12/31/13

Christmas 2013

For some reason, this Christmas season seemed to zoom by so quickly.  Everything about Christmastime this year was perfect: the decorations, the excitement from the kids, the holiday movies, the baking, the parties, the non-stop Christmas songs.  It truly was a magical season.  The older three couldn't wait for Santa to come.  They changed their mind frequently when it came to what they wanted from Santa.  Bentley's mind never changed.  She wanted Dora toys.  Santa ended up bringing Mackenzi an electric mo-ped, Jace & Quinn got big bikes, and Bentley got Dora toys.  The girls were so excited about their gifts...the boys are a bit nervous to ride their big kid bikes....but, I'm sure they'll be zooming around the neighborhood in no time.

We started off Christmas eve at Matt's work, at a potluck lunch.  On the way home, we made it to a Christmas Eve service (that was awesome).  Next up, it was time to head to my parents house.  We had a fun time there playing in the backyard, being silly with photo props, and opening presents.  Dana & Kevin were stuck at home with a house full of stomach flu....so they missed it (SO SAD!).  We sure missed them!!  After my parents and grandparents spoiled the heck out of us, it was time to go home and get ready for Santa's big arrival!!






The kids woke up bright and early (even before the sun), eager to see what was waiting for them downstairs!  This was the first year that Matt and I weren't waiting at the bottom of the stairs to see their faces when they caught a glimpse of their gifts for the first time.  They're getting so big!!













Next up, was breakfast and gifts at Matt's parents house.  Once again we were spoiled to death there.  The kids had a blast opening gifts and were so sad when gift time was over.  We all headed to an early dinner at Aunt Lisa & Uncle Deans house with Wendy's family.  We ended the day in Jammies watching a new movie that Santa  brought for the kids.  




It was a perfect Christmas that went by way too fast....lots of wonderful memories were made!!!

Fall Chorus

Mackenzi has been in Chorus at her elementary school since September.  For her performance they sang a variety of Holiday songs, mostly Christmas with a few Hannukah and Kwanza songs throughout.  She was so excited and looked so festive in her Santa hat.  She was not shy at all performing on stage.  She was actually little ham, singing and dancing like no one was watching.  A few times she was way too silly.  :)  The kids looked so cute in their holiday gear, so I couldn't resist snapping a few photos before the performance!







12/4/13

Christmas-time Is Here!!

We spent last weekend decking our halls!  Matt worked outside putting up Christmas lights, while I decorated the inside of the house.  Sunday Night, we all decorated the tree.  The kids get so so excited.  This was the firs year that Bentley got really excited too.  She kept saying, "ooohhh, so pretty".  She even got to put the star on top of the tree this year.  The big kids clapped for her and she was so proud of herself.  She keeps randomly telling me, "Bempy star...YAY" while clapping.  (She calls herself Bempy).  I just love this time of year, but seeing the magic of Christmas through our children's eyes makes it even more magical.  











We Gobbled Until We Wobbled!

Thanksgiving Day 2013
Matt spent the morning with his Dad and brothers (minus Trevor) at Red Hill Country Club playing golf.  They had a really good time.  The kids and I stopped by to visit Grandma (Wendy) for a bit, then picked Daddy up and headed to Nana & Boppa's house.

The kids had a blast playing with Braeden, Kelsea, & Camden.  They had coloring activities, Thanksgiving trivia, a Thanksgiving bracelet activity, and the most fun of all...Nerf Bulls-eye.  The kids had to hit balloons with the nerf darts.  Each balloon had a different point value on it.  The winner of each round received a dollar.  :)







We had a wonderful feast, that was so so delicious.  To make it even more yummy, we had Great Grandma's homemade rolls (made by Dana) and Northwood's blue cheese dressing.  Pumpkin pie & apple strudel topped off our meal.  DELICIOUS!!!  

11/21/13

Mackenzi's Thankful Story


 Mackenzi had to complete a writing sample at school.  Here it is...

My whole life I am thankful for three things.  One of the things I am thankful for is my beautiful family.  I'm thankful for them because they keep me warm and take good care of me.  The second thing I am thankful for is my precious house.  It is so precious to me because it keeps me safe from storms.  One of the last things I am thankful for is my dog-Hurley.  I really love her because she was my first friend, first life's, nature's best friend ever, and if I ever lost her I will be sad and crying.  These are all of the things I am thankful for.

-Mackenzi, 7 years old

Two Little Turkeys

The boys had a kindergarten performance today. They sang some songs about Thankgsiving, fat turkeys, and being thankful.  It was adorable.  Matt was able to sneak out of work for a bit to watch too.  The boys were so excited to see us there.  After the songs, they each had a big ol' feast in their classrooms, complete with a full Thanksgiving dinner & pie.  
  





I'm so thankful for these two little turkeys!!!