Wonderful Christmas and New Year's Celebrations!

We had a wonderful Christmas celebration with my family in Gladwin last week. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, we also celebrated the holidays with Aron's family. We returned Monday and I ended up laying in bed for the next 3 days due to Strep Throat...ugh! I was finally up to getting out of the house today so we joined our neighborhood clan for a new year's celebration at a local bowling alley. The kids had a ball. I have put together a slide show to show off all the fun the kids have been having! Tonight Aron and I will celebrate quietly by sipping champagne and feeling thankful for another blessed year! Happy 2011 everyone!!!

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The Best Christmas Pageant EVER!

I promised pictures of Russell from his Christmas play tonight. His part was that of a sheep. His job was to keep baby Jesus warm. So precious. Nothing melts my heart more than children singing. Russell did not miss a beat. He knew every word of No Room At the Inn and every hand sign to go along. The best part was when he got his boogy on to Hark the Harald Angels Sing! What a riot!!!

No Room At the Inn

Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Happy Birthday Jesus

It's a SNOW DAY!!! Hurray!!!

We got hit hard yesterday with some beautiful winter weather! Once the snow began it didn't stop. By mid-morning the kids were itching to get outside so we set off down the street to our neighborhood park for snowman making fun! As the day went on, the weather got colder and windier causing the roads to be a disaster. I woke up early this morning to a phone call that school was cancelled for the day. Yippee! After an early morning and freezing cold jog, I decided to be lazy and put back on pajamas. The kids are busy playing Chutes and Ladders while I take care of gift wrapping. It feels nice to actually be ahead of the game for once! We will end our day with Russell's school Christmas play tonight (he has the role of a sheep). Hopefully I will have pictures of his dramatic debut to post later.

The first thing Sloane wanted to do was eat the snow!

Both kids were busy trying to make the perfect snow angels.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

A family effort in making a snowman. Even Mac tried to help.

We need some eyes, Mom!

A Darling Christmas Musical

Last night we had a wonderful evening watching Sloane at her first school musical. These pre-schoolers had to be the MOST adorable little beings I have ever seen!!! As they sang about the miracle of our Lord's birth, I couldn't help but tear up. Nothing is sweeter than children singing J-E-S-U-S, J-E-S-U-S, J-E-S-U-S, Jesus is his name Oh! Sloane was just an angel as she sat up front with her friends singing her little heart out! Up next, Russell's Christmas play Monday night. Way too precious!!!

Here she is! Our beautiful baby girl!

Singing about the miracle of Jesus.
Here she is singing "Virgin Mary had a baby boy. The shepards came and the baby was born."

Grammy and Papa made the trip down to see Sloane's performance.

All done and ready for food! Sloane and Gracie in line for treats.

All tuckered out and ready to go home.

After a warm bath, the kids had fun decorating our windows with holiday window gels from Grammy and Papa.

My two angels!

We like to PARTY!!!

We have been busy over the last week with lots of celebrations including an early Christmas party and 2 birthday parties! It all began last Saturday with a visit from Aron's dad and Bev. They are heading to Florida on Monday and won't be home for Christmas so they brought Christmas to us! Bev brought all the supplies for holiday crafting and cookie decorating. The kids had a blast!!! We were spoiled with a delicious ham dinner and lots of presents.

Following this celebration, the kids headed off to daycare for a Candyland Christmas party. For a small fee, we were able to take the kids to daycare on Saturday evening. The entire facility was transformed into Candyland. It was amazing! While the kids partied at school with their friends and teachers, the parents had 6 hours of alone time on a Saturday night!!! The best part was 100% of the proceeds went to Promise Village, an organization for abused and neglected children. Aron and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner out and even got some shopping done.

Sloane did more finger licking than cookie decorating!

As did Russell!

Yeah! Hello Kitty!!!
We worked hard putting together Sloane's new floor puzzle.

A new game...Twister!

Trying it out. I think we need to practice right/left.

Mac was equally exhausted after our busy weekend.