One last Christmas Celebration

WHEW! I'm tired after all of the celebrating! Last Saturday we celebrated Christmas with Nana and Apa'. We had a wonderful time and tried to take it easy--we were all a little tired I think! Thank you Mom & Fermin for all of the nice gifts--we appreciate and LOVE them all. Yall do way too much for us and we truly do thank you. We feel so blessed to have families to share our holidays with and that we enjoy so much!!

Merry Christmas

Santa came!!! Reese and Collin must have been really good this year because Santa left lots of goodies. They were thrilled to BOTH have received "just what I was wishing for" (shouted by Reese as she saw her Princess vanity). The kids enjoyed checking out their new toys, playing and figuring them out and hanging around for a while on Christmas morning. We then got dressed and headed to Coco & Papa's house, where we met up with Aunt AC & Uncle Russ. At Coco & Papa's we visited and exchanged gifts and then headed to Yaya's house (Mary's). We had a traditional, delicious Christmas lunch and then hung out and some played games. Reese and Collin enjoyed playing with the BIG kids and had so much fun with Mary's dog "Snickers" (or as Collin called her "Stickers"). After a BIG day, we headed home, the kids had a little down time and then were off to bed for a much needed rest.

Christmas Eve

We had so much fun on Christmas Eve, which is a large part of my family tradition. Growing up (me that is) Christmas Eve day AND Christmas Eve have always been a special time for family and celebration. We have passed this tradition down to our kids and hope that they will always enjoy Christmas Eve as much as I did--and to which I have so many fond memories. We went to Aunt Amy's and Uncle B's for Christmas Eve day with Papa and ChaCha, and of course, Aunt Ali and Uncle Andy. It was a beautiful day and the kids played and played while we prepared yummy appetizers to snack on (this is definitely part of the tradition). After visiting, cooking and eating, we decided to have our gift exchange. The kids could not contain their excitement as they had to wait patiently for their turns to open gifts. It was such a fun time to watch the kids open their presents and be so excited! After the kids finished opening all of their loot, the adults had their turn. Side note from today....Aunt Ali and Uncle Andy have a precious new nephew and Aunt Ali showed Collin a picture of him. Collin asked her, "Is that baby Jesus?" I thought that was so sweet because we have really been trying to teach Reese and Collin that Christmas is Jesus' birthday and that is what Christmas is all about. As we wrapped up the afternoon, Jeff, myself, Reese and Collin headed home to celebrate our own Christmas with just our family. Reese and Collin changed into their Christmas jammies and got comfortable. Jeff and I decided we would start a new tradition of reading The Story of Christmas, so we can teach R & C the reason we exchange gifts at Christmas time. We each give 3 gifts, to represent the 3 wisemen and hope that this will always be symbolic for Reese and Collin. We read the story, which the kids loved and then exchanged our gifts. After a little playing, we put out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the Reindeer. Then we all anxiously waited to see if Santa would come........

Merry Christmas

I should have used this picture for our Christmas card, but I couldn't resist using the Disney one. I think this is such a good picture of both Reese and Collin and they both look so BIG. I am enjoying my kids so much right now, they provide so much enjoyment and magic to everything we do. I hope they will always remember these special times and how excited they were for Christmas to get here. We have had so much fun celebrating Christmas each year that we have had Reese and Collin, but I believe this will be the most special one yet. I am as excited as they are, if not more. May God bless each and everyone of you during this holiday season. Be safe and relish these precious times with the little ones--I want to take in every moment and truly enjoy, they will only be little for a short period of time. I want to remember and treasure the memories always. Merry Christmas!!!

Happy Birthday Cate & Claire

Can you believe Cate and Claire are 2 years old??? Today, they celebrate their birthday and it does not seem possible that they are 2. They are getting so big and they are talking so much! My kids love them and get so excited to hang out and play with them. Cate and Claire both adore Reese and I think they will all end up being so close! They had their birthday party a couple of weeks ago, since their actual birthday is so close to Christmas. Reese and Collin had so much fun at Jungle Gym and enjoyed helping them celebrate!

SANTA!!!!

This morning, Amy and I took the kids to see Santa. We went to Bass Pro Shops and had to wait a total of 5 minutes for our turn! Reese marched right up to him and was ready to visit. Collin seemed a little hesitant, but ended up climbing right up on his lap and taking his picture. They were both so excited after talking to him and really enjoyed their short, little visit. Not only was there a short wait--but the picture was FREE as well!! Now, hopefully Santa brings what they asked for (because these last minute changes really throw him for a loop). Heehee!

Christmas Parties at School

Last Thursday, December 18, the kids had their Christmas parties at school. I love that they celebrate Jesus' birthday and and the true reason for the season. Reese's party was from 12:30-1:30 (they had a pajama party) and Collin's party was from 1:30-2:30, so I got to go to both parties and neither Reese nor Collin had to feel short changed. Plus, I was able to give them my undivided attention the entire party! The kids had a book exchange and we decorated gingerbread houses, plus the teachers all gave the kids sweet little presents. Reese and Collin both ate most of the candy rather than putting it on their houses, but Collin took the cake by squeezing a TON of frosting straight into his mouth. Every time I looked up, he was eating MORE frosting....smart kid, I love that stuff too!!!