Holiday Fun

Its been an eventful week!

The boys had fun decorating the Christmas tree. Dad made sure the tree was stable and helped wrap the lights. Otherwise, we pretty much turned it over to the boys, and they did a great job!

Silly Zach!

Aiden wanted to pick the perfect ornament to hang.

This is an ornament Parker made in school a few years ago.



This Saturday we had THREE Christmas parties to attend.
We tried to skip one of them, but the boys wouldn't hear of it.

Santa & Mrs. Clause stopped by for a visit at our local bank. They had treats for the kids inside and a live reindeer outside.

Every year Garrett's company puts on a fantastic party for all the employees children. They bring in carnival games and bounce houses, face painting, balloons, catered food and drinks, and a professional photographer to take pictures with Santa. Santa has a Webkinz for each kid, and at the end of the party they have a drawing for some giant stuffed bears (which one year we actually won!). It is truly the highlight party of the year for our kids.

We were too busy trying to keep track of four kids to take a lot of pictures, but here's one of Aiden enjoying the bounce house. And one of Aleah playing a horse shoe game.

Our favorite (and true) Santa comes to our church Christmas breakfast each year. He truly knows each child by name and if they have been naughty or nice. He can talk to them about things they have done and been involved in during the year and loves each one of them. And we love him!

Zach was hesitant, but Santa insisted he come over for a visit (even if he wouldn't sit on Santa's lap).

Parker was a good sport and hopped on Santa's knee to request a few more Lego sets for Christmas.

Aiden came prepared! He insisted on making Santa some homemade chocolate chip cookies before visiting with him.
He told Santa he would like a remote controlled jet, but if Santa couldn't get one of these in time, he would also love a remote controlled fire truck. Since he's been such a nice boy this year, I'm sure he'll get one or the other!

Poor Aleah! Just as we expected, she was terrified. Santa was quiet and calm with her and almost got her to settle down. But it was a short visit; enough to get a picture and a treat.

After church on Sunday, we took a drive to visit some friends from church and take some holiday treats. It was a fun Sunday afternoon activity. And when we got home, the boys could hardly wait for our next activity. Every year (for almost 10 years now) we decorate gingerbread houses at Christmas time. Since we have four kids now, we've had to downsize our gingerbread kits and do the mini village version. But they still have a great time and look forward to it each year.

In closing this post I must say (for the few of you who read it):

"Please forgive me if you don't get a Christmas card this year. I haven't dropped you off the card list; I just haven't gotten around to writing a Christmas letter or mailing any cards, and I'm not sure I'll find the time or motivation for it in the next two weeks.
We love and appreciate all our friends and family do for us! We miss those of you who live far away! (Actually, I guess it's us that live far away!) And we hope you all have a WONDERFUL holiday and a very special Christmas!"