MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009

Merry Christmas everyone!! We feel so blessed this Christmas and have so much to be thankful for. We went to church last night and of course it was a beautiful service. Does anyone else cry when a whole church is singing silent night? I ALWAYS get choked up! Ben was FORCED (that's what he says) to wear a tie and actually kept it on until church began and he discovered all of his friends had on sweaters. After church we ate soup, watched Twas' the Night Before Christmas and put the kids to bed- Kevin and I worked on our surprise for the boys and after several interruptions(Ben said- Hey don't you remember being 8 on Christmas Eve?) we FINALLY finished the boys "chill room"- which use to be our spare room -at midnight. We bought them a new TV and video chairs, put the Wii in there. We made it a place for the boys to just hang out and- well- CHILL. They were VERY HAPPY when they opened the door to their surprise this morning. Ben is also the proud owner of a DSi- Gabe, well he is the proud owner of a lot of stuff!!!!!! Kevin and I enjoyed our gifts from the boys- new pool balls for Kevin and a new phone for me( I still had the old flip phone which I finally figured out how to check messages from 2007) Today we are enjoying our day and will eat a delicious meal Kevin is preparing. Later we will head to the neighbors for dessert and coffee!!! We hope your day is filled will joy- Merry Christmas!!!!!!

Visit to Iowa

Oh to be 4 again. We just came back from a trip to Iowa. We were able to celebrate Christmas with Kevin's family as well as mine. The boys were able to play with their cousins, and had a great time. This picture of Gabe shows how fun it is to be 4 at Christmas. He was so happy every time he opened a gift. We were also able to celebrate Kevin's birthday with his family. We only ran into a little bad weather while traveling between Kevin's dads house and my parents. Gabe wanted to ride on cousin Sofia's Kitty Kat and I have decided this is exactly what the boys need to cruise the neighborhood this winter. It may take me a little bit to convince Kevin- Wish me luck!!!! Oh yeah and the pictures of all the tickets- That was from Kevin playing the kids version of the price is right wheel. The kids were jumping for joy with his big "wins" I think with all of those tickets we ended up with a rubber snake and a glow ball!!!!!

Visit With Santa

It was back downtown today for a visit with Santa. For those of you who live in this area, this is THE BEST!! We waited for less than 5 minutes, there were NO crowds- You enter his little red house and chat with Santa and Santa was very sweet. Oh- and we did not pay for pictures, we got to take our own (Very important!) However- the highlight of the trip was the gorilla. Ben thought it was hilarious that there was a gorilla just hanging out downtown!

So we had a very productive weekend full of holiday memories. After dinner we are off to visit another 3 neighborhoods' Christmas light. We are on a mission to see all of the neighborhoods before Christmas. We hope you all had a great weekend!!!!!

WHERE DOES TIME GO?

Last night I was re-united with Fabi's sister, mom and niece. When I was in Brazil, we spent a lot of time together, so seeing them was so much fun. I even got THREE kisses from precious Sofia.(Sorry Auntie Fabi!) What a great night!!! I am so glad they are all here for the holidays!!!

4th Annual Santa on The Race

Every year since moving here we have witnessed Santa Claus coming down the East Race Waterway. It is something truly unique to our area. The boys (even though it was VERY cold) had a great time. After he makes it down the East Race we all head over to the College Football Hall of Fame to judge Gingerbread houses. There were some great entries and we had a hard time voting for our favorite!!!!

My Music Loving Child

Today Gabe announced that when he hears music, his legs tingle and he just has to move. When I asked him his favorite song. He started singing(and I mean word for word) Tonight's Going to Be A Good Night by The Blackeyed Peas!! WHAT?!?! He then broke out into dance. I asked where did you hear that song and he replied They play it at wrestling- OK we'll add that one to the i Pod!!

Merry Christmas

These are some of the crazy amount of pictures that did not make the Christmas Card this year. I am so glad they are signed sealed and delivered!!!!! Merry Christmas