Christmas Highlights

Decorating

Papa Steve's

Papa Cc's

Watching Baby Alive do her business LOL

Christmas Eve Traditions

Christmas Morning

Look at this HUGE box Santa brought!!

He must have had a LOT of elves to help him put this trampoline together!

Grandpa and Grandma's

Sprinking "instant snow" in their front yard. :)

Grandma Nancy's visit

All Dressed Up



We even had a little Grinch! :)



CALM Lights

This year, Justin's work had a special Christmas social night out at CALM lights. As the night approached we were nervous because the "BIG" winter storm warning was on and there was supposed to be some major rain. Thankfully, the rain never showed up and the weather ended up being perfect! We left as soon as Justin got home from work and made it back before 8pm so the girls could get their inner beauty rest.



We started the night with hot cocoa and cookies with Justin's co-workers. It was a yummy treat before all the fun!

 

Juliet was saving the leftovers on her lips while she waited for the carousel.



I love this picture because I can almost hear Aubrey saying, "Oh, just wait Jooj, this carousel goes super fast!"



"WHOA, sissy, you weren't kidding?!"






After the super spin carousel, we headed to the train. We had fun chugging along checking out the lights.

Then we headed along the trails to see all the displays.

The highlight of the night had to be the musical light displays. The girls loved dancing along.

CALM Lights is a yearly tradition that we love!

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer...

...is singing loud for all to hear!"





And for the FINALE...watch it all the way to the end...it's worth it! :)
{Can you tell there is a mirror across from her?)

In light of the holidays...

I read this scripture during my morning devotional, and though I've read it a million times before, I really FELT it today. My sister and I grew up in a blended (then reblended, then reblended) family. The holidays were always great for us, but they usally also brought about some conflict. I think as young kids we didn't totally understand it, and to be honest, we still don't understand all the drama. I think most drama comes from jealousy and envy. Jealousy and envy rob joy. I choose JOY!

I know some of you may not have family drama during the holidays...you may not celebrate four Christmases with 3 step-parents (one who doesn't really like you and one you barely know), but I do. And for me, this was profound:

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.
If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.


Romans 12: 9-23

Fall Wrap-up

A little late, but worth the wait. I was actually waiting to upload a couple of pictures and videos from my point and shoot camera, but it's either lost in the wasteland of my dirty mini-van or it got stolen when I left it in the car (with the doors unlocked). Either way, I figured I better get on it and put up the pictures that I had already downloaded.

Papa Steve finally came back to California from Washington, so we went and visited. My grandpa was also there and it's always nice to spend time with him. Fall is one of the only times of the year where my dad's house is bee free, so it's our favorite time to visit!

picking apples off the tree

A perfect picnic under the gazebo

Papa's buzzing babes (sitting on an old bee box...of course).

Aubrey's Apple Day

The kindergarten had the cutest apple day performance! I was so proud of our little performer. She's come so far from the preschool performances where she would just stand there or chew her clothes. :) I love kindergarten, and I'm so glad we started her early!

She really wanted a picture on the stage.

Pumpkin Patch 2010

Every year I border on making the pumpkin patch a miserable experience. I'm so picture obsessed that I don't really just relax and enjoy it. We usually head out to the patch at least 2 or 3 times, all the while, snapping away. This year, I'm happy to say, we only went once, and while I still took some pictures, I wasn't focused on getting the perfect shot. In fact, I don't think I got a single picture of Aubrey alone. She was having so much fun with Gracie and Breanna, that I just let the three amigas enjoy their imaginations. And you know what? I enjoyed myself better too!

Okay, okay, while the big kids were playing, I may have taken quite a few pictures of Juliet. :)

The whole crew- Ian, Breanna, Juliet, Gracie, Aubrey, Joshua

Halloween 2011

A beautiful bride inspired by a wedding this summer and a buzzing bee you  may remember from not so long ago...

Everything about this picture cracks me up. Brogan and Reagan acting the part, Juliet's chocolate smeared mouth (after house #1) and Aubrey being SOOO over the picture already. :)

I LOVE, love this pictue! Seriously, Papa Cc's is their second home. So thankful for him!

I think this picture should be an advertisement for trick-or-treating. It embodies all the excitement of Halloween night!