Baking, Cooking and All Around FESTIVE Weekend

 Saturday we had our traditional baking day. We made all sorts of candies, cookies and cupcakes.

 We put Leah right to work. She is now a professional candy cane unwrapper and smasher.

 Later in the day we helped Papa Charlton ring the bell and brought him hot cocoa to stay warm at Kinney's. The kids really enjoyed it.

 On Sunday Uncle J stopped over and I was/am over the top excited that he is home for Christmas. He has been out of the country for the past two years. So this Christmas will ROCK with him home.

 Leah had some buddies over and the three girls played so well together. It was so fun for her to see her buddies since they all go to different schools this year.

We finished off the weekend by celebrating the holidays with Grandpa and Nana. We had delicious food, great company and the kids were so excited with their gifts. Seth even slept with his new basketball last night. No lie.

Exciting House News...We hired a contractor, we are applying for our 911 address, working with Nimo to get a power pole and our driveway is going in next week. Very very exciting. Merry Christmas to us.

Oh, What a Week

 So...we had quite a week and not in a GOOD way. Leah came down with a high fever on Monday and it didn't go down until late Tuesday night. We sent her to school on Wednesday and crossed our fingers. She made it through the day, but came home and fell asleep on the couch at 5pm (see above picture).

 Seth came home from school on Wednesday complaining of a stomach ache. We didn't think too much of it. We tried having Seth attempt his 3rd grade concert, but he had to step down from the risers after the first song. He was completely devastated because as you know, he LOVES to sing and perform.

 When we got home from school Wednesday both kids went right to bed, but unfortunately Seth got sick all over his floor (ick). When Leah never woke up until 8am I made the decision to keep them both home from school. They literally laid in my bed or on the couch ALL day long. Seth took a two hour nap and by mid evening they started to turn the corner.

 This morning the kids got right up and were so excited to see that their elf left them a special treat for being such great patients for mommy yesterday.

Looks like we are having a family movie night after meeting with our contractor tonight.

Sounds good to this mom.

Pesky Elf

Cody is back to his pesky tricks this last full week before Christmas.

Weekend in Review (Holiday Edition)

 Friday night we had some friends from Seth's soccer team over for Roland's homemade Tom & Jerry's. I wasn't sure if it was going to turn into total chaos with 9 grown kids in the house, but everyone had a really great time.

 Saturday we had back to back sports in the morning. When Seth was recently asked to be on a basketball team I was a bit nervous for days like these, but it worked out really well and Seth loved every minute of it. Thank you to the double grandparents who came and supported Seth through both games on Saturday. He loves all the cheering in the stands.

 Saturday night we headed to SYR and went to Lights on the Lake. We haven't been since Leah was in diapers so she really enjoyed it. Seth kept us entertained in the back by singing to us.

On Sunday Roland took the kids skiing and our timid little Bean wanted to try the lift without Dad AND she was successful. I am so thrilled for her and she is so proud of herself.

This week is full of play dates, sports, Seth's concert and dinner out with friends. Bring on the festivities.

Flashback from Holiday's Past (2012-2013)

2012

2013

Flash Back to Holiday's Past (2010-2011)

2010

2011

 2010

Flash Back to Holiday's Past (2008-2009)

2009

2008