Random Pics

 We missed the deadline to sign up for the daddy-daughter dance, so Brandon and Grace went on their own date.  Grace decided they were going to dress up and go to Olive Garden.  She loved it and even brought home her extra breadsticks for her boys.

 St Patrick's Day.  I succeeded in making sure everybody had a green shirt this year.

 I love Washingtonians.  They know how to make the most of every ounce of sunshine.  I think it was about 60 this day, kids are in shorts and playing outside as long as they can.  

And of course, spring soccer.  We need to take more pictures, but the season is starting off well.  Evan's team is putting it all together and has won their first three games.  Kyle's team was moved into the highest division, and its been tough, but they are learning a lot and doing well.  We are 2-2 so far so we will see how things turn out.

Snow!

 We got one dusting of snow this year, and given that we own entire snow outfits for everyone, we went out and made the most of it.  I'm not sure there was even enough for a snow man, but the kids had a blast.  

...

 Over Christmas break we got out and did a few family things.  We went skating with Bryce and Camille, but sadly my phone pics just didn't turn out great.  The kids did well for their first attempt and it prompted Evan to get out the roller blades at home and give them a try.

 We also did another round of bowling, this time with my parents. 

 We got snow the day before break ended which worked out perfect because it gave us a late start the day we had to go back to school.  Very nice way to ease us back into it.

 Not much snow there but enought to roll around in for a while.

Wish we had gotten more snow since we actually all have snow gear, but oh well.  Maybe next year.

Christmas Morning

 The traditional jammie shot.  They knew we were heading straight to Grandma and Grandpa's after stockings so they already had coats and slippers on.

 Evan asked Santa for Disney Infinity 3.0, Kyle asked for Skylanders Superchargers, and Grace asked for tumbled rocks. He came through for all three kids so they were very happy.

 This year we got Dad a homemade "spam sampler."  He thought it was pretty funny.

 First time ever I surprised Brandon I think.  It was very difficult to not just tell him for hte whole week before Christmas.

We had been looking at this camp stove on Amazon for months, and he really wanted it, but we were going to wait.  I was sneeky and ordered it on my parents amazon account so he wouldn't know and he was definitely surprised I bought it. 

 Evan got a microscope, a few dvds, a kit to make glowing slime, drawing supplies, and some perler beads.  Kyle got perler bead stuff, dvds, a Wii Lego game he wanted, a volcano kit, a fun balancing game, and a Lego experiment set.  Grace got some Monster High dolls, Monster High dvds, a crystal growing kid, bracelet making kit, and more perler bead stuff.  Brandon and I got some clothes, games to play as a family, and a car top carrier for our trip this summer.  Everybody was very spoiled and very happy.

 At the very end we had saved all three of our kids gifts from my parents.  Earlier in the morning they had opened new SD cards that we said were for their cameras and tablet cases that I said would be fun for making books they could write.  They thought I was crazy but went with it.  Then we let them open my parents gifts and they were shocked to find out they all got tablets.  They were so excited and love them.  We are still getting our balance down of when we can and can't use them but we are getting there.

I love Christmas, the warmth in our house with all of the decorations, snuggling reading Christmas books, watching movies, and overall the chaos Christmas brings.  It is always sad to see it go and take everything down and wait another year.  We had a fantastic Christmas!

Christmas Eve

 This year Christmas Eve was extra fun because all of my siblings families were in town too.  We spent the entire day together and had a blast.  Camille brought ornaments for the kids to paint.

 The kids all loved it and took their painting jobs pretty seriously.

 We got the kids lined up oldest to youngest for fun. 

 Then the much anticipated cousin gift exchange.

 The cousins were all very thoughtful in what the picked out for each other and very appreciative of the gifts they recieved which is always nice.  

 Then we reenacted the nativity.  It is a favorite tradition for me.  I love listening to my dad read it while the kids/adults run around attempting to recreate what we can. 

 Grace took her role as an angel very seriously and picked out this all white outfit to bring over for it.

 Then our program.  All three of our kids played a number this year.  Grace and Kyle played the piano (although somehow I'm missing a picture of Kyle).

 Evan did his first violin number.  He was nervous but he did great.

 Several of the other grandkids sang songs and it was very sweet to watch them all.  They are going to be a talented bunch.

 Then our family sing-along.  I don't know what I am so deep in thought about on the piano.

Last up we decorated sugar cookies to leave out for Santa, and of course a few for ourselves.  I love when we have family to spend Christmas Eve with.