A Very Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas SEASON.  It is so magical with children, and a loving family.  It was low key yet also full of a few busy holiday party days. Just the right mix. Each of us felt spoiled, but the best part was getting to all be together!

 Mr E played the trombone, as did all the other kids- and the biggest kid (his Dad).  They were all able to make music, and Clay still remembers how to play it from his high school band days, reading music and all!

 Every time I tried to take a picture, this boy had his finger in his nose.  

 A favorite spot, in front of the new gas fire.  I too claim it as a favorite spot.

 Matching glasses, one real, 2 geek and 1 fly.  Grandpa bought the kids these funnies and they are a hit.

 Just a sweet picture, Cousin C has that porcelain doll face, and Grandpa & EE are peeking in the background.

 Classy tux shirt, and geek glasses. My Boy.

 An explosion of presents on Christmas Eve, and a few excited cousins.

 Christmas morning, a rush of opening presents from Santa... can you spy his foot prints?

 THE Evelyn doll, her most wanted gift.

Team work until they are all opened!

Beauty

My Beauty.. I love her so.
  My other Beauty, I love him too! He is the little mischievous one, he has been busy.  He dropped another toy in the toilet. If it falls in, it goes in the trash- I don't care what it is.  He built a "bra" out of tinker toys.
  Both these kids slept till 9:30am today, more than 13 hours of sleep.  That is the latest EVER. Off to wrap presents, I am officially done shopping. xo

It's beginning to look a lot like..... WINTER!

 This picture cracks me up, mostly it has to do with the mustache that took over Clay's face during "Movember."  Elliot was repelling down the wall, making Auntie T a little nervous.

 Best Thanksgiving this year.  Seriously it was pretty much perfect.  Such a relaxing, family filled time at a beautiful house!  Thanks J & T for having us all.

 G the basketball player.  Kindergarten ball is almost painful to watch, but the kids are getting a little better and having fun.

 Someone may have been a little excited about the saw.... Being back in WA gives us the opportunity to have our choice of tree farms (this was 5 minutes away).. So we have 2 trees this year, I LOVE IT.

It snowed!!! Yes, I got snow pants, hats and jackets for the falling snow- yet didn't give them gloves!  

 Cousins and a pretty tree, makes my heart happy.

 Dance party... you just can't help but laugh at this.

 Ollie our ELF has been visiting us from the North Pole every morning.  They asked if it was really us moving him, but when he brought them each a present this week they were so excited!

 I walked back into the bathroom where E's bath was running, he is bare naked with his Darth Vader mask on getting ready to climb in.  Explanation: "I wanted to scuba dive in the tub." logical.

 We went on a fun train ride with some friends last weekend.  It was way out in the sticks, there was a banjo player who led us in Christmas Carols and even a Santa that made his way to each child's seat.

 My kids are not afraid of Santa... we have only done pictures with him once before this year and that year E was almost 1 and no he wasn't the biggest fan.  They love the guy now!

 While we got off for a stretch and chance for pictures, this girl ran the tracks (this one wasn't in service, we were at the dead end of it!)  I unfortunately lost one of my pearls Clay got me in Hong Kong.  bummer.

This week the kids got hit with the stomach flu and a quick fever, but are not recovered.  I got almost all my shopping done today on a great day out with my hubby and sister.  Loving this time of year!  Hope all of you are enjoying  this fun time.


oh and pictures to come... I cut G some side bangs last night and she looks like a total mini of her party auntie!  

THE list

This makes me laugh every time I see it... and well, we all need a laugh once in a while.  

Gabby wrote this after Elliot had just had a little bit of a fit.  In no way are we laughing at E, (he is such a tender hearted little guy) OR at G's writing (oh my, she wrote a whole 12 word sentence without help last night), it just explains a little bit about brothers and sisters. 

*Incase you can't read Kindergarten phonetics, it says "Elliot MAD. No one else, just Elliot" Meaning he was mad and this was the naughty list (see the present with the X across it).  We were all on the other list, the good list!

To the Rescue

I am so thankful to have so many wonderful people in my life who support me.  Yesterday was great, but long for all the kids and I (toddler time, no naps, early release, all 4 to the kids museum, basketball practice) Today we were still all a little run down, Gabby has a case of the snot rockets like you wouldn't believe (TMI?).  She stayed home from school.  I mentioned in a text that all kids were whining and the craft we started was not going as planned.  In the door walks my big sissy,  and she brought Christmas stickers and glitter glue- so much more on our level of crafting.  She cuddled her babies, helped with lunch and provided me friendship.  Naps for a few,  and quiet time of a Mickey Mouse Christmas show for others helped us all.  My dear husband got home from an early morning of playing basketball followed by a day at school, yet he jumped right into playing board games with 3 of the 4 kids (did you know I am not a huge fan of board games?!) and he fixed the dinner my mom sent home with me last night (I told the kids it was burgers and fries.... fresh LAMB burgers and celeriac "fries."  All local and fresh from my mom's  weekly box. Oh and she got home from work last night to me and my crew of kids and made us all a yummy dinner!)   Thank you Family for everything you do, it means the world to me! xo