Christmas-Take 2

Grandpa George and Gramma Karen came for an over night visit and brought with them presents for all! Owen got Star Wars Legos, dino books and blocks. Allie got 3 Barbies (for the 3 year old), princess books and a full length mirror for her room. I have to happy kids! I'm not sure if they love the toys they got or the time playing with Grandpa George and Gramma Karen more.

I love this time of year!!!

Santa ROCKS!!!

This morning Allie was the first one up! She was so good. She just looked at all the goodies Santa left for their stockings. Eventually, everyone else woke up. Owen and Allie couldn't stop raving about how Santa knew exactly what to get them. :)

And for the piece de resistance, Santa left a small white box with a big gold bow in his favorite spot downstairs. The kids eagerly opened the box to see what magic he left them. To their surprise, we got our wish. WE'RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!

Santa included a letter that said,

"Owen and Allison,

I got your letter and I have to agree. A family vacation is just what your family needs. In this box is all you need to go. You and your parents will be flying on February 7th and staying a whole week at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The book I'm including tells you all about the different rides and shows to see. Make sure to take lots of pictures and make tons of memories.

Thanks for the No-Bake cookies and the milk. They are my favorite!

Santa"

Christmas Eve

Dressed for Christmas!

RC!

My own doll house!

Buzz Lightyear!

Ready for bed and reading "Twas The Night Before Christmas".

Christmas Eve this year started off AWESOME!!! Grandma and Grandpa Arnett came to visit and brought with PRESENTS!!! The kids got into their Christmas outfits and got to open up some presents. Allie got her Doll House! She LOVES it!!! Owen got an RC toy and Buzz Lightyear. He also got several Batman toys. I have two happy kids in my house. After some lunch and more time to play with the new toys, we all went to church. Instead of a "Winter Wonderland", we had a "Frozen Tundra"! After getting home and into our Christmas jammies, everyone went to bed to wait for Santa's visit.

Christmas Play Group

Today, my friend Amy hosted our monthly play group. It was perfect! She ordered pizza for lunch and there were cookies and cupcakes for dessert. Some of my talented friends made gifts for everyone. Some even bought some nice gifts. I felt loved and totally in the Christmas mood. I, of course, took plenty of pictures. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think, talk or see one of these great ladies. My kids could spend days with theirs and beg for more. Looking over the pics from today makes me already miss them all. We don't leave until August and that is 8 months away! So let the good times roll!!!

Let's be Grown Ups!

I've never really been the kind-of girl who really likes to get dressed up. I rarely wear make-up. I own very few dresses and skirts. In fact, my own daughter is more "girly" than I am! However, I have been known to go all out once in a while. Last night was Jake's group Christmas party. I did my own hair and make up. I wore a black skirt I had bought on sale ($5 at Ann Taylor!). I did buy a new top and earrings just to be festive. (I'll probably wear the exact same outfit to another Christmas party next weekend.) All that said, I did have fun! I'm even looking forward to the next party. Maybe my daughter is rubbing off onto me, but then again... I am blogging in jeans and a tee shirt!

It's a Princess Party!

It's my party!

Make a wish, on a castle cake.

Waiting to open presents.

A castle built for a princess.

Three little princesses!

Yesterday we celebrated Allison's 3rd birthday and it was a "Princess Party". We have the best family and friends. They all came and made it an amazing party. I woke up at 6:00 that morning to try to put together a castle cake. It didn't quite look right (my son's first comment was, "What is THAT suppose to be?"), but it tasted GREAT!!! There wasn't a single piece left! She and her friends enjoyed the castle I put together from cardboard and ran around playing royalty. Allie got tons of fabulous gifts. She is still playing with all of them today. Thanks again for everyone who was able to join us and make it memorable.

Christmas GNO

Last night was our annual Christmas GNO. We met at Yia Yias and had a blast just visiting with one another. I think every woman out there should do a girls night out at least once a month. It restores one's confidence, importance and acceptance to make them able to take on another day of our regular life. So what's on the agenda for next month????

The Big Man

Well, we managed to get BOTH kids in the annual picture with Santa. After looking at the evidence, how could Santa NOT bring them all they want this year!

Let it...SLEET!!!

This morning, at around 6:00, we awoke to two things. The sound of ice hitting the windows and our son begging to go outside and play in it. So he got his snow boots and big coat on over his pj's and went out on the back deck. He was out there for about 15 minutes, while daddy made breakfast. He LOVED it!!!

Dear Santa,

There is nothing more endearing than a letter written by a child to Santa. I even have a copy of one I wrote when I was younger from the newspaper. My son has given it much thought and was nice enough to include his sister in his. We plan to go and visit the big man tomorrow after we pick Owen up from school. We'll have to wait and see how Allie takes it, this will be her second time. (Last year she wouldn't let go of me.)

Cosmosphere

The "KIDS" eating astronaut ice cream!

Yesterday was Jake's birthday. His good friend from college came down with his family. They spent a whirlwind weekend with us. It was awesome!! We spent the day in Hutchinson at the Cosmosphere. Kevin's two kids, Kyle (a fourth grader) and Mia (a second grader), they loved it! That and they got to play with my kids. It was a great way for us to celebrate Jake's birthday.