Christmas Day - 2011

Surprisingly, our babes slept in. It was probably around 8:00 before Beau woke up. Then quickly came little B. And we were off......

The pictures and the video pretty much say it all. I would say Mom, Dad, and Santa did a pretty good job this year.  You work so hard to create the perfect time and memory for your children, and it can be such a crushing blow if someone is disappointed. So it's a relief when they tell you "Mom, this is the best Christmas ever!" Or "Mom, Santa gave me the most perfect present. I love it so much! It's the perfect size for me."  That was an actual quote from Brenley about her chalk/art board.  

So the magic of Christmas was definitely with us this year.  Besides Mama being sick with a sinus infection, we had a terrific day filled with yummy food, new toys, warm blankets, and coffee and Bailey's Irish Cream (for Mom - ha ha). AND if you ask my kids their favorite part beside from the toys......we STAYED IN JAMMIES ALL DAY!  "Perfectly perfect" as my Bren would say.  Yes, baby, you and brother and Daddy make everything Perfectly Perfect.  Many, many blessings........

So here we are......discovering what Santa brought. Beau reading his note and wondering where his present was.

The note led us outside and he spies it.

A basketball goal!

High five to Dad!

And now back in the house to open presents.... stockings first!

Underwear!

It's Beautiful!

And we are already mad about something......

But we move on..... 

I love it!  A Dora Guitar!

For some reason......I just love this picture

Oh, it's perfectly perfect!

Getting Ready for Santa

We have such sweet kids. Sweet kids that were ready for Santa to come. So we got home from McPherson late Saturday night and quickly got our cookies and milk together for Santa.  The Reindeers got carrots (and ranch dip, of course), and sausage.  Don't ask.

So while we were busy getting our plates together, Beau was busy writing this.  I think I've said it a time or two already, but I LOVE this kid.  And for a lefty, his cursive is on point!

And I also included some pictures of our pretty home the night before.......

P.S.  Merry Christmas?  He only has love in his heart.

Grant Family Christmas - December 24th, 2011

So Christmas Eve came on Saturday this year, so we got up and headed to McPherson to celebrate with the Grant Family.  It has been our recent tradition to have soups for lunch and dinner, while always snacking on yummy dips during the day,  and celebrating the end of the night with a "Happy Birthday, Jesus" cake.  Always a nice touch and it worked out well again this year.

So after hours of watching football and playing with cute kiddo's, we headed to church at Trinity Lutheran. I really enjoy this service because it is filled with traditional Christmas music, and at the end of the service we sing Silent Night while candles are lit and the main lights are turned out. This year I held a sleeping Brenley in my arms and it was a sweet moment watching her, watching Beau and Brian together, and sitting there in a perfect peace while we sang.  But of course, that peace lasts only but a minute, as we anxiously went back to Grandma and Grandpa's house to open presents after the service was over.

And while every year is special, this one was a 1st Christmas for the twin boys - Tyler and Brandon!!  Such big, sweet boys.  It can be so overwhelming with older cousins ripping open presents, hollering at each other how much we like our gifts, and there is nowhere to crawl, but the boys (and their parents) did really well. Here are some pictures from our day!

And then I got some pictures of my poser......

And here is what I was talking about why I love my camera so much........love this one of Luke...

And last but not least.....William.  Oh William. Pretty lips. Bright blue eyes.  So stinkin' cute.

He is thinking "I wish my aunt would quit taking pictures of me. Maybe if I don't look at her again"



And finally a video, which is just a small snippet, of Grant Family opening presents.....

A Visit to Santa

We had a lovely evening looking at lights (aka "Sparkles" according to Bren). We got in a visit and picture with Santa. Both kids anxiously told Santa what they wanted this year. Brenley wants a Puppy and babydoll. Beau wants a basketball goal and video games.... Hmmm.....hope Santa comes through!

Brenley's Christmas Program at NRA

Now it was Brenley's turn for her Christmas party and program at NorthRidge.  I was so excited for her because this was her first year in "the gym" where the grown up kids perform.  And I had heard plenty of stories about her not wanting to wear her Santa cap or reindeer ears......"Ms. Anderson said I didn't have to wear them" was the story she kept repeating when we kept asking.

So I had readied myself for that part, but the teachers also kept telling me that she performed the songs and actions really well, so they didn't mind that she REFUSED to wear the coordinating head gear. Okay.  Fine. Your rules.

She partied it up with friends, wearing her new DKNY silk dress and black cardigan with black suede boots. Yep, that's right. Fashionista. And I was proud of it.

Here she is with her bud, Jack, snacking away.

And now it is time to open gifts - a book exchange. Perfect idea for these precious little readers.

Me and My girl

Guess she likes her book!

Bren and Kaitlyn

This is her new pose.  She tilts her head down and in. Not sure where that came from, but it's cute!

Waiting patiently for their present

And once presents were open.......off we went down the hall to the program portion of the morning.  Oh, the ever waited program.....

Here she is happy girl sans the Santa hat

A little motion here.  Jingle bells.

It looks like she is having a good time, but I'm not showing you all the other pictures I took....

Where did Cooper go?

This is Arianna.  The sweet girl who was resting between her screams for Mommy. Jack has his back to us in the green shirt. He is tired of hearing her scream.

Here all her friends (minus Rylie front row in purple skirt who was the other "Mommy" screamer) enjoying their Reindeer games, especially her cute boyfriend Cooper (blue shirt, yellow tie). Notice AGAIN how Brenley has nothing on her head.

Having a great debate with Cooper?  Dale happy. Rylie still screaming.

More of the same. What is going on with these two?

Sweet faces. Trying to follow along.

And here is the video of the Reindeer song, or should I say it was aptly renamed the "MMOOMMMMYY!!!" song, according to Beau