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.