Merry Christmas 2011

We had a wonderful Christmas with our little family. Christmas Eve the kids exchanged the gifts they had bought each other. We had a nice steak dinner, sat at the table together enjoying one anothers company. It was so nice, and the kids were so excited for Santa to come. Addi made Santa and the reindeer a few notes and left them with their snacks. The kids slept until 9, and were happy to see Santa brought them just what they wanted. We have been playing all day and just ate a delicious roast dinner. What a special Christmas we will always remember.

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Both kids are SO excited for Chritmas. They are bouncing off the walls with big smiles on their faces. Their excitement and joy are contaigious. Tony and I are loving every second of it. Yesterday we took them to Toys R Us and let them pick a gift for eachother. They have decided that will be the one gift they open on Christmas Eve. We also took them out to eat at a new buffet, and let me tell you, that is the way to dine as a family. I have always hated buffets in the past, but since I became a parent I hate eating out at a traditional restuarant. All the waiting makes for a stressful experience when you are trying to keep two kids quiet and entertained. Wait to be seated, wait to have your order taken, wait for your food, wait for the check, wait. At the buffet you pay first, everyone gets what they want, and right away, no paying extra for drinks and desserts, leave when you're done. The best dining experience we've had as a family yet. The whole time Addi kept saying how amazing it was, and we didn't hear a peep out of Kaden, who was eating the whole time. Addi made a devils food cake and then taught Kaden how to make caramel frosting. They made more cookies today too. I am proud of my little bakers.

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Christmas is just a few days away, and I am doing my best to keep the kids entertained. Of course we had to make Christmas cutout cookies, because it isn't Christmas without them! It is alot of fun to bake with both kids, altough very messy for Mom. Totally worth the mess though! We have watched every Christmas movie imaginable at least once, some several times. Addi's favorite Christmas songs are 12 Days of Christmas, and Jingle Bells. She sings both non stop throughout the day. Arts and Crafts are the kid's favorite time of the day, and I am doing my best to come up with stuff to keep them busy and happy. Last night Santa came through our neighborhood on a big sleigh lit up with Christmas lights. The kids started bawling because he just drove by and didn't leave any gifts. Kaden was really upset, and asked about his "presents", thinking Santa had forgot them. We felt bad and let them open the gifts from my cousins family, and the smiles reappeared on their little faces. I am looking forward to seeing those smiles on Christmas morning! :o)

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Ladies Night

Yesterday Tony stayed home and took care of the kids while I went into the city and finished up our Christmas shopping. I stopped and visited my Grandparents when I was done, and then went downtown to meet my cousin for dinner. We went to The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant. It was so nice to catch up and visit, with no kids needing our attention. The food was amazing! The atmosphere was fun and classy. It was just what two busy Moms needed to relax and pamper ourselves before the final crazy holiday rush. While I was out Tony made waffles for the kids, and even cleaned the kitchen afterwards! I am one lucky girl!

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Christmas came early!

Tony's Mom and step Dad Henry came to visit us.  After dinner last night we opened the Christmas presents they brought: some from them, some from Tony's sister, and some from Cindy's side of the family. It was so much fun having them here, and it feels like we already had Christmas! I am ready to take down the decorations and get ready for the new year! ;o) This morning they took us out to a nice breakfast and now they are headed to Shane's house to spoil his family. We feel very loved and grateful they took time out of their busy life to come spend time with us. 

Smiles all around! :o)

Santa, we promise we've been good!

This afternoon we went to see Santa Clause, who just happened to be in the neighborhood. Both kids were very excited to sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. 

Santa asked Addi, "And what do you want Santa to bring you this year?" and she replied, "A telescope!" Santa said, "A telescope, huh?"

Addi said, "Yeah, I want to be a Musketeer when I grow up, but if that doesn't work out, I want to be a Scientist, and I am pretty sure I am going to need a telescope for that!"

Santa laughed and said, "Well alright, is there anything else you want?"

and Addi answered, "Of course not! With all the kids in the world it wouldn't be fair to ask for more than one thing!"

So Santa turned to Kaden and said, "And what about you little guy? What do you want Santa to bring you?"

Kaden hopped off Santa's lap and grabbed one of the prop presents, brought it to him and exclaimed, "PRESENTS!"

Disney On Ice Presents Toy Story 3!

What a fun weekend we had! Our good friends the Sanchez family came to visit, and we all went to see Disney on Ice presents Toy Story 3. The show was Sunday afternoon, so Saturday the kids had fun playing together while Rob and Jess did their Christmas shopping. I made this cake for the kids, and they loved it. It was a special weekend packed full of special memories for all. 

Andre and Addi played Toy Story 3 the video game, in keeping with the weekends theme.

Kaden and Andre engage in a sword fight, too bad we only have one sword, so Andre is forced to use a drum stick. But not to worry, the drum stick is actually an enchanted fighting wand, so he was completely safe! ;o)

For dinner we made our own pizzas.

The kids took this task very seriously. They called themselves Master Pizza Chefs!

Their finished pizzas. Andres is on the left. Yes, he used an entire can of olives. Not to worry, he REALLY likes olives! :o) Addi's on the right. I haven't gotten her to eat pizza in years, being the World's pickiest eater that she is. She only likes bread sticks and a side of sauce. But she ate her pizza she made and LOVED it. It is now referred to as the Addi Special. Just sauce, olives, and pineapple.

The two baby boys. Kaden and baby Drake. 

Even Bella the dog came along, and the kids were happy to have a dog, if only for two days.

It's SHOW TIME!

This was Addi's face during the majority of the show. Priceless. 

The Army men flew in on parachutes! Amazing!

It's Ham!

Slinky!

Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, with some Troll dolls in the background.

Jessie and Bullseye! 

Rex! On skates! 

My little Woody, watching the "real" Woody. :o)

Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue! 

The CLAW!

My little buckaroos loved the show! What a great family outing with our dear friends.

Me and Jess. Good friends since the very first day of high school. There is a line from Toy Story that fits our friendship well, "When other friendships have been forgot, ours will still be hot!" 

Addison was SO excited when Barbie made her appearance. 

And then she completely flipped when ALL these Barbie girls came out! It was her favorite part of the whole show.

And of course, everyone loved Barbie and Ken, their flirting and word play had everyone laughing, especially the adults. 

What a fantastic show! So thankful we were able to enjoy it together!