Our Christmas 2010

This year we had a quiet family Christmas, just Brian, the kids, and I.

We were probably more excited than Addie, as it took every ounce of willpower to keep her gifts a secret. We were excited for Mason too, but especially for Addie since this year she anticipated Christmas for the first time.

The big gifts were an Art Easel & a Doll House. We set them up for her on Christmas Eve, then went to bed. I awoke to a little girl standing at my bedside. She leaned in & said, "is it time to get up yet?!"

We all hurried downstairs, anxious to see her reactions. She noticed her dollhouse first and asked, "what is THAT?!" She was all smiles as she checked out her doll house.

Then, as you can see in the video, she had "breakfast" and finally spotted her Easel in the living room. She was speechless! (very unusual for her)

Later we opened the wrapped presents and the rest of the day was spent going from toy to toy, playing with everything!

We had a great day as a family, enjoying good food, music and all the blessings we have. We explained to Addie that we give gifts on Christmas to celebrate the gift of Jesus that God gave us. Addie exclaimed, "Happy Birthday, Jesus!"

The Doll House

the Easel

if there's a box, Mason will stand on it...

new chair

and ball

new blanket for Mason, he's such a blankie guy that he's wearing his out!

Spongebob snuggie for Addie, from Daddy...the kid size is pretty big!

The little people figures disappeared and showed up in the playroom with Addie's other people. Mason was happy to just have new trucks!

Relaxing with the sock monkey

posing with her easel

Addie's new dolls

Admiring her new dolls

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

the Gingerbread house didn't make it to Christmas

here's why:

Buckethead

Mason will not wear a winter hat. He cries, fusses & pulls until he gets it off. Yet, if there is a basket, bucket or bowl around, he'll dump it's contents out, put it on his head & walk around. Such a stinker!

Off to SoCal

Mason & I got to take a little trip last weekend to visit our friends in southern California (Capistrano Beach). We had a great time! Mason was a champ & despite my fears, was a prefect angel for the flight out. He charmed the flight attendant & got extra snacks & was playing peek-a-boo with a fellow traveler, before falling asleep for the majority of the flight.

Once there, we had a great time!

We got to see a Country Christmas themed boat parade,

-a little chilly by the water at night...

(our favorite boat)

played LOTS with Katin (she graciously shared her toys),

went to a My Gym class with Katin,

and got all tuckered out!

tested out the double stroller with lots of walks (with BEAUTIFUL views!),

and of course, had to check out the beach for Mason's first time! It was a bit colder that day, but we still got to dip our toes in.

We had so much fun, we were sad to leave that little bit of paradise & our wonderful friends. Mason didn't do nearly as well on the flight home, but the plane was pretty empty, so at least he didn't bother too many people.

We hope we get to visit these sweet girls again soon!

Addie and the Christmas Choir

Well, Addie came home from church a few weeks ago all excited about singing some songs. We asked her how the song went and all she could recite was "little donkey little donkey..."

We came to find out that the kids were practicing for the Kids Christmas Concert at Calvary. I (BMer) was hesitant about getting Addie out there, as she was part of the youngest group and she obviously didn't know the words, but Kassie talked me into to taking her to practice the day before and Addie did pretty well. So we got dressed up and headed off to Calvary on a Sunday night, Addie was great, standing in the front row next to her buddy Malachi Britton:

As you can probably tell, she didn't know the words to the second song so she did her best lip-sync impression. All in all it was a fun night, the kids all got cookies afterward so they were pumped!

Here's the words in case you can't make out what they're singing, and don't worry, you're not alone!

Little donkey, little donkey on the dusty road
Got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load
Been a long time, little donkey, through the winters night
Dont give up now, little donkey,
Bethlehem's in sight

Ring out those bells tonight
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Follow that star tonight
Bethlehem, Bethlehem

Little donkey, little donkey, had a heavy day
Little donkey, carry Mary safely on her way
Little donkey, little donkey, journey's end is near
There are wisemen waiting for a sign to bring them here

Do not falter little donkey, there's a star ahead
It will guide you, little donkey, to a cattle shed

Ring out those bells tonight
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Follow that star tonight
Bethlehem, Bethlehem

Little donkey, little donkey, had a heavy day
Little donkey, carry Mary, safely on her way
Little donkey, carry Mary, safely on her way

Monday Mugs

Grandma visits

Grandma Barb joined us this year for Thanksgiving. Though we didn't get any pictures, we had our own little feast-yum!

Addie & Mason got to play with her a lot & are now all worn out. Addie especially liked putting together the gingerbread house and eating the candy & frosting!

Happy Thanksgiving!