Extra Pictures

And the stockings were hung!

"I've got my daddy wrapped around my finger!"

"Papa, let's go open presents!"

Brother's, Sister's and the kids!

Cousin Lo - nothing short of amazing herself!

Merry Christmas!

"It's a fun game papa, but will you take me REAL fishing?"

Kayley Alice received her stocking from Great Grandma Alice! How Beautiful!

Teja and Brady ready to eat breakfast so we can open presents!

Aunt Mary - the most wonderful, hospitable, fun, and loving aunt anyone could ever ask for! Thanks for everything Uncle Lynn and Aunt Mary - you guys are unbelievably amazing!

Christmas morning with the kids

SO it all begins...

...like father, like son - or is it like son, like father!

"Oh boy, my very own wrapping paper and ribbon", Kayley more interested in the paper than what's inside!

We tried for a family picture - this was the best one - oops, maybe next year!

My baby's 1st Christmas - Mommy's girl!

Up on the housetop...

..there was no chimney!

He made a scuffle in the snow and walked through the back door!

'Twas the night before Christmas...

...and all through the house...

...EVERY creature was stirring...

...EVEN the mouse!!!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a "sugary" night!

Kayley's first snow!

This was the result of our snow storm last week - as you can see by the grass in the lawn peekin' out, we had more snow this week. But it's still beautiful!

While the kids sleep.....

...the adults will play!!!!!
We decided to spend a few days at Tony's parents house with his brother and sister and their families while we were sort of snowed in. We did go out and play in it one evening and had so much fun! It's good to feel like a kid again!

Mima and Papa with the Girls!

Mima bought these matching santa outfits - they sure do love their mima and papa!

"Arctic Blast 2008"

This week's "blast" had a bit more snow with it than last week. Here is the table in the back that seems like it has about 12" on it! So much fun!

Those bushes on the top of the rock wall are fence high - but are now really weighed down!

"I guess you don't have to worry about mowing Tony!"

Had to get a shot of the front yard!

Photo shoot gone bad!

Since we have been stuck indoors with the snow, Itried to get some pictures of the kids for Christmas cards. Needless to say, our Christmas cards will be late this year! But here is a few shots of Kayley in her dress.

Three Years of Love, Laughter and much Joy!

Brady asked me if I wanted to lay with him for a minute tonight before he fell asleep - so, being it his Birthday and all, I just wanted to cherish the moment. I asked him what his most favorite part of the day was - it was the stickers!! Hoping to get a real sentimental answer - I got stickers!! I guess that it what makes this age so much fun - you never know what's going to come out of his mouth, or what he is going to do next! Just as I was going to get up, Brady said, "Mommy, I love you very very much", it just doesn't get any better than this! What an amazing three years it has been. I am so lucky to be able to stay home with him, enjoying this time in his life - thank you Tony for all you do for us - you are amazing! I know where Lil' B get's it!
All in all we had a very fun day - started out with a hot chocolate and cinnamon roll breakfast, then off to Toys R Us (Geoffery sent a b-day card to Brady). We finished it off with a small party at Tony's parents house. Thank you for all those who sent Birthday wishes!

Ending the day off right! (with sugar)

I know, I know - I've got mad cake decorating skills! Ha!!!

Staring the day off right! (with sugar)

Birthday celebration

More pigtail requests...

She is such a happy baby, even when she is not feeling well. If you have not met Kayley in person yet, all you need to know is that the pigtails totally match her personality - fun, cute, spunky and both just make you smile!

"Hey Kayley, whatcha got over there?"

Gotta love these two together - Kayley and Rachel

A visit to Mrs Claus'

We went to see Mrs Claus after the tree cutting and caught up with our cousin, Abigail afterwards. Such good friends!

Oh Cristmas tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

We found that perfect Christmas tree - you know, the one where the clouds part and the sunrays fall upon that perfect tree out in the forest and out of nowhere you hear the choir singing - crazy how that works!
This year we did it right. Out of the house and back to unload the tree in 40 minutes!! Whoohoo!

The final product (sorry, out of order!)

Our little tree topper.

Brady being the happy light helper.

"I am just here to supervise. Doing good dad, doing good!"

"What in the world are we doing out here dad. Cutting a tree and bringing it in the house - you guys are nuts!" Kayley, not so thrilled to be out in the cold.

Where is Christmas?

The other night we decided to break out the Christmas music and decorate a gingerbread house. It was so much fun. We are really looking forward sharing this time with Brady, because this year he kind of "gets" it. He is so excited because it means we can break out all those Burl Ives Christmas movies, and the Polar Express. After a while of decorating and listening to music, the conversation went something like this:

"Hey daddy? Where is Christmas?" says our ever so smart Brady.
"What do you mean Brady?", says the ever so all knowing daddy.
" I said, Where is Christmas?"
"Well Brady, Christmas is in your heart!"
Brady walks to the kitchen (where I am cleaning up our gooey gingerbread house mess). He shrugs his shoulders, holds is hands out and says,
"Mommy, where is my heart?!!!!!"


It was one of those moments that absolutely melted my heart! As I said, we are really looking forward to Christmas this year with Brady. We hope everyone will enjoy the season and take in these precious moments with your kids!