Christmas Morning

The kids woke up with pure excitement on Christmas morning!  After much running around, they decided to start with stockings.  The squeals of excited made Aron and I quietly smile at one another more than once.  Sloane repeatedly shouted out, "Thank you Santa, thank you.  I love you Santa."  Russell's repeated phrase of choice was, "this is the BEST Christmas EVER!"  I watched with tears in my eyes throughout the day as the kids played with their new toys and never uttered an argument once!  I was rather emotional all day.  My mind jumped from thinking about my own childhood memories to thoughts of my mother and then to the sadness in Newtown.  My children bring such happiness and fulfillment to my life.  I can not even begin to imagine the pain those families are feeling this holiday season.  As a teacher and a mother, my heart truly goes out to them.  I feel very blessed this holiday season for the gifts in my life!

A sneak peek at the presents Santa left.

Opening stockings.  Russell received a bunch of military badges and Sloane was thrilled to get bubble bath!

Russell played most of the day with his new toy soldier play set.

Sloane enjoyed playing wither her new My Little Pony wedding castle.

Mac was not left out.  Santa spoils pets too!

Sloane's most treasured surprise - her Disney Princess Castle!

New slippers from Great Gram.  They wore them ALL day!  Warm toes are a must in our house.

Christmas Eve

This year is about new traditions in our house.  After 10 Christmas seasons of taking turns visiting our families for Christmas, Aron and I decided this would be the year to stay home.  The holiday season has been very difficult on me without my mom.  I did not want to have Christmas in Gladwin without her.  So...  Santa came to Royal Oak this year!  We had an absolutely magical Christmas Eve.  As we got ready for church, it began to snow outside.  By the time we left church, the streets and trees were covered with beautiful white snow.  Before heading home we drove around to see Christmas lights and were in awe of the beautiful displays.  Once we arrived home, we set up a "build-your-own" pizza bar - one of many new family traditions.  The pizza was delicious and by the time dinner was complete it was bedtime.   However, with the excitement of freshly fallen snow and the anticipation of reindeer in the sky we could not bring ourselves to go to sleep just yet.  So we put on our warm winter gear and headed out for a Christmas Eve snowball fight!  What fun!  Even Mac was rolling, running, and attempting to attack all snowballs thrown his direction.  After much laughter, we headed inside for pajamas and a bedtime story.  

All smiles and ready for the family service at church.

A moment of silliness!

Moonlit snow fun.

Snow Angels

Sloane made one after another.

All set for snowball ACTION!

What fun!!! 

Last step before bed, cookies & milk for Santa.  Carrots & water for the reindeer.

We Love the Bass Pro Shop!

After school on Friday, the kids and I headed to Great Lakes Crossing for our annual trip to see Santa at the Bass Pro Shop.  After Aron finished up his work week, he met us there for some outdoor adventures and a fun dinner at the Rainforest Cafe.  Russell and Sloane look forward to this visit each year.

Sloane wishes for a Disney Princess Castle and Russell is hoping for a DS.  Santa's not too sure about these BIG dreams!

It took Russell less than 5 minutes to locate the Red Ryder BB guns!  This has been his #1 Christmas wish until I ruined that plan for him.  I made him read the box "must be 10 years or older."

Target practice.  This boy is a true outdoors man!

Sloane enjoyed two rides on the carousel.  This is a new addition to Bass Pro this year.

Both kids enjoyed playing in the Bass Pro tree hut.  Other guests stopped to watch the make-believe going on inside it.

So many decorations to look at, games to play, and toys to see!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

What a fun-filled and unbelievably busy week!!!  We actually picked out our Christmas tree a week ago, but haven't had a chance to decorate it until last night.  We've had so many terrific activities going on.  The holiday season is always exciting, but WOW am I tired.  Christmas vacation can't seem to get here soon enough.  

Lear Corporation Holiday Party
Sloane patiently waited in line to get her face painted.  She didn't wash her face for over 48 hours!

The Lear party was magnificent!  What a wonderful way to celebrate the importance of family for all the employees.
Both kids enjoyed the magician.

While Russell was busy in the carnival tent, Sloane was hitting the photo booths.

We headed north to Gladwin on December 1st for the holiday light parade. 

Picking out our Christmas tree.

It took a week, but we finally got around to decorating!

Russell takes this job very seriously!

A Time to Give Thanks

We have had a wonderful week celebrating the meaning of Thanksgiving with our family all over the state of Michigan!  We began with a trip last weekend to my grandparents' home in Middleville.  The men took time to hunt and watch football while the women enjoyed catching up with one another while taking a walk in the beautiful fall sunshine.  Aron and I then took the kids a few miles north to Grand Rapids where we spent a night at a hotel - a favorite for Russell and Sloane.  They loved swimming in the hotel pool, staying up late watching movies and coloring, and especially enjoyed the continental breakfast provided the next morning!  After a short week at school, we packed up the car once again and headed back to West Michigan.  This time to visit Aron's family in Saint Joesph.  We lucked out again with weather and took full advantage of the 60+ degree temps.  After filling ourselves with the deliciousness of the holiday, we took a family walk along Lake Michigan.  We never forget those loved ones not with us, but feel so thankful for the love that surrounds us each day!



Russell spent several hours hunting and exploring Great Papa's property.

When not indoors crafting, Sloane was outside collecting rocks and decorating Great Grandma and Great Papa's driveway with sidewalk chalk.  She was sure to keep cousin Katie engaged with non-stop chatter.

A walk along Lake Michigan on Thanksgiving Day.

The beach is a favorite place all times of the year.

We can't wait for June to dive into those waves!!!

Russell loved spending time with his older cousin Jake.

And Sloane kept cousin Addie on her toes!

After our walk on the beach, Sloane snuggled with Addie to keep warm.

Next up...  Christmas decorations!!!

Birthday #7



It's hard to believe that Russell has had another birthday!  I took extra long tucking him in Friday night, knowing that he would never be 6-years-old again.  Time is going too fast!!!  He was able to celebrate his birthday in many ways this year beginning with a visit from my dad on Thursday.  Then on Friday, he celebrated at school followed by a play date at Bounce U Friday night.  On Saturday, he began the day with a bowling party celebrating the end of soccer season with his teammates.  And finally, on Saturday evening we granted his wish of a party at Chuck E Cheese.  This is my least favorite place, but anything for Russell!  We ended up have a wonderful time and I may actually go back, which is a good thing since Sloane is now requesting Chuck E Cheese for her next birthday.  

Birthday sundaes with Papa at Red Robin.

Sloane had to have some too.

All Russell asked for was Indiana Jones and GI Joe action figures.

His wishes were granted.

And of course an Indiana Jones cake!

Chuck E Cheese fun!

Make a wish!

Ticket blaster!

Sloane never stopped smiling.

Halloween Fun

Here are some pictures to show the fun of Halloween day.  I enjoyed every minute, but was completely exhausted by the end.  Both Russell and Sloane are already planning for next Halloween.



I was able to sneak into the kids' classrooms and snap a couple of pictures.

Daphne and Scooby.  One of Sloane's classmates dressed as Scooby Doo.  The two were inseparable. 

Two Indies!  One of Russell's buddy's also dressed as Indiana Jones.

My two cuties!

The love to pose!

Batman and Indie ready for action!

Our Altadena gang!  Love these kids!!!

Can you see Indie jumping off the porch?  Real action figure!

Sloane LOVES trick-or-treating!  We now have a house full of candy.  The kids are so good about eating only one piece a day.  I will be donating most of it or else I will eat it myself :-)