Christmas Pictures- Isabella

Christmas Pictures- Jacob

Merry Christmas!

Well, this year was one of the best ever! Isabella has been so excited about Christmas and Santa (every prayer she said this month included something about Santa). Santa put a bell on her door so that we would hear her when she woke up. She came out of her room and yelled "It's morning!" She ran into our room to wake us up, and the woke up Nana & Aunt Kristie. Michael ran down the stairs so that he could get everything on video. Isabella made out really good on gifts, that's for sure! Jacob slept in that morning and we were all able to open our gifts before he came downstairs.

Michael and I exchanged lots of fun gifts, but the best gift we opened was what my mom gave us- a Wii!!!! It is really fun, and even Isabella gets in on the action.

Jacob is really enjoying the dump truck that Santa left, and trying to take all of Isabella's new toys. Can you believe that he will turn 1 next weekend?!?!

Tonight, we will have more company arrive- Michael's parents- Dennis & Jo Ann, sister- Amy, and Brother & new wife- Mark & Tara. Isabella is VERY excited about the visit, as are Michael and I.

I'll post pictures & video soon!!

The little man in my life....

I couldn't get one with his eyes open- my camera is soooo slow!!

12 Dates of Christmas- The 1st Date

I heard about this cool thing to do during the month of December, and I thought it would be fun to adapt it to our family, and make it a neat tradition. So, we have to go on 12 'dates' before Christmas. It can be as a whole family or split up. It doesn't have to be expensive or elaborate, just a good time.

Michael and Isabella kicked it off with a daddy-daughter date to Santa's Village. They had a BLAST!! Isabella got to talk with Santa, and tell him all about what she wants (and she even asked him to get Jacob a dump truck), hear Mrs. Clause read a couple of stories, make an ornament, go through an ice maze, decorate cookies, see Santa's bedroom, and lots more. Jacob and I couldn't go because it was kinda late, and Jacob is sick, so I didn't want him out in the cold. I'm totally jealous, so I think that we will all go again when my mom & sister get here. Here are some funs pics that Michael took.

Thanksgiving Recap

We had such a great Thanksgiving! There were 17 of us- 8 adults and 9 kids (all age 4 & under). The kids did a great good, and we feasted on some delicious food. It might have been the most delicious Thanksgiving meal I've ever eaten.....

Here is the menu (and no, I didn't make it all- my friends contributed lots)

Brined Turkey & Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
2 kinds of Stuffing- one with apples & sausage, and one without
Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusal Topping
Cranberry-Orange Sauce
Cranberry Salad
Rolls
Corn
Broccoli Casserole
Deviled Eggs w/ Cheddar & Bacon
Wassail- Yum!
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pumpkin Pie
Apple Pie
Cherry Pie
Chocolate Cream Pie
Praline Ice Cream Pie