kids marched right up to him and got right on his lap telling him just what they wanted. Brie went last but went without hesitation or coaxing. Unfortunately you cannot take pictures inside the fence anymore, trying to make you buy the expensive ones they take. Whatever, I stood outside the fence as instructed and snapped away. It was a pretty backdrop and I could have gotten better ones, none the less traditional stop with Santa done, check!

 As I said Brie did well, the first picture so nice and pretty. Then Santa talked and I wish this picture would not be blurry as her face is priceless, definitely worth a thousand words, captions, or phrases! I have no idea what he said that prompted this face, but 20 seconds later she was smiling again and chattering away!

PJ Christmas program

 Brie is anxiously waiting for PJ's Chrismas program at preschool. She is super excited because she will be starting big girl school in a few weeks! We too are very excited for her to be in such a great setting. The staff and teachers are really unmatched at this preschool.

PJ is such a boy, lots of standing and only quiet singing. At least we did not have any tears and he did stay in his spot.

 PJ's grandma and "Grandma Karen" were able to attend the program as well. It was a nice, the songs were traditional and always lovely to hear.

This picture of Brie was just too sweet to not include. She carefully made her way over to the manger and quietly checked out the baby Jesus. He is the reason for the season, Merry Christmas everyone!

Elfie

Our elf on the shelf, ELFIE decided he wanted to try the gingerbread cookies! That naughty little elf crumbled a cookie right up and we think he tried to take a piece to Santa! Elfie is good entertainment for this house hold!

a retreat for all

Pete and I were able to escape this past weekend and attend a married couples retreat in South Dakota. It was a wonderfully, simple, enjoyable, relaxing weekend.

A huge thank you to Pete's mom and sister, niece and nephew for coming and staying with our kids. The kids had a great time and played all weekend. They were also privileged to have the chance to do gingerbread houses.  I think everyone had a finger licking good time! Brie's eyes are just huge with each new Christmas tradition, you can tell she does not remember last years events. (funny thing is I do not personally remember much about the last year either :~)) keeping in mind please Brie and PJ were 1 and 2-crazy how fast things change!

 The finished projects! everyone did a nice job and should be proud!

A huge THANK YOU to Auntie Leigh Ann and Granny for coming out to play and stay!!

close ups....

 A few christmas close up pictures of the kiddos. Maggie was protesting a photo next to the tree. Brie is hopeless, enjoy!!

company

 My sister and mom came into town and did a bit of shopping. We got a 30 minute warning and did a fast pick up. The house looked okay and the kids enjoyed their visit very much, as did I! Grandma snuggled with the big ones for a bit and Auntie Coke got to play cookie cutters with the little ones. It is fun to have surprise company.... hint hint if anyone just wants to drop by know you are welcome anytime!!! A great big thank you and hug to mom and Coke for stopping by, we LOVE you!

Christmas prep

 It is such a chore to put up the Christmas stuff, however this year it went smoothly.  We got all the totes upstairs and unloaded in record time. Brie and PJ were even helpful this year. After we got the tree stabilized the kids had a grand time putting on the ornaments, discussing whos was whos and where they got them. It was enjoyable to listen to them.

Brie being the youngest was given the honor of placing the angel atop the tree. She was so proud and her siblings were happy for her as well. 

The toy nativity scenes returned as well and Brie was very excited to have "new toys".  We have decided she probably only has faint memories of last Christmas, thus making this like another "first Christmas" for her again. It was sweet to listen to the kids each explain to her the different parts of Christmas they think are special. PJ even had a few stories for her.

snowman

The girls had an unexpected day off from school on Nov. 26th. PJ was also home with Pete due to illness. We had our first snow this day as well. The kids were so desperate to go outside. Pete let the girls go but not PJ since he was sick. Makayla was so kind and made PJ a snowman out of the bit of snow she could find in the yard. She brought it up to the deck for him to enjoy from the window. How sweet is she?? anyway grapes for eyes and a carrot nose worked out okay. I think the picture is just a hoot! what a funny little snowman!

Thanksgiving, round 2

 Thanksgiving with my family happened Saturday. We got up and left Pete's folks at 8 and partied with my family until 7, and then did the 2 hour trip home. It was a full day but so enjoyable. The group really hung around this year and mingled well.

 Mom gathered the grand kids and had them play a game. Each side of the table got two oven mits they had to wear. Then they had to unwrap a Hershey kiss with mitted hands. It was a fun little game.

 This was our first holiday without my dad. His name was mentioned only quietly a few times but I know he was weighing in heavy on a lot of hearts. After his passing I knew I wanted to do something for my mom and sisters.... after much thought I had bracelets made each the same but different. Mom says Mother and the girls say Sister, each in the persons birthstone. A fond memory, and sincere poem I think I got my point across: thank you for being in my life and I love you!

Thanksgiving

 Thanksgiving at Granny and Pops this year included 3 of the kids and their families being home. Once again a grand time was had by all the cousins! It seemed the fun would not end for them, a 24/7 play date. Delia is 3 and Brie is almost 3 and they became fast friends once the learned their mutual love for babies!

 Granny is always great at having plenty of crafts on hand! painting to sewing this trip!

 The group efforts on making a fruit turkey turned out quite well! Everyone enjoyed this turkey as well for Thanksgiving.

 The kids table and I am happy to report no spills or accidents!!

 Painting nails and make up were a hit as well. Who can pass up dress up? definitely not my kiddos!

 Granny was ever so kind to take the girls to the fabric store on Black Friday for some material to sew new clothes for their animals and dolls.







Coloring was one of the more quiet activities of the holiday. 

Once again Granny and Pop prepared a wonderful feast that was enjoyed by all. The kids had a great time hanging out with family and the big kids had a nice visit as well. It is always so fun to stay together as there really is no hurry or worry because we are all in one spot. A huge THANK YOU to Pete's parents for a nice Thanksgiving.