Merry Christmas 2009!

What a wonderful Christmas it was this year! We had two special babies to share in the wonder and joy of the holidays! Ava was so into Christmas this year and truly understood what it was all about. So many times she asked for us to tell her about Jesus and why we celebrate Christmas. Her wonder and excitement for the true meaning of the holiday made my heart swell with pride. Bennett...well that sweet angel was just excited to try some new food and eat wrapping paper. However, before we know it he will be asking the same questions as his sweet sister. We were busy busy busy spending time with family this year, and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Christmas Eve was spent this year with my side of the family. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Gigi & G-Paws, opened up family presents and just spent some great time together.

Me and my sweet handsome brother!

Mimi, Papa & their bugs!So lucky to have such a wonderful Gigi & G-PawJust like when I was a child...the presents would overtaking the Christmas tree!Ava & Bennett with Minnie & MickeySo excited to get her Minnie Mouse doll!My boys!My sweet boy playing with his new trainPutting our treats for Santa & his reindeer....Bennett was trying to eat the paper and poor Ava was trying to smile for the camera.Look mom...he came and left us a note!Yummy paperSo excited with what Santa brought her!I love this picture of Ava looking back at Bennett...she loved helping him open up his presents too!Christmas Day we headed to Granny & Pops for more food and family fun!

A rare pic of me and Nick togetherUncle Adam & Aunt KalistaGranny with B & Aunt KatieAva was so excited...Katie & Adam asked her to be a flower girl in their wedding. They gave her a special book and necklace.Wow Mommy...Look a new Barbie!After we got home from Granny & Pops...two exhausted kids and one huge mess!

A very busy December

Not quite sure where the month went, but when I look back at all the pictures it all make sense. We were very busy this month with all kinds of fun activities. We started off by decorating the house. Ava was super excited to be the one who got to put the start on the top of the tree this year....Bennett would have just tried to eat it.

She loved setting up the nativity scene and was very determined to put every figure just right.One of our favorite traditions is baking Christmas cookies with Mimi. This year we made monster cookies and sugar cookies. Ava is becoming quite the chef. She loves to measure out the ingredients. Bennett tried to sneak a taste of the batter.Taste testing the final product!Happy Birthday to Mommy!Sweet Sweet boy!Ava had her Christmas program at school. She had several speaking parts and did a great job remembering all of her lines. She of course also loved singing & dancing.Matching Christmas PJ'sIt wouldn't be December without a visit to the Pink Pig!Happy 79th Birthday Gigi!More matching Pj's Ava's Christmas party at school. Whew what a busy month...and we haven't even gotten to Christmas yet!