Happy Birthday Matt

It was December 27th 1978 when you were born and changed your parents lives forever! And now, 31 years later, you are a wonderful husband and amazing daddy. We are so lucky to have you in our lives! Happy 31st Birthday! Love you enough!

ps. Thanks Holly von Buchler Photography for the great family photo....we love it!

Merry Christmas

from our home to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Breakfast with Santa

Last weekend we went to Breakfast with Santa at the Indiana State Museum. They have just the most beautiful set up and the sweetest Santa. This Santa, he smiles, he laughs, he listens and he ends with God Bless You....love it!

Carter thoroughly enjoyed sitting with Santa and telling him all about the toy he wants the most and it looks as if Santa is listening to every little wrist turning detail.

Below are a few pictures of the rest of the decor at the State Museum. They had on display some of L.S Ayres old window displays from when Ayres was downtown. I can remember when I was little walking downtown or going on a carriage ride and seeing all the displays. They were so beautiful and it was really neat to see them on display again.

I LOVE this picture. Carter and Ceili were also enjoying themselves while looking at the window displays.

Auntie Holly, Uncle Justin, Ceili and Keaton are all smiles as we get ready to meet Santa!

Mom and dad with the grandkids in the their Christmas outfits, of which Ceili is most proud to be wearing. Isn't she gorgeous?!

Baking Day 2009

One of my very favorite things to do during the holidays is get together with my sisters and my mom for our little baking day. We make everything from cookies to buckeyes to chocolate covered pretzels and more. The house is loud, the kitchen is hot, the mimosa's are cold, but the kids are laughing with joy and there are bites being snuck by the boys....what could be better?!

The only thing missing was Shawna and her little cuties. There is always next year!

Above the kiddos give it try and really put it on thick with sprinkles and red hots!!
We get in the spirit with the traditional red and green attire and the little Christmas aprons my Granny made us years ago....we just couldn't have baking day without them!

Polar Express Night

Last weekend was jam packed full of holiday festivities. On Friday, Carters Stay 'N Play hosted a Polar Express Night. We watched the movie, ate cookies and sipped some hot cocoa and even had a little surprise visit from Santa. Carter invited Ceili to come along with us and they had an absolute blast together. Although they are cousins they are more like brother and sister, and above, their little smiles just show how much they truly love one another.

Check back later for more pics from our busy yet all too much fun weekend!

This week

he painted me a "rainbow" at Stay and Play

and

out of know where, he leaned in and said, "mom, you my best mom in the whole world! Big hug!"

and

"mom, I have a secret."

mom: Whats that?

Carter: "I want to marry you"

talk about melting my heart and making my eyes tear up.

I just love the things he comes up with! and somehow after all that, it makes the times he is throwing his shoes at me a little easier to take....

Don't laugh

these pictures are from Thanksgiving but to me they are worth posting. I just love when all my sisters are able to get together and have fun with the kids!! Here is just a glimpse of our jam-packed, fun-filled weekend!

Justin working hard, in the rain, on our Thanksgiving Day Turkey!

Below is the finished product...we thought about going out instead!
But hands down, no question about it, this was the BEST turkey I have EVER had!! You rock Justin!

and here is Mr Kalen sporting his Turkey!

Then on Friday, after waking at 3:00 to find the huge deals, it was off to the Circle of Lights Festival on Monument Circle. Love this picture of A and Carter!

Saturday we were off to the North Pole via the Polar Express Train Ride in Connersville. Carter once again loved it and had a blast riding the train and dancing with his cousins in the isle.

All the kiddos in their matching pj's!

Carter waiting patiently to see Santa at the North Pole!

The kids were all smiles on the Polar Express!