Christmas Morning Round 2...

Our Christmas continued with Madalyn getting her own Nook (LeapPad), a horse, movies, and lots more. She is loving everything she got.

Christmas Morning...

Christmas morning started around 8:00! Madalyn never sleeps until 8:00 but she decided to Christmas morning. She woke up and asked for 2 things: 1) Turn the T.B. (tv) on. 2) where is Flee? (the elf). Once we explained to her again that Flee wouldn't be back until next year she was okay with that. We finally got her into the living room and she was so excited about everything. She kept going from her Dora tent to her kitchen, and just wasn't sure what present to open first. It was so much fun.





We went to Brad's parents house about 10:00 and started all over again.

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

After Madalyn's bath last night, it was time to get our milk and cookies ready for Santa. She had to put on her apron and do everything on her own. She even had to sample one of the cookies to make sure they were good enough to leave out for Santa. She loved getting everything ready, and I know next year will be even more fun!!

Christmas Eve Christmas...

We always do Christmas with my family on Christmas Eve. It works out nicely because we are not rushed on Christmas day to get everything in. Madalyn has been telling my mom and stepdad for about 4 months that she wants this certain baby. With the baby comes a backpack, pj's for the baby and Madalyn, a blanket, and extra clothes for the baby. Well, I missed the picture opportunity while helping Madalyn get through the roll of tape that my mom insist on using for a 2 year old. Madalyn opened one present and in the box was all the baby items, minus the baby. She looked at my mom and said, "Uh- where's me baby, Nana?". It was to funny!!!

We had a great Christmas with them and the kids enjoyed everything they got. We even managed to get a few family photos before everybody went home. I have been trying to avoid the camera, but it was Christmas and I wanted a family photo. Here I am at 26 weeks pregnant!!

Bakin' For Santa...

Madalyn got this cute reindeer apron from my dad and stepmom. Will as soon as she got it she had to start baking. She loves to help in the kitchen and this was just what she needed. We decided to make some Christmas cookies to start the Holiday season. Madalyn did a great job, but everytime I turned around she was taking a bite out of the cookies (yes, raw)! She is such a blessing!!!

Trip to see Santa...

So it's that time of year again. We all have to take our children and torture them with Santa Claus. Madalyn was actually excited about going because we have been talking about it and that is where Flee (our Elf of the shelf) goes every night at bedtime.

So, we get there, first in line so she doesn't see any other children screaming, and she is fine until we put her on his lap. She froze and wasn't sure what to do, but she knew that after we saw Santa we were riding the train, and let me tell you that was her focus. She sat on his lap long enough for a few pictures and she was done.

She had a blast on the train, and didn't want to get off. I have to say that this years experience was better than last year. Last year we never even made it to Santa's line. We shall see what next year brings with 2 little ones.

My Beautiful Family...

Here are the few pictures we managed to take at Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving was very hard for my family as it was the first Thanksgiving without Granny Cora (JP's mom, she passed away in Jan. 2011), Grandpa (passed away in Oct.2011, and my mom's best friend, Aunt Kathy (passed away in August 2011). We are so Thankful for the family that we were able to spend Thanksgiving with but we missed those that were not with us very much. We know Christmas will be hard as well, but I have peace knowing that we will be with them all again one day.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Me and my beautiful sister, Kari

Kari, Carli, and Jaci

Carli, Madalyn, and Jaci

Madalyn, Carli, mom, and Jaci

Carli, Jaci, and JP's dad- Poppie IC