Sledding and Christmas Light Tour

It finally Snowed on Saturday! So, the whole crew got snow ready and headed to the Elementary School down the block from our house to do some sledding! The kids all looked ridiculously adorable in all of their snow outfits! It is always funny to see the Texans in the snow! I have to give them credit...they did pretty well. No wining or crying! :) When it was all said and done we went home and had hot chocolate with marshmallows! That night after dinner we headed out on a two and a half our light tour of Spokane. There were some really pretty and impressive houses! I think everyone enjoyed it with exception to Isla. Poor little girl was just not having it. Maybe we'll go on a shorter one next year! :)

Ginger Bread House Decorating

It's been a tradition for a few years now that we have a Ginger Bread House decorating contest! This year we had the kids decorate some giant Ginger Bread Men that Brandon picked up at Costco. To be honest the kids enjoyed eating the candy far more then actually decorating. They had fun though! Then after the little's were fast asleep the adults got their decorating on. This year the winner was (drum roll please), Brandon and I. We had the kids vote on it the next day...but it was clear from the get go! :) Better luck next year Kyle, Stacie, and Mom! :)

Life Center North MOPS Christmas Party

It was really fun to have my sister-in-law Stacie, Knox and Isla come with us to our MOPS Christmas party! The kids enjoyed watching a reenactment of the Christmas story (I was a Wise Man), making ornaments, singing Christmas songs (Jingle Bells was a big hit), and frosting and eating Christmas cookies. It's such a blessing that Knox and Marek are such good little buddies! The kids had fun playing and it was nice to introduce Stacie to some of my MOPS and Bible Study friends.

Manito Observatory and Brandon's 35th Birthday

My Brother Kyle, his wife Stacie and their two kids Knox, and Isla came into town the week leading up to Christmas! We did a lot of fun things while they were here, but a first for our whole family was going to the Manito Observatory and seeing all of the beautiful lights! It was the first thing we all did together once they arrived and the kids were all amped up and energized, it was really quit cute. Unfortunately Brandon wasn't there to take it all in because he had to work a little late. Don't worry I was a good wife and took lots of pictures with my phone and texted them to him throughout the tour! After that we went to the Onion for Brandon's birthday dinner and then ended the night with cake, ice-cream, and presents back at our house. I honestly can't believe that Brandon is 35! You just keep getting better with every passing year my love!

Susamus 2013

Yesterday was our second annual Susamus celebration! A day to celebrate an early Christmas with Brandon's sister Susan because she unfortunately has to work through the holidays. :) She was a little more laid back this year, but still a bit demanding (she reads our blog so I'm smiling as I write this). I made her favorite meal of Swedish Meatballs and mashed potatoes and Brandon whipped her up a batch of her favorite cookies, peanut butter chocolate chip. In all seriousness she is a wonderful Aunt to our kiddos and they love her to pieces! We are very lucky to have Susan in our lives. The kids really enjoyed opening their presents and we enjoyed spending time with our Suey! Yeah for Susamus!!!

Thanksgiving

This year marks the first time that we have had Thanksgiving at our house. I have to admit that the most stressful part was merely cleaning and trying my hand at pumpkin pie for the first time. Although dinner was at our house, my mom showed up in the morning with the huge turkey and her homemade stuffing and put everything together! :) Thanks mom!!! Another first this year was having not only my mom and grandma here, but Brandon's sister and mom as well! It was so nice to have both sides of the family together to share the day! Dinner was amazing, and I have to admit my pumpkin pie was pretty good too! Another highlight was the fact that my mom took the kiddos that night as well as Friday! Talk about being Thankful!!! :) It's hard to believe that Christmas is only three weeks away! Bring it on!

McKenna helping Nana in the kitchen

Watching Nana stuff the Turkey. They were VERY interested!

Abominable Snowman sucker from Grandma Barbara

McKenna got a Rudolf sucker

TURKEY!!!

My love!

Dinner time! Doesn't Marek look so excited for this picture? :)

Olive fingers

Pretty ladies

Experienced olive fingers :)

Aunt Susan and Grandma Barbara so cute :)