Christmas

The littlest tree.

Yes this was our tree this year.

They're at the gate and ready to run to their stockings.  Couldn't have them sneaking a peek now could we?

What does the stocking hold?  I wonder if Lex remembers Mary Poppins and was hoping that her stocking would possess the same attributes as Mary's hand bag.

Sometime he can be so cute

This one is always a cutie

Peter got the hat from Grandma Edgar.  Doesn't he look dapper?

So in love with his new blanket.  I think he only bugged me all year for me to make it for him.

Elmo and Lex a perfect pair

What does this hold?  Peter's first Christmas stocking.

Spongbob pj's.  Watch out Chris or Aunt Brin may come take them from you.

Opening his first present

After Christmas morning at our house it was off to Grandma's and Grandpa's for the rest of the day

Let me warn you:  In the next few pictures you will see many people.  Not all families were able to make it so you are only seeing a small sample of our family size.

Peter recieved some much needed diapers.  Thanks Grandma!

Evan and his love of Dora.  Thanks Aunt Lilly ("I think," says the momma)

More family

And still more family

Christmas is done and so is the year.  This year brought some changes for us the big one being the addition of Peter to our family.  I'm glad the rush of the holiday season is done and I'm ready to see what the new year will bring.

Chocolate houses and Christmas Eve

At our house for Christmas we make chocolate houses that we eat on New Year's Day.  I admit this year to being tired with all the other Christmas preparations and just wasn't going to do the houses, but the kids weren't buying my excuses so the houses got made.

Ben and Chris got one to work on

Evan and Lexie's was graham crackers

Somehow we also managed to have a Christmas Eve party.  It was fun to have everyone there.  Just before it was time to go home.  Those who wanted performed a skit or some other talent for the group and then the Christmas Story was told with a live nativity.  Let me tell you the nativity was definately "live".  It was difficult to keep them focused and up there at times.

Chris play the piano

My dad read the story while the young kids acted the part.

The 3 wise men?  Not so sure about that title :)

Lexie

Doug brought home this super cute coat for Alexis and it fits perfectly.

She can be so angelic at times

I've been waiting all year for her to wear this dress.  She calls it her Tinkerbell dress for some reason.

Cutie pie

I love this girl sooooo much.  Sometimes though I forget.  She can be trying (I have a head of gray from her), but I love just the same.  I hope she always feels my love as I try to be a good mommy to her.

Church Christmas Party

Last weekend we had our church Christmas party.  There was plenty of food and dessert.  The best part about it was I didn't have to cook unless I wanted to take a dessert.  I love eating food that I don't have to cook.  I love my food too, but even mediocre food can be good when you aren't doing the cooking.  The kids sang in Santa and then got to sit on his lap.  A fun and relaxing evening.

Look at that belly!

Ben and Chris went too but I wasn't able to get a picture of them.  Chris was too fast and after getting Peter down I was too slow to capture Ben.

I'm a big boy now!

Last week Peter started doing this:

And with help from daddy he played some peek-a-boo too

Music Time

We have been so busy this month.  Doug coming home, school concerts, school parties, church parties, gift purchasing and so much more.  I guess I need to catch up on the pictures and events.  So....here we go!

Last week the boys all had their school choir concerts.  Evan and Christopher were in the morning and Ben's was that evening (he being in select choir and not regular choir).  They were all good and the actions were cute.  Evan was very excited to see us up in the stands watching him.

Chirs was a little more reserved, but still happy

And I had to make faces at Ben to get him to smile.  He was very reserved and when everyone else was given permission to do silly poses he just stood there and shook his head at me.

My kids are growing up so fast, too fast if you ask me.  Ben is in fifth grade and chose to join band.  Yesterday was his first concert.

Amazingly it was very good for the first one - no ear plugs required hahaha

Christmas Pictures

Well I finally got the kids together and dressed nicely to take their yearly photo.  Not much time to spare, but they are adorable.

Lex and Peter

Alexis

Peter

Evan

Chris

Ben