In the dead of winter,

nothing is more fun

than throwing snowballs at your mom!

Happy New Year

and so we had a Merry little Christmas

Carter is all smiles while he rides his new tractor with a wagon from Santa!

Carter had such a good time playing and hanging out with Jack, Patrick and Alex on Christmas Day at Aunt Traci and Uncle Tim's house.

Decorating cookies for Santa....this is one of Carters most favorite things to do and he was so completely thrilled that Uncle Travis was there to help him.

Uncle Travis, Nana and Papa joined us on Christmas Eve, along with my family, for dinner. The table was tight, the kitchen was crowded but I LOVED seeing everybody at our house for the holidays.

Granny and Papa Bob with all the kiddos while we celebrated Christmas at their house.

ok so here is keira, all smiles for the camera. and no I did not ask her to do this, she saw the camera, put her hands up and just started smiling. She is just like her mom, always ready and willing to smile for the cameras. and a beautiful smile it is!

and this is what happens when three kids, ages 4, 2, and 2, lock themselves in a bathroom with an arsenal of princess make-up. Aren't they beautiful!

We had such a wonderful Christmas, not only that day, but the whole month long. We are so blessed to be so close to our families and so completely lucky that we all enjoy getting together and making memories every chance we get!

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!