Monday, December 30, 2013

Merry and Bright

Here we are, wrapping up 2013, and I just cannot believe how fast time flies by.  I absolutely positively LOVE this phase of our life.  And as excited as I am to see what the new year will bring, I get a little sad to let go of this year, of the ages that my babies are right now, and the joy that each day brings us.

We have had a very merry Christmas, spending time with both of our families, and having an unusual amount of snow.  This has been such a fun year because Brooks is really starting to understand the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of baby Jesus.   Both kids enjoyed learning "Away in A Manger" for our church program.  Brooks got up on that stage and sang like a champ, doing all of the hand motions perfectly.  Presley, on the other hand, stood like a deer in headlights, completely overwhelmed.  I was just happy she didn't scream and cry!

We started the week of Christmas with a visit from my mom.  Mom got to come spend a few days with us while Dad was traveling for business.  The kids were thrilled to have her with us for our trip to The Christmas Train.  Then Dad flew in for our family Christmas.  It was a quick trip as they had to drive back and beat the ice storm, but it was a very special one! 

We flew to Arizona on Christmas morning to spend some time with Dave's family.  What an adventure!  With 8 kids under 7, there was never a dull moment!  The weather was amazing, so lots of our time was spent outdoors.  Lots of guy bonding occurred during several golf outings and a trip to the Cardinals game.  Brooks went to his very first movie at the movie theater.  The girls got a fun trip to the nail salon.  And thanks to Aunt Deb, all of the adults had a date night to the movies and dinner.

So here we are, looking forward to cuddling up on the couch and celebrating New Year's Eve the way that Dave and I usually do, with a quiet evening in.  I am one blessed woman!   And that is priceless to me.  Not a day goes by that I don't thank my Heavenly Father for this man beside me and our beautiful babies.  So here's to another year full of love and laughter!   


 That right there is a VERY happy Grandma!  She is decorating cookies with all 8 of her grandbabies (ages 7 and under)

 Love the frosting on the nose!

 Grandma and Presley

 Our annual pajama picture of the kids

So thankful to be walking through life with this man!

 My Merry Babies

 Cheesy Pajama Picture!  Love it!

 Presley LOVES horses.  From a distance.

 Kisses from Auntie Erin

 Girls Spa Trip!  Presley didn't get her nails done, but loved being with the other girls!

 Golfing with Grandpa

 SNOW!!!!

 Making Snow Angels with Daddy

 Dave was a Christmas Herald this year.  He had a blast goofing off with Steve.

 Presley stood through the entire song of "Away In A Manger" with this dazed look on her face.  

 Not My Brooksie Bear.  He loved his moment in the spotlight!

 Selfie Fun

 Girl Time with sweet friends at the Annual Ladies' Tea at church

We had a great time at the Christmas Train.  Just ignore the look on my children's faces that would make you think we were torturing them.

Gammy and Brooks both love to ride the carousel.
 Ready and Waiting!

 So much fun on our new rides.

Love this silly little girl!

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