New Years Eve

This year New Years was a blast. We pack up Kaylie's pack and play and went over the the Hicks' new home for some holiday celebration. It has been so much fun to watch all of our children grow up and grow into their personalities. Right now the ages range from baby to little boy and watching them all play is priceless. Once they were all down and out for the night we brought out some board games. I know it sounds cheesy but let me tell you we peed in your pants laughed at times. Thankfully, no one actually peed but it was close.

As I looked back through my camera I realized I did not take pictures for very long because the only pictures I have from the night are of Kaylie and Fletch. These were taken right after we got there. I guess I did not feel like messing with it.

Being the first time we have gone out on NYE in a year or two Jason and I loved getting together with good friends. Thanks for inviting us. We will have to do this type of stuff more often.

Christmas Leander

Usually we spend Christmas going back and forth between both our families. This year we decided to do things a little different so instead we decided to do Christmas at my mom's house the day after. Jason and I really enjoyed being able to stay in one place for an entire day. It allowed us to enjoy both of our families and not feel as if we spent most of our time in the car.
It made for a really good Christmas!!!

Kaylie and Elias waiting patiently for the unwrapping to start.

Pre present meal

My momma and I. You now know who I look like.

Nonna with her grand babies.

Making sure she got everything. I really thought she was going to fall into the bag.

When Kaylie unwrapped a present she had to make sure every last bit of paper was off before she was happy. I think it drove her crazy to leave it on there.

This was given to her by her Nonna in Italy. In the US it would be her great grandma. This has turned out to be one of her favorite things to play with. If you look closely she is petting the puppy.

Kaylie and Elias are very close. They love each other so much and play so well together.

For some reason this picture reminds me of the movie the Christmas Story. Not sure why but it does.

Grandpa Bill opening up his picture from Kaylie.

Now that Michael has his own place we thought why not buy him something he can entertain with. This is a washers game he can play with friends outside while barbecuing.

Uncle Ryan and Elias

Elias gave Kaylie a matching kitty. The funny thing is that they both carry it around by its tail. It is so cute to watch them with the same stuffed animal.

You know she approves of something when they get to take a ride on something. At home it is usually her stroller but the push car will make due.

Fish maracas

Lil bro with big sis

Nonna keeping Kaylie happy before a feed.

Ryan having to retrieve the possessed helicopter. It kept flying even when it wasn't turned on.

I thought this picture showed the sweet face of my little nephew. I love him so much!

Ginger bread house

This year I decided I would try to make a ginger bread house using one of those pre-made kits. After reading the instructions I decided I was going to do it my own way so that both Kaylie and Elias were happy. After some quick thinking each one of them got to decorate their own piece of the house. Worked like a charm and the end result was two happy kiddos.

I am sure you can tell by the look on her face she didn't like getting her hands dirty.

Christmas Austin

With the crazy weather in Dallas it was very difficult for everyone to get to Chris' house on Christmas morning. Thankfully by mid day everyone had arrived safely. It was actually kind of fun because it made the opening of presents last a lot longer than it would have keeping everyone in the spirit that much longer.

Playing before everyone arrived.

The weather was perfect. Definitely not like the day before.

Helping unload the presents from Jo and Papa's car. She was quit the helper.

She would put the present down and then run back out for something else.

Every year Jason's family does a Christmas themed puzzle. This year Kaylie decided to "help."

She looked helpful until she got bored and started knocking the pieces on the floor.

Grandma Chris filled Kaylie's stocking with lots of goodies. Kaylie loved it all.

This year we got together with Russ, Deanna, and Garrett to take a family picture to give to the great grandparents. They turned out so much better than I expected. Jo and Papa loved it.

He squeezed back here so he could look for squirrels. He loves Grandma Chris' yard. By the time we get home they are so exhausted from running they sleep for days.

A very large bunny pillow pet. It can fold up to use as a stuffed animal or open up to be a pillow. It is so incredibly soft. Kaylie loves to lay on it.

Jennifer and Kaylie

Dress up clothes from Grandma Chris.

About time for a nap. Thought this picture was sweet.

She decided she wanted to put all of her "presents" back under the tree. Cracked us up to watch her find all of her toys to put under it.