Christmas Morning

Christmas was a little different this year! The kids went with Michael on Christmas Eve and spent the night. They came home Christmas morning to open presents with me! It was a great Christmas and even got better with the whole family together!!!

The kids really wanted a Leapster even though, I was the one that gave them the idea! Santa came through and the kids love it!!!

Jenna got a guitar!! And many other great gifts like clothes, snowboots, books, and a barbie, and more! Peyton got play mobile, legos, clothes, shoes, books, and many other things!
The kids loved Christmas! They got a lot between gifts from mom, dad, grandparents, cousins, and Santa!!!

Me and my mom got each other the exact same gift!! Actually it was from the kids but, I knew my mom had picked it out! We have done that before too!

Christmas Surprise

So two years ago my dad did the twelve days of Christmas to my mom, Last year he got her a car! How was he going to top that this year? Well, this year they got together and decided to spoil the whole family!!!!
Christmas Day my parents announced our BIG Christmas Surprise:
they were taking the whole family to Great Wolf Lodge!
It is a little over an hour away in Cleveland near Cedar Point. It is an indoor Water Park and hotel! It is directed towards young families and was so much fun!!!

There were 9 adults, 6 kids, 3 vehicles, a playpen, lots of toys, a cooler and a bag of food, and around 7 bags of luggage all having to get there! So when one suitcase did not make it we should have not been surprised! Of course it was my bag! We talked about going back and getting it but ended up just taking it as an adventure! The girls had extra clothing to sleep in and make-up for me. And we pieced together a swimsuit with me, DiDi, and Becky all exchanging. We made it work. I had to buy the kids each a swimsuit, toothbrushes, and me deodorant. It all came together and we had a blast!!!!!

Kids in their new swim wear!

Racing down the kids slide- On your mark...get set... Go!

Matt being brave enough with the Giant Bucket of Water that dumps every 10 minutes!!!

Most embarrassing Picture!

Lazy River!

Swimming in the kids hot tub!

Friday Night there was a show and kids Story Time!
They actually had it snow in the Lobby! It was so much fun!

Thank you Nana and Skipper! It was the best Christmas!!!

Christmas Time

I thought I was busy with school... It has been crazy around here! Here is a little bit that we have been up to:

Celebrating my good grades at Out Back! With Jenna's bear from school "Ted"

sewing: I Spy bags

Decorate Cookies

and cookies

and Gingerbread houses

Also Shopping, helping my mom, cooking, DiDi and family coming into town, and helping Laura move in! What a Wonderful Time of year!!

Merry Christmas!!

So POP-U-LAR!!!

Last night I got the opportunity to go to "Wicked"!! For me it was my christmas present to myself! As well as a celebration that I survived the semester! Finals were done for me on Friday! I went with a large group of friends! It was so much fun! Many of them are students at Akron U but, mostly we all just wanted to go and it was fun to go all together!!
I did love it! I thought it was so much fun!!!!

First Snow

Here it freezing outside and the boys were so excited there was snow on the ground they had to go outside and play. They took little shovels and were shoveling the snow and throwing it up in the air and laughing! They loved it!! Jenna got off the bus and did join them for a minute! I bribed the kids with hot chocolate and mini marshmallows to finally come inside!

This is the Season of JOY!

Ward Christmas Party!

Thanksgiving

I am Thankful for:

Christ

Family

a Warm place

Good Food

To be a Mom

my Heritage

Cousins

my Mom & Dad

Traditions

for my kids

this Season