Santa

Mailing their lists!!!!



I convinced Brett to go to the mall to see Santa. The kids have been begging me to go. We missed last year because everyone was so sick. Brett caved when I said that we could go to Olga's and eat first.

The line for Santa was 45 minutes. Yes, it was very painful. Blake and Madison have always been AND still are so bad about touching and tormenting each other, especially when waiting in line. Between them and Brett's looks, it was not much fun...UNTIL we saw their faces with Santa. This Santa was amazing. He talked and listened to the kids. They even got a big hug when they were leaving. I think that Brett said that all the trouble was worth it.

Date with Daddy

Brett took Madison on a date to see "The Nutcracker" in Grand Rapids. I thought that it was so sweet that just the two of them went together. Madison was very excited to be going out to lunch and then the ballet. Brett said that she loved it. These will be great memories!I love taking pictures of Madison. Matilda Jane clothes are still a hit at our house. I am addicted to buying them...

Christmas Cards and a little ESKIMO

Madison did ALL my christmas cards this year. I printed out the address labels and she went to town. I love this girl!!!!! She didn't like licking the envelopes...Caitlin loves being outside this year. She calls herself an eskimo. We have been going outside and playing while we wait for the kids to get off the bus.

Thank you Aunt Christy and Emily!!!

The kids love getting things in the mail. Aunt Christy and Emily sent them a big package and they were so excited to open it. Christy told us that we didn't have to wait until Christmas to open it. The girls love their ROCK STAR Zhu Zhu pets!!!!! Madison has had hers sleeping next to her every night on her night stand.
Blake and I have had fun playing Pass the Pigs. he thought it was such a funny game.
Thank you so much guys!!!!! We love you and can't wait to see you twice this winter...

Tea Party

My girls just crack me up. They LOVE each other soooo much. Madison even told the doctor at her well child check-up this week that her favorite thing to do is play with her little sister. It made my day to hear her say that.

They decided to have a tea party with their American Girl dolls. They had water and cookies that Madison made the night before. They definitely have crazy bed head, but we love our jammy days!!!!!!

Caitlin's little personality is really coming out. She likes to make people laugh:)

Christmas Tree

Whenever this time of year comes around, I am always reminded of the little joys in life. I love seeing how excited the kids get over the smallest things --- ornaments. My kids, especially the girls, love all the ornaments. Caitlin has been playing with them everyday since pulling out the boxes. Yes, we have had a few break and I have super glued many :) Ones that are very dear to me are at the top of the tree!

Madison has always been an excellent worker. She was all business and NO play when it was time to decorate the tree. She loves going up the ladder. She did most of the tree all by herself. Blake and Caitlin only did a few at the bottom and had no interest in climbing the ladder. Madison climbed the ladder all the way to the top, used the stairs and filled every spot on the tree. Brett and I were amazed at how great she did!!!!! Hopefully she will be just as excited to take them all off.

Grandma gives the kids ornaments every year that is something that they LOVE. She always finds or makes the best things.

2 different Ariel's for Caitlin
Tinkerbelle for Madison and a Disney castle photo frame with a picture of Madison in it at her birthday dinner with the princesses!!!!
Star Wars - complete with noise and lights!!!!!




The finished product!!!!!

Caitlin's Porcupine

Caitlin made this cutest little porcupine from school. She is so proud of it. I just love her preschool and she is havig a great year learning all about nature!