Christmas Tradition

When Eric and I got married one of the Christmas traditions we decided to start was an ornament exchange.  Each person in the family would draw a name and then we would pick out an ornament for them to hang on the tree.  It is a lot of fun to see the different ornaments that people choose to give to each other, that reminds them of the person.  The hardest part is getting everyone to the store to pick out the ornament.  Last year we decorated some Christmas ornaments using...some of them turned out better than others.  This year we decided to add to the tradition.  We decorated ornaments and then watch a new Christmas movie that was wrapped under the tree.  It was a great because the only ornaments I could find were Grinch ornaments, so we watch the Grinch who stole Christmas.  The girls had fun...they would have liked it more if they could have painted more...but it was fun to be together as a family.  Next year we will see how our tradition changes.

Breakfast with Santa

This year we decided to take advantage of having breakfast with Santa on base.  It was a fun filled morning.  We started out with a wonderful breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon and juice, which all landed on the floor from a very independent 2 year old that couldn't get her plate completely on the table.  

With all of the excitement we were finally able to eat and move on to more exciting activities.  While dad was away the girls decided to decorate some sugar cookies.  In their world the more sprinkles the better the cookie is.  

This was exciting for both girls until it was finally time to sit down with the big guy.  Brittlynn refused...we didn't make her.(See picture from above)  Savannah was so excited to sit with him.  Then it was off to see the reindeer.  This was an adventure for the whole family.  Mom and dad weren't sure if the line was worth waiting for, but the girls insisted that it was.  The girls managed to hide behind every curtain, inspect every ornament on the tree and swing from every rope...finally we could go outside. For our picture...doesn't it look so exciting.

It was then off to Santa's  workshop where we made a birdhouse and a napkin holder.  Dad helped Savannah and I helped Brittlynn.  At the end of the project the girls were so excited to show off their work of art.  Dad, wasn't sure if he wanted to be a responsible party in how it turned out.

We all enjoyed our morning and the adventures it brings to build things together.  (Dad said next time we will pick something more simple for both of the girls.)

Christmas Tree

Growing up our house always seemed a little crazy with everything going on and so many people around, there wasn't that much order.  For those who know me...this is not really my personality (it has gotten worse with the years).  Christmas was my favorite, because that is when the house seemed to be in order and there was a spirit that came into our home with all of the decorations....there was order and I loved it.  This is something that I still love...the Christmas tree and what it does to invite the spirit of Christmas in a home.  It becomes the center of everything and you can't ignore that its there.

As always we decorate the Christmas tree right after thanks giving.  Savannah and Brittlynn had so much fun decorating.  They couldn't even wait for me to help them.  The inspected every ornament on before the put it on the tree and asked, "who's is this...is it mine...what is this for."  I loved watching them decorate and re-decorate the tree everyday until I took it down. It was a little frustrating when ornaments went missing...but they will be found and the girls loved it all.  Emily especially enjoys decorating the tree with us.  She was sad to know that the girls where almost done by the time she came around.

 Don't you love how they put the ornaments on the tree. 

After it was all done I decided to play with my camera and take a few pictures in front of the tree.  I had a lot of fun.  I think they turned out really well.

The finished product

Brittlynn wasn't up for sitting in front of the tree, but I was able to get Emily with angel and Savannah.  

 This was on Christmas Eve in their new pajamas.

It was an adventure trying to get them to stand in front...sit in front...stay still in front of the tree.  I finally managed to get a good one.  It thought this one was really cute.

Thanksgiving

I know I started off a little backwards...here is a picture of the dinner that I made.  We had a great Thanksgiving this year with a special visit from Eric's parents.  It was nice to have some extra people to eat all of the food, and for me to have a reason to make lots of food.  We actually did out dinner on Black Friday because the kids spent Thanksgiving day at their moms house.  This made my day extra long because I spent the evening shopping and didn't sleep very much...but I survived.  We borrowed a deep fryer to cook our turkey and I was sold.  It is the way to go.  The Turkey is so good and you inject flavor inside the turkey so you can taste the flavor in every bite.  The weekend was spent watching some Ohio state football and enjoy the extra company.

We played games together

We made cinnamon ornaments

Brittlynn helped make rolls

 Emily got a nap

After that crazy day we all went over to Nana & Papa's hotel to enjoy the pool.  Alex spent his time in the weight room.  We enjoyed the hot tub and swam a little.  We did have a near death experience with Brittlynn, she slipped into the pool while she was walking around the edge.  Alex was the closest to her and was quick to react and get her before anything bad happen.  She came out explaining how she went swimming all by her self.  She was so excited and proud about what she did.  I am worried about her lack of fear.  Savannah is so opposite of her.