Monday, January 30, 2012

December: Part 3: The End

Christmas #2 took place at our house. We decided several years ago that we would like the kids to wake up in their own house on Christmas morning, and have the majority of the day be with just our family. We love that tradition, and really look forward to it every year!


Matt reads the Christmas story to our family before presents are opened. We have always done this after a normal wake-up time and breakfast....we will see how many more years that lasts! :)



Hailey loves Mommy's new loofa!


Woo hoo! She loves her new toy.

Lots of new trains.




Riley opened every present (except Hailey's). Ha! :)

His first calendar!



After presents, we made a gingerbread train! Riley was so excited about his first gingerbread project. I think more of the candy made it to his mouth than on the train! (Isn't that how it's supposed to be though?)



Messy lunch

Playing with some trains after lunch

Looking spiffy for Chistmas at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

After the kids' naps, we went over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for Christmas #3. It was a little busy this Christmas, so I didn't get pictures of everyone, or even that many pictures! (I really hate it when that happens!) We had quite the night, and the kids really loved opening more presents and playing with Grandma and Grandpa....as usual!

More trains!!!


Silly eyes :)

Cutest reindeer ever!

My best friend in the whole world. I love you, honey!

Playing trains with Grandpa and Daddy

Grandpa has even more trains in the basement!

Hay hanging with Uncle Eric
Me and Moni

Silly boy got a hold of a marker :)



New Year's Day was spent playing around...


...for New Year's Eve, my sister, Kaylee, came over to babysit the kids for awhile so Matt and I could go have dinner with Eric and Racheal. We had a wonderful time with them, as usual, and when we got back we toasted the new year early so the kids could join us.

We were going for a thumbs up here :)

Yummy cider!

Every year we take a traditional end of the year picture/last family photo of the year. This is 2011's picture.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

December: Part 2

I love love love love love Christmas lights. L.O.V.E. I think I am passing on my obsession joy for these lights to my children.
"So pretty! I must touch!"

Loving on Max

Giving Hailey a ride


We never know how a trip to see Santa will go. Riley has been scared of him every year, so we usually have to force him to take a picture with Santa. He always looks nervous. He likes the idea of Santa, and the Santa decorations that he sees around, just not a real guy. Hailey did great last year, seeing as she was about 1.5 months old. I thought this year she would be fine, since she is a people person, and Riley would freak. Nope.
Waiting in line


This year, Riley was ok. Nervous (note his hands), but ok. Hailey did not like Santa AT ALL! Sorry, Santa!
Watching the trains at the mall
Eating a Santa cookie

Present from Mommy and Daddy to add to his train ornament collection this year


Checking out the tree


Helping Mommy make Christmas goodies



Taste testing the final product

She loves chocolate already!
For this year's Christmas celebration #1, we went to the Springs for some time with my family.
Riley and Cosette really loved playing together this time

New train set from Duke for when we come to the Springs

Amelie was quite the care-taker, and Hailey went right to her!

Cutie Byron

He found these play sunglasses, and hardly took them off the whole time we were there!

Grands picture with Nana

"Duke" train from Nana and Duke

Hay checking out her new boots from Nana and Duke

Riley got another train ornament for his collection from Aunt Kaylee!

Woah! Another train set from Nana and Duke!

Opening :)

His new set has a zipline. Super cool.

The next day, we just had fun family time, and dressed the kids up in their Christmas finery, so Nana and Duke could see. :)
Mistletoe kisses for Daddy

Our turn! (Ignore my crazy 'I just got out of bed' hair.)

Looking beautiful!

Cute siblings

My stud muffin

She just looks too adorable!
Because of Riley's intense love of trains, the boys decided to take a trip on the Pike's Peak Cog Railway! They had a wonderful time.








The engineer even let Riley sit in his seat for awhile!

I think he might have had fun... :)

Back at home, Riley shows off his completed train set collection (from that series).