Christmas Festivities

We have been keeping ourselves pretty darn busy around here for the Christmas holiday season. The kids couldn't wait any longer and we put the tree up Thanksgiving night. We got the Christmas lights up soon after. Cameron got brave this year and put some up on the upper level, per the kids request of course.

The kids have LOVED being outside this time of year. They will be out there for hours at a time. It's perfect weather.
Charlie watching her dad put up the lights.

Our little Snowman friend...

Just a random pic of Charlie in front of the tree.

We had to do the annual Gingerbread House.....less messy with the box kind all set up for ya to put together.

Finished product!

I usually give the kids their Christmas jammies Christmas Eve but this year I just couldn't wait!

Alex had a Christmas school program where they sang some Christmas carols. She had been practicing for weeks and knew EVERY word! We have it on video for you Grandmas and Grandpas.

Jake's birthday was the 16th. We went with some of his friends in the morning to McDonalds for some ice cream and let them run around for a couple of hours. He said it was the BEST birthday party EVER. Still easily pleased. When dad got home we took him to a special birthday dinner and then headed home for presents and cake.

Last weekend Cam's work gave us tickets to the Zoo Lights. We met up with our good friends who live in Mesa. The crowds were horrendous, but we had a good time just letting the kids run wild and chatting with friends.

Talia and Charlie

The very silly kids!

Not sure why I'm cheesin it up!?

The Sunday Christmas outfit picture was kind of a bust....couldn't get any of them to hold still. They are still too cute anyways.

Grateful to be movin around....

Our Thanksgiving this year was pretty low key. We had my sister Cris with us, her and I cooked the whole meal together. Great bonding time let me tell ya. I have to admit I was a little nervous to cook my first turkey but it was a success! I'm still trying to recooperate from all the eating we did, ALOT of turkey between the three of us and three pies later takes a while to feel normal again. Me and Cris attempted Black Friday, or should I say 10pm of Thanksgiving night at the outlet mall. We vow NEVER EVER to do that again. People are crazy when it comes to sale signs, deals weren't even that great but we can say we did it even though we only lasted 3 stores.

I'm SO very grateful for the life I live and the people I get to share it with. This year has been a crazy one but I have learned not to take anything for granted and to be grateful for what you have and the people that you love.

Rest assure Cameron is not sweating because of the hard work (or lack of) he did, the lighting must have hit him just right :)

I had to take a picture of our success, I know it's not that great looking but we had a fun time preparing it and it tasted heavenly! Yes, those are paper plates and plastic cups, Grandma Jane and Tami weren't around to pull out the china.

Oh my what can I say about this little mover and shaker? She hit seven months and decided to become mobile. She is army crawling pretty well and is trying to pull herself up on things. I found her in one of her most recent favorite places. Jake said, "Mom, isn't she supposed to be on top of the toy?"