Santa pic '12

Blast from the past Santa pics... 2011, 2010, 2009

Let it snow!

We finally have snow, and these little snow bunnies couldn't wait to get out in it!

Going to see Santa!

On Saturday we took the boys to see Santa and they couldn't have been more excited. Cal had his list down pack and couldn't wait to share it with Santa ("iPhone, grapple, mini excavator and even a backhoe"). Literally, you ask him and this is what he'll tell you word for word. Ian and I get a kick that every time he says his list, even the "and even a" is included every time. And Bennett's list is the same as Cal's. Yes, both my 4 & 2 year old want iPhones... I'm pretty sure when I was that age all I wanted was a Pound Puppy. Oh how the times have changed...

my heart & hands are full, literally (both boys wanting to be held at the same time)

**Official Santa pic coming soon.

'The big show'

Cal's class performed in the school's Christmas program this year and he was so excited for "the big show."  Everyday he wanted to know who all would be there to see his performance and he even kept the songs a secret from us, saying it was a surprise (although I did talk him into a little preview one day). Below is a video of the pre-k's part and just a warning  it's a bit long. I have to say I love so many things about Cal's school, but one that tops the list is that Christmas isn't just a "holiday" (along with other religious holidays), and that they celebrate the birth of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas.

enjoying the rest of the program

such great little friends

Merry & Bright

A couple weekends ago my college girlfriends and I got together for one of my most favorite nights of the year, our annual ornament exchange. This was year 9 and as always, there was no shortage of laughs. Such a fun night and no matter the age, a slumber party with girlfriends is always a good idea.

This last weekend we met up with friends in Leavenworth for the tree lighting. Loved seeing the ladies (and kids/spouses/boyfriends) for the second weekend in a row, but holy smokes Leavenworth was insane.

After promising the kids sledding, only to discover there was no snow on the hill, Shannyn lived up to her word and made found a walkway hill. And she even braved the first run.

After a day of fun in Leavenworth, it was then off to a Christmas party in town with friends.

And tonight, the boys created a masterpiece.

 what to do with the leftover icing....

Not sure how Ian managed to dodge all the pics...

'Tis the season for all things sweet & tasty!

First up, cream cheese filled snickerdoodle cookies for Friday night poker.

Next, rice krispie cakes with homemade buttercream frosting & my go-to pumpkin snickerdoodles for a Saturday night Christmas party/cookie exchange.

the cookie war zone

I wish I would have snapped a pic of all the goodness I came home with. Oh dear, we've all consumed a ridiculous amount of cookies over the last 48 hours (I have zero will power when it comes to sugar). And just about the time we get through them all, I have another cookie exchange this coming weekend.

Christmas pups.

Bravo the elf.

We have a new addition to the fam this holiday season. After being what seems like one of the last to jump on The Elf on the Shelf bandwagon, we joined in on the fun this year. Meet Bravo, named by Cal.

"Terrible Two's"

I think they're here... The last month our sweet, yet sassy, little boy has been a little more "work" than normal. And when I say a little more, I really mean crazy emotional, lots of tantrums, stubborn as all heck and a hitting mad man. Hopefully this is short lived, and I just keep reminding myself, this too shall pass. A friend posted online about how after a challenging day with kids, the best thing to do is to look in on them at night when they're sleeping. And that's just what I do every night, and seeing my sweet little boy so peaceful seems to wipe the slate clean for the day.

Family pics

If you haven't seen them posted all over the Facebook world, here's a link to where I posted this year's Fall pics that Mary took, for you're viewing pleasure. A couple of my favorites....

this pic of SO Bennett.

Oh, Christmas tree.

The One!

the boys fought and fought over who got to put the star of the tree and then when it came time to put it on they fought over who didn't have to put it on cause the tree was too 'spikey'

And for the big final reveal, stay tuned. I just realized I didn't take a good pic of her in all of her glory...