Last Christmas and Basketball

We finally were able to get together with Barb, Matt's mom. She drove down for the day and we and had a terrific time.

It was Connor's first basketball practice. They have it at the school I teach. At this age they just meet for an hour and practice skills and drills. Matt is coaching, so Connor thinks it's pretty cool. Matt does a really great job with them. I know he's missing his 7th grade basketball that he used to coach, but it sure is nice being able to have him around a little more. Nana, Jacob and Nolan, and I sat and watched the practice. I also showed Barb around my school.
After practice we went to eat at Costa's downtown. We haven't been there in awhile and I love their food. Nana and Connor put together his plane Lego set from Grandpa and Grandma and then we all tried to chime in.


We were able to visit and then we opened presents. The boys were spoiled again with clothes, Connor a sports night light and his own checker/chess game (that also has 10 other games to play), Jacob and Nolan got flashlights and tape measures - they are OBSESSED with these two items, and some really fun art supplies. Like I said, it was a wonderful day.

What we were up to over break

We had a great break.

We did our annual Christmas light looking/hot chocolate drive.

Nolan had fun getting ready for his school and work.

We played with Legoes and built many different things.

We played spies. We are all set with our spy gear and equipment now.

We lined up our cars. Jacob loves to do this.
Uncle Mattey and Aunt Kristin watched the boys while I had my doctor's appointment. The boys had a blast playing with Kelsey. They then fed us all lunch.

Of course we played the Wii fit.

We played policemen and fire fighter and they finally got the robber.

We played with our Nerf guns. It's impossible to get mad at the boys and ask them to settle down when the biggest of them all is the one that starts it. ;) ;) Seriously?!!!

We met grandma for lunch and I went into school to try to get things ready for the sub. I almost feel ready to have this baby! ;)

Matt and I also cleaned the house, rearranged things, and put things away. It felt good.

Christmas again

We celebrated my family's Christmas this past weekend and had a blast. For the first time we ALL stayed overnight. Sounds pretty crazy being that Mattey's and us both live in the same town as mom and dad, but it was so much fun being able to just hang out in our sweats and pjs, let the kiddos fall asleep while we played games, and then just crawl into bed when we were tired. We all slept in our old bedrooms which was fun. Plus, in the morning mom made us all breakfast and we were able to just lounge around. Great idea mom! Hope we keep doing it.


The two who started it all.......

We started the morning out with the ladies getting either a pedicure or manicure.
We got together around lunch time and started with appetizers and then sort of just hung out opening a few presents and playing with them, playing games, playing Wii, opening more presents. Mattey stayed behind with the kiddos while the rest of the adults went to 4:00 church so we wouldn't have to all get ready in the morning and rush.
When we got back to mom and dad's we opened more presents and had a yummy meal like always and did our traditional toasts. After dinner we opened more presents - Everyone was very spoiled this year. The boys got suitcases, Lego sets, Light Sabers, Twins shirts with our name on the back of them, movies, games, I Spy Wii game, and more. The kids fell asleep watching a show and the adults played some Oh Hell and Apples to Apples. Never a dull moment. What great company and so much to be thankful for.

Papa John and Yaya left yesterday morning after playing with the boys for a little bit.

Matt and I spent most of the day cleaning and putting away, while the boys played.

Today we had Christmas with my mom's side (we missed Christmas with my dad's side this year). It's always nice to see everyone. The kids had a great time. There's always good food, dirty bingo, cards and games.My cousin Katie is also expecting and we're only due a couple weeks apart. How fun would it be to be in the hospital together!

The boys and I are looking forward to having this week off (too bad daddy can't be off with us). We don't really have any big plans, but we'll have a ton of fun. Connor is student of the week when he gets back to school, so he's excited to get going on the projects we have to prepare for that.

We have Christmas with my family this coming weekend. What a great way to end Christmas break! Hard to believe that New Years is already coming. It seems like a few months ago only that I chose my word of Gratitude for 2009. Wow, time really goes by way too quickly. I have so much to be grateful for and am so blessed.

Merry Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas! I cannot believe we have been waiting and anticipating this day for so long now and it is finally here.
I love Christmas!

Connor was up at 6:45 this morning (way too early since Santa's helpers didn't get to bed until about 1:00am finishing up few last minute things). He was so excited!, however we had him come snuggle with us for a little bit so that Jacob and Nolan could sleep a little bit longer.
When they woke up they were SOOO excited that Santa came. They opened up their presents from Santa (They are into the Pez candy and dispensers right now and got a ton of them, new toothbrushes, candy, etc.... Nolan wanted something Dora and Santa brought him a Dora puzzle and a new camera. Jacob wanted something Thomas the Train and Santa brought him a Thomas puzzle and then an electric drum set. Connor asked for only the game Don't Break the Ice after we vetoed the DS, and he was so excited to get it. He also was sent on a hunt to find his new bike from Santa. He saw the Fleet Farm tag that was left on the bike - silly Santa, so we had to explain our way out of that one. Did you know that when Santa brings something for a kid that the kid maybe didn't ask for, but Santa thinks he or she would enjoy - Santa puts a tag on it from a store so that the kid can exchange it if he or she wants to. Connor thought it was a good idea, thankfully!). We ate breakfast, opened a few of our presents, played, opened a few more presents, played, etc.... We got the boys some spy gear, shovels, golf clubs, Legoes, Connor a Rubix Cube that he's been dying for, Nolan a Nerf gun to keep up with the ones his brothers have, a parking garage for their cars, again...very spoiled boys.
We took Papa John and Yaya to our infamous sledding hill and went sledding for a little while. The boys had a blast. Nolan, was unbelievable for only being 2- he loved going down by himself. I stood at the top of the hill the whole time and took pictures while laughing at everyone!

We came home had a great meal (Connor reminded us to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus!), and then went to the movie theatre to see Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeakel.

After we put the boys to bed, Matt got out the Wii Fit that we got and entertained us for awhile.