Christmas, Randoms, and a Happy 2012!!!

What a month! December was crazy and passed all too soon. We spent a quiet but memorable Christmas at our home and were lucky enough to have Mike's parents join us. There is so much busy-ness, rush, anticipation, and excitement that accompanies the Christmas holiday. We were SO ready for the shopping rush to be over (although it is what we rely on, it's also nice for it to be over!) and enjoy some relaxed family time. Scrappy and Scruffy (Santa's elves) didn't disappoint all month, leaving little tokens of appreciation if the kids were good, or nothing under the tree if they were naughty. They delivered Christmas jammies on time....and even remembered Grandma and Grandpa.


Breakfast for dinner, some last minute preparations and feeding of the appropriate individuals, and the kids were snug in their bed. I would have gotten pictures of the appropriate preparation on our part, but Reagan is already smart enough and trying to put things together to figure certain things out! Her mind is entirely too mature for her age.
Sprinkling out the food


Anxiously awaiting their receivers



Christmas morning was met with excitement and anticipation to see what the jolly man had left. It gets more fun every year as the kids get older and their excitement and joy can be felt in the entire house. Let's say it was a fantastic day and everyone was happy hearted and refreshed!



Kade wasn't really into opening the actual present but if there was one opened for him he would say "Oh Wow!" and check it out. Anything Mickey, Elmo or Toy Story was always a big hit. These Toy Story Potato Heads have gone pretty much everywhere, car, bath, bed, etc.


Grandpa spent a lot of time putting things together

That's her excited face as everything is getting put together!

I love this picture for a few reasons, but mostly because of his cheek profile. Obviously not as big or bouncy as Rea's, but still soft and squishy

Writing his list for next year while what he didn't get is fresh on his mind :) And yes, he's mostly a lefty, although he's pretty much capable of writing/scribbling with both.

The awesome aftermath



Here are a few random pictures I wanted to include just for memory sake!
This dog isn't dumb...he knows he will most likely get fed, sitting below our messy eater...who is enjoying Christmas Fondue

Ok, I know, I could get arrested for this picture right?! But who doesn't love a little bum decorated in nothing other than cowboy boots!

Invest in Mr. Potato Head! It's been a great source of entertainment for our kids! (And the water is green only due to "special" pellets)



And here's to a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
2010 was a really hard, challenging, and insane year. 2011 was filled with recovering from 2010, adjusting to surroundings, learning how to be a family again, loving, new beginnings, new challenges, and growing tons.
We are SO excited for what 2012 has in store for our family. It's going to be the year of spending lots and lots of time together! Traveling to new places, old places, learning new things, relearning old things, hopefully more memories with family near and far, laughing, loving, and growing some more. My heart is so full. Honestly, there is not a thing I desire more than being with my sweet, forgiving, adorable and charismatic children; my unconditionally loving, funny, handsome better half. God has blessed my life insanely. Constant reminders that life is so fragile and time is of the essence, and this year, we will grasp that full force and move forward with that in mind!
We are spending the first day of the year staycationing at a local hotel, enjoying some take out, some excitement, jumping on the beds, swimming, and celebrating. Here's to YOU AND YOURS!!