Merry Christmas

We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!  Our holiday was spent warm and cozy in our home as a blizzard roared outside.  Some of the drifts are up to our windows.  We decided to stay home with Interstate, churches and many more things closing throughout the state.  We missed our families a lot and enjoyed web-caming with them.  Though webcams don't replace hugs, we hope to web-cam a little more through this week/weekend. 

The kids were excited that Santa still made it to our house.  They said that it was Rudolf's year to lead the sleigh and he did a good job.  Since they got to sing that song for their school programs it was a favorite this year.  Now Marisa has memorized the 12 Days Of Christmas song.... so has dad :)

Marisa was the first one up and full of energy.  She was proud to read everyone's name and pass out gifts to all.  We were happy we didn't have that job and got to sit and help the little ones tear into the wrapping paper.  Marisa seems to have grown so much in the past year!  She has become such a great helper and wanting to take on more tasks.  Since napping no longer exists in her vocabulary the nights can be a little touchy but she keeps busy reading and doing crafts all day.

Rebecca was the next one up.  The look on her face was amazing.  She has been learning to ready her name so she quickly spotted out all her presents.  She is approaching 4 and now has this ability to be "grown-up" at times.  This morning it was hard to keep her still and away from gifts as we tried to fix some problems with the webcams.  Rebecca enjoys talking and running.  Yup she sings  and talks as she runs laps around the house lately.  She has been wearing her "tapping" shoes and princess shoes all day long.  We need to pry them off for bed times.  She was very happy with what Santa brought (well, no Dora that morning but she got a camera so it was ok).

Brayden was a little shy coming down the stairs until he saw a DINOSAUR!  LOL  He was so much fun that morning.  It was his first Christmas morning that he knew what was going on.  We couldn't keep him still or from tearing into gifts.  He just picked up presents and began opening them (which caused minor issues for the girls who knew they weren't his, luckily they were family gifts).  His favorite words all season were "Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas!" yet with such a cute little voice.  It is funny how he will annoy anyone (including dad) and then have this sweetness of kisses and hugs to try to get out of trouble.  He has been converted to a "big boy" bed.  We built a "tent" around the twin mattress to help him transition and he loves it. 

Bridget was smiley and confused that morning.  She couldn't decide if she was hungry or wanted to play.  Eventually hunger won but not for some time.  She wasn't interested in unwrapping the gifts but had fun playing with the paper and all the other toys.  Bridget would grab a toy and go waling off.  As she was chased she would pick up speed.  This girl is about to run.  She has been mastering walking throughout the house.  In fact she refuses to crawl at all.  She is now almost 11months old..... wow, this last year went by so fast!!

Hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!!  (pictures to follow soon)