Merry Christmas!

We had a fabulous Christmas this year!  It was fairly laid back and relaxing!  We spent Christmas Eve going to church and to Brian's side of the family!  Brian's mom cooked a wonderful dinner and it was fantastic spending time with his family!

My mom stayed with us on Christmas Eve and we celebrated Christmas at our house again.  We enjoyed a Christmas Brunch with my Mom, aunt, Brian's Mom and Grandma.  

The kids were spoiled by all including Santa, they were definitely on the "nice" list this year!  

We are looking forward to a fabulous 2013!  

 Setting out cookies & milk for Santa & carrots for the reindeer!

 Christmas Eve tradition to sleep in the same room!  

 Santa delivers!

 Our sweet Christmas pup!

 Christmas brunch!

 More presents!

 Happy kids, happy parents, Merry Christmas!  

Santa!

The kids saw Santa today!  I loved every minute of it...it's so magical to see their faces in awe of the big guy!  

Brindley asked for a bow and arrow and Santa sort of gave me a look of fear!  I guess Santa hadn't brushed up on Merida from Brave this year!!  ; )

o' christmas tree

We ventured out and got our Christmas tree today!  I wanted a small one this year because I saw a cute idea on Pinterest!  The idea is to put your tree on top of a galvanized pot or pail...you could set it inside too, but the idea is that you get more floor space by heightening your tree!  Plus a galvanized pot is super cute!  

There it is~I'm almost taller!  

 Annual pic of Brian's balding head!  Ha!

 No help needed!  

 She really wanted this one!!!  

Ta da...still a Starbucks tree!  

a new member in our family...

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving this year...really the whole weekend was fabulous!  My mom hosted Thanksgiving this year, and we had most of our family in town!  

Our elf, Filbert, arrived Saturday morning with a VERY BIG surprise!  

 He came with a note that said to open this box at 8:45 am! 

They waited oh so patiently and finally it was time to open this box.  Inside the box was a leash, collar, dog toys and a mini sweater!  Colden asked, "why are we getting all this stuff now, I thought we were getting a dog this summer?"  I, very excitedly and emotionally, said we are picking up our puppy in one hour!!!  They were OVER THE MOON!  

 Here he is: Gizmo!  He is a half maltese, half yorkshire puppy!  He was born on October 5th!  

He is so sweet and lovable...I am absolutely smitten over him!  Brindley keeps asking if we get to keep him!!  And Colden just keeps saying he can't believe we finally have a dog!!  Such sweet kids!!!  

Brindley as a Court Jester!

Brindley's annual holiday recital is next Friday night, but we had a photo op during dress rehearsal...so here are the darling Court Jesters!  

I can't wait to see them perform!  

Happy Halloween!

We had such a fun Halloween this year!  

I always invite my mom, aunt and cousin over for a warm dinner & drinks and then we trick or treat!  This year, however the kids were pretty set with trick or treating with friends, so the fam still came over and stayed to answer the door, while Brian and I took the kids trick or treating with their friends!  We had quite the group of kids and had a blast.  Tons of candy, a neighborhood DJ, wigs, red cups & a haunted house filled our evening!  

We got tons of candy, but this year the "switch witch" came to our house.  We left our candy out for her and she switched the candy for toys!  

Hope you had a wonderful Halloween too!

pumpkin carving...or painting...

We carved our pumpkins last night!  There were very simple requests this year...YAY!  Colden wanted a one-eyed monster and Brindley decided to do her initials and paint the rest black!  I also opted to paint mine with chalkboard paint and add "A" with white chalk...thanks pinterest!