Happy Anniversary to me. I have officially been a blogger for a year now! Thanks, Amy, for convincing us to get on board. I am glad we have all of these family memories to look back on. Christmas at our house was perfect, but way too short. I feel like we just barely got out the decorations and they are all back in their boxes and under the stairs again. I dread the morning when the school routine will start again. It has been heaven to have everyone home and together for the past little while. But, let me back up. Christmas Eve morning the kids woke up and were HYPER! We were waiting for Zac to come out of the bathroom so we could start breakfast. He was taking forever. When he came out of the bathroom like this, we knew why:
It is a little hard to tell in this picture, but his pants are on his head and his shirt is on his legs. It did take him a while to figure out how to carry out his brilliant idea, thus the delay in breakfast. We were very grateful for our Christmas Eve traditions that helped to focus some of that "creative" energy. We went with the Smiths and Grandma Puckett to our annual matinee. This year's feature was
Bolt. The kids enjoyed it, although I thought parts of the plot were a little complicated for them. We will have to rent it when it hits DVD so that Joseph can finish watching it. The puppy and kitty only kept Brook occupied for so long and they spent the last half of the movie in the foyer. Thanks, Dad. Then we were off for a yummy dinner and Brick Oven and back to Carol's house for the Nativity. Sariah was thrilled to play Mary again. Zac got to be the "gold wiseman" as per his request and Ally was the angel. Brook was uncooperative in being assigned a part, but was a very cute audience member. Emily and Chris joined us for dinner and the nativity. Then they even came home with us to spend the night! We loved it!
By the time we got home, the kids were pretty tired (which was all part of the plan) and that is why Brook did not want to be in the Christmas Eve Pajama picture. She got Dora jammies that she was very excited about. We put out some cookies and milk for Santa, some carrots for the reindeer and even left an extra cookie for Santa to take home to Mrs. Claus. (I am sure she appreciated that.)
Then we tucked them into bed so visions of sugar plums could dance in their heads. Ally wanted to sleep downstairs with Zac and Sariah. When Em and Chris decided to join us, it turned into a full slumber party. They actually slept pretty well and were not up too early. Christmas morning was a whirlwind. I did not take too many pictures, but snapped a few keepers.
All the kids got BandAids in their stockings. It was a good thing, because we had many "injuries" that morning, including this one on Ally's forehead.
Chris and Emily scored some sweet gifts. Thanks again for sharing your Christmas with us.
Sariah got lots of good princess loot and a couple of Wiggles things as well.
Zac has fallen in love with the NFL lately, so Santa scored big with a set of mini helmets, complete with a chart to track team standings in the playoffs. Before we left for Grandma's house, he had his Dad online looking up the standings.
Ally loved the bear she got from Brooklyn. She was also excited about her soccer ball and dishes from Grandma.
Brook was not into opening presents like I thought she would be, but the babies waiting for her on the couch were just what she wanted. She carried them around all morning. We spent the rest of the day visiting with family. We gave my parents a webcam which we were able to try out. Em and Chris were with us and the rest of the family were at mom and dad's so between the two houses, we were all able to be together. (I love technology.) We got to see Marc and Liz and Nicole at the Ansons' house and got to talk to David and Amy on the phone. It was a great day. I really can't wait for Christmas to come again, and I really might start shopping in July:-).
Ally turned 4 on January 10th. Wow! Sometimes I have to remind myself that she is only 4 because she wants to be so grown up. She wanted a Care Bear party. It is very hard to find little Care Bear figures to put on a cake. Thanks to Grandma Anson for saving the day by suggesting Care Bear fruit snacks. For her next birthday Ally would like me to find Telly Tubby fruit snacks for her cake. Luckily we have a whole year for her to forget that idea. And also, thanks to Aunt Nicole for letting us borrow her Good Luck bear from years past. The most important thing is that the cake tasted yummy and Ally loved it.
Ally really wanted to play games. So Joseph used his overhead projector skills to make a huge Tender Heart Bear for us to play pin-the-belly-badge-on-the-Care-Bear. It was a hit. Even Spiderman showed up to play.
Ally was hilarious. I am pretty sure she could see through the blindfold, because she got it almost dead center with very minimal hesitation. She took off her blindfold and about came unglued. She starting jumping up and down, clapping and yelling at the top of her lungs, "I win the game." That made it all worth it. (Later she did admit, "Mom, I could kinda see.")
Dad did not win, but provided great entertainment. Dads are always good for a silly twist on the game. I remember when I was a little girl we always played pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey (except the year we played pin-the-top-on-the-strawberry for my Strawberry Shortcake party -- thanks, mom). The highlight of the party was when Dad got home from work just in time for his turn. After stumbling around the room he usually pinned his tail on the complete opposite side of the room or on the ceiling. We would all dissolve into giggles and beg him to take another turn. I love you, Dad!
I am not sure where this pose came from, but it is classic Ally. We love you Pal and we are so grateful you are part of our family. Here's to another year of amazing memories.
