Christmas Begins!

We set up the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. I loved it - Christmas music blaring, kids bouncing off the walls and decorations being flung all over the house.

Santa came to pack meeting at the church the next week. I snapped Claire's 2011 photo and of course had her all dressed up right for the occasion! Too bad she liked being on daddy's lap much better!

Last Saturday we had what we call our family gift exchange. Since we tend to leave town for Christmas every year we've started this tradition of everyone giving one gift to each member of our family. We take the kids to the dollar store where price isn't an issue and they shop with their own baskets in hand. It's adorable. This year I got a pool float from Jake, Tyler got a musical Christmas tie from Ashley, Luke got a dove chocolate bar from Ashley, Jake got a box of crayons and coloring book from Luke and Ashley and Claire got a new sippy-cup, toy and wash cloth from her siblings. The goodness of giving.

We love this time of year and look forward to all the fun the next two weeks will bring!! Merry Christmas to all!

Growing Up.

I glanced down at my sweet baby the other day as I pushed her in the stroller and thought I'd kidnapped someone else's child. Where did my baby go?! She looks like a toddler now with her hair done and big girl boots! I couldn't believe my eyes.

Trip To Denver

My mom, Ali, Brynn, Claire and I got away for a quick trip to Denver. We visited Tutu and Frank and the rest of our family on his side. It was fun to see all the red-heads we are related to, Claire and Ashley fit right in! We also drove past our old houses and I had to get out to hug the fire hydrant I used to play on as a kid in our front yard. Great trip!

Bubble party at Grandmas!

Growing up, my grandma Tutu had a jet tub that she would put bubble-bath in. I remember the bubbles growing so tall that I could stand up and my whole body would be covered. Luke was in my mom's bath the other night and asked if he could turn her jets on. It got me thinking... With permission we added a little bit of shampoo and ka-boom we had a bubble party going. Within minutes ALL the other kids were in the bathroom skinning their clothes off for some fun. Grandma was a good sport!

Me and Ash

Ashley got to come wedding dress shopping with Maddie and the big girls. She liked it, but ended up falling asleep it took so long! She is a good sport and so much fun to have around.

Family Pictures on Thanksgiving Day

Literally the first and only time (so far) that Claire has found her nostril and wanted to pick her nose was right when we had the camera out! She was cracking us up!

Ty's Tri

We're Back! Tyler did a Triathlon in Las Vegas with his brothers. He did great!