Chester

Laney was so excited to bring home the Kindergarten class "pet" Chester. Thank goodness Chester is not a real monkey although Laney took excellent care of him. She made him a bed, gave him dinner, read him a book and put him in his PJs.

With Chester comes a book of what Chester has done with all of the other classmates. It was fun to see his adventures with Laney's friends. I hope you had a great time, Chester!

Chester was silly and enjoyed counting our animal counters.

Thanks for coming, Chester!

Sleep Over

We have had some tough times with Ella and back talk recently. I know a normal 2nd grader but still makes me upset to hear it. But this past week was different and to reward her for her good behavior, I gave in, I mean, I was excited for a sleep over with her besties.

Reagan, Elise, Emma, Ella, Marin

We painted shirts

Made our own pizzas

Toasted to friendship

Had a movie night with popcorn.

In the morning Jason made the girls pancakes in the shape of their initials.

It is such a fun group of girls who even slept (from 11 pm-7 AM).

I look forward to many more fun sleepovers :)

An artist

My Grandma Jean got Ella the cutest art set. Here is Ella's final creation. You use a set of stencils to make it....it really was a lot of fun and hangs in Ella's room. Thanks, Gigi!

New Years Eve

We had planned for quite a while to go to Indy for New Years Eve and spend some time with the Powells and the Sochokis. We got lucky and got to spend a night with each!

A movie was in and off we go!

It had not snowed in Cincy yet so I was excited to talk to Jen and find out they got at least 4".

The kids played outside for hours while Jen and I chit chatted.

Jason and Troy were at the Colts game (their Christmas present) so it worked out well.

Carly wrote this sign and then the kids put it on the front porch, rang the door bell and ran.

"We demand more cherry sause. We demand Hot chocolate too!!!"

Too bad our lovely ladies don't have any opinions...lol

As Jen and I were chatting, I look over and see all of the kids on some sort of electronic device. From ipod touch, to ipads to Nintendo DS...that generation surely has it different!

After a night at the Powells we headed over to the Sohockis.

Jen had a great idea about going bowling. We haven't done this in years and whenever

we can go to a place where the kids can be loud and we can drink, we are in :)

My little bowlers

Jenny made cookies for the kids to decorate.

It was a ton of fun!

Matthew and Aiden have so  much fun together and once they discovered they both liked video games, the gaming began.

Our 6 silly kiddos

These two girls are the reason why we even know the Sochokis....thanks to their Kindergarten year and them hitting it off.

Love these kids and their friendships :)

Christmas

The kids were up about 6:30 and ready to head downstairs. We had to see if Santa came and of course the loot he brought. We were all excited!

Santa wrote a note back!

Apparently he liked their gingerbread homes because Santa ate almost all of them.

Matthew was loving his new undies in his stocking.

This is a portable microphone and speaker and you can download your own songs.

It is hysterical and was a hit of the morning (and I love that Santa forgot to take off the price tag).

Who can't use a pencil this big??

Santa had a great idea this year if he does say so himself :)

For the kids presents, each of theirs was wrapped in their own paper. 

But the kids didn't know which paper went with which kid.

In order to find that out, they had to go through their stocking to find a piece 

of that wrapping paper. It was nice to enjoy our stockings and ease into the madness!

And they were off!

The i-pod touch.

Her list only consisted of an i-pod touch, a case and a nutcracker.

We loaded it up with educational games they play at school and she was off.

Matthew's been begging for a car wash for his cars and Santa remembered.

For my girl who loves to play school....a school kit

Legos from Aunt Cindy....Laney loves legos!

Cindy sent each of the kids a swim cap...what a riot!

Think she likes it?

At one of our school fundraisers, we "won" a basket and in that basket was coupon from Miss Cheri's Donuts. It was good for a dozen donuts and everything to decorate them (icing and topings).

The kids were so surprised!

Do you think he liked them?

After breakfast we were off to the Willetts.

It is so nice that we get to see so many family members at Christmas Time.

Ella really wants to get this time thing down so when she saw a watch when we were out shopping, she immediately called Nana Dean and asked for it. Thanks Nana and Pappy.

When she heard Ella wanted a watch, Laney thought a watch would be good too :)

Every now and then I get in a pic

The hit...a dream light!

Dig in,Matthew!

This was right up his alley!

The kids were excited for Nana and Pappy to open up their gifts from them...ornaments they had decorated.

Our Nana and Pappy

What a fun jewelry maker......it has been a lot of fun (and not messy).

After the Willetts, the party continued to Jan and Angie's and then on to the Pope's.

These American Girl Doll clothes are from Holly and Gene....how cute are those coats and shoes? 

My word!

Before Gigi could even get settled, the kids were excited to give her their presents....a picture frame :)

Everybody needs a spatula for Christmas right?

Not sure what her reaction was for but I love this picture!

Whatcha opening up Laney?

Gigi, here is another one for you :)

Great shot of my mom.

Ella was excited to get these books....she loves fairies.

Matthew helping my dad put on his new Army hat.

The canvas in the backround is a picture that Ella painted of her, Nana and Grandpa Mike.

It was a wonderful Christmas and what a special day to spend with family.

We are so lucky to have our family be such an active part of our lives!!

Merry Christmas 2012