More Snow?!! This is amazing!!

For all you who live in a cooler climate, this probably looks like nothing to you. But for us going from not one flake last year- to having 3snowstorms in the past couple weeks- we are so excited! Loving El Nino!

Christmas dress clothes

This little exchange between Luke and Jake was what reminded me of picture taking time. Luke was giving Jake lots of hugs when Jake came out from his nap.

playing so sweet togther

I think this pinstriped suit is my favorite this year. This is his Sunday look. As much as I tuck his shirt in it's always partially untucked if not all the way untucked.

such a clown

our princess

trying for a group hug....

not really working....

Jake started using Luke lower lip sucking trick. Braces, here we come.

Everyone looking at Daddy (instead of me)- trying to get them to smile for the camera

The one standby I always do for Christmas, besides pajamas, is a new sunday outfit for each of the kids. They weren't being very cooperative in the photo shoot, though. Surprise, surprise. Somehow we did manage a few cute ones. I love seeing them all dressed up!

Warren's snowman

With all the snow we got- we HAD to make a snowman. :)

I was cleaning up the Christmas decs when Warren put this on the table. I was packing up so fast, I almost put the snowman in storage! The kids were all pretty sad to see the tree turned to firewood. After watching how quickly it burst into flames in the fireplace- I was really glad to have it out of our piano room draped with lights.

Keeping busy during Christmas break,

We spent a few days making goodies. We make toffee, sugar cookies, fudge (a new recipe, topped with white chocolate- super tasty!), snickerdoodles, and chocolate dipped pretzels. I was going to try to do some more, but this was plenty! The kids also had fun doing some painting. I RARELY let them get out the paint. Between the mess, aprons staying on, the set up and clean up- it's just not my thing. But they seemed to have fun.

Jake loves to color now

This one was my favorite- Cassidy's rendition of a Christmas tree

Santa hats

Jake was loving this hat until I went to fetch the camera- of course!

New look in our dining room

We stole this decorating tip from our sister in law... If we forget to lay down the chairs, this is the result....

Except for usually there is a lot more damage being done.

Looks like Santa came!

The stockings look full to me! Cookies we left out for him

Our Christmas tree

Jake, just taking it all in

Wow! A storm trooper costume!

R2D2 playdough toys

Littlest pet shops!

Jake could care less about the presents- the real treasure was the tissue paper he ripped to shreds

Warren having as much fun as the kids with the new toys

Yoda had a fabulous day with his new toys as well. Jake seemed to like Yoda's gifts better than his own.

Trying out the playdough

It was a fun, pajama filled day. Very relaxing.

Jake, nursing his food

When Jake is really excited about something he's eating he sucks it to death- or nurses it as we call it. Here he is- LOVING this roll. We crack up everytime we see him doing it.

Christmas Jammies

This is the best we could get! Yoda- standing in front of the camera

Boys not interested.

Almost got the dog in...

It's always quite the production trying to get a family picture in our jams on Christmas Eve. But well worth the effort. It makes for some fun memories.

Bike trailer/stroller

So, I'm on the hunt. I've been researching bike trailers/stroller combos. Does anyone have a brand they love/hate? I'm hopeful it will be a little warmer for the boys in the cold. Hopefully the rain guard will keep the wind off them?? Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated!!

Family Nativity Scene

Pregnant Mary- wishing she could ride the donkey. Joseph laughing at her. Mary and Joseph with a visit from the shepherd

Wiseman holding the donkey

Wisemen and Joseph

Donkey kissing the baby Jesus

Joseph

Mary and baby

Turning off the batteries on our baby Jesus. We had a very sweet and serious shepherd.

Warren and I- the wisemen. Jake shedded the donkey costume and doubled as a wiseman.

Our family does a live nativity every Christmas Eve. It's always interesting to see what will happen. Our costumes are as authentic as you can get- made from robes (jedi and bath), ties, fishy blanket, lamby, scarves, fabric scraps, halloween costumes, an old christmas dress and a snuggie. Hopefully our kids can see we feel it is important to remember the real meaning of Christmas. We missed the Corbs this year. They were a great addition to our cast last year. Merry Christmas!