Thursday, December 29, 2011

Christmas 2011

Christmas 2011 was a blast!!! Aubrey was at an age this year where she could really understand what was going on and it was a joy to watch her enjoy the holiday season and to try and teach Carter all about Christmas. Our kids wake up everyday at 7am on the dot. Carter will even start making noise around 6:45am but not on Christmas morning we had to wake them up at 7:45am! We were shocked! Spencer and I sat in our room debating waking them up because we were so excited! When we came down stairs we were surprised to find lots of gifts, snow footprints and a note from Santa and all the cookies and milk gone.
Aubrey went shopping for all of us this year. She was very excited to get daddy a new flash light, Carter a truck, Deuce a stuff animal and me a little pink tree and some chap stick.
Aubrey really wanted a Baby Alive this year as she calls it "baby go poo poo" She was thrilled to see that Santa didn't forget.
After all our unwrapping we enjoyed some yummy cinnamon rolls and played with all our goodies. I feel so blessed to have two such amazing kids and a wonderful husband. I can't tell you how grateful I'm for everyone and everything in my life.
Aubrey loves feeding her new baby:
After the morning excitement we were off to Sonora. What an amazing Christmas we had there. It felt so good to be in mom and dads new house this year.
Nana made the kids these very adorable, comfy new blankets that they both have yet to let go of.
The kids and us were spoiled rotten. Carter loves his first train set or as he calls it "choo choo." He also loves the new trike, cars book, Matter bubble pusher and so much more!
Aubrey was on cloud nine when she opened her very own "opod" that is how she says it but she means ipod. This was a hot item this year and impossible to find but with Papa, Nana, Daddy, and Mommy calling Target everyday and searching we got our hands on a pink one.
After all the opening we enjoyed being together and playing.
Papa made an amazing prime-rib dinner and Nana made the best peppermint ice cream ever for dessert.
It was really funny this year because Aunt Pat bought Dad the same sweater that Laura bought Spencer and they had know idea! "Twins!"
On Monday we were planning on doing a snow day but with no snow this year we decided to go up to Columbia. The kids were able to bring their new trike and scooter.
What an amazing holiday!!! Again I can't say how grateful I'm for such a wonderful family. We were all so blessed to be healthy and happy this whole holiday season. We hope all of you had a Merry Christmas.

Christmas Eve

We started two new counting down to Christmas traditions this year. I made countdown blocks that we enjoyed changing each day.

We also had a felt advent calender that we put notes in that would lead to a special little treat such as candy, Christmas socks, books, small toys etc. On the last day the hint was the gift was under the tree. The kids got to open their Christmas PJ's!
Christmas Eve was at our brother Adam's house in Manteca. It was nice being with family and we tried something new this year. The kids acted out the nativity scene. Both Aubrey and Carter were angels. The kids loved dressing up and I really enjoyed all the beautiful music we sang as a family.
After the play we had our annual White Elephant game. It is always so much fun!!
There were a few as seen on TV gifts that made us all laugh.
After the party we headed home to get ready for Santa.
The PJ'S were super cute! Daddy read us the Night Before Christmas.
Then we wrote Santa a letter. We put out some milk and cookies and a carrot for the reindeer. Then up to bed!

Going to the movies

The kids and I have been really spoiled this holiday season. Daddy had 7 days off in a row. We had the weekend, the holiday and he took Friday, Tuesday and Wednesday off this last week as vacation time. Friday we had a great Christmas preparation day. We went as a family to Arthur's Christmas. It was a great movie and Carter did surprisingly well in the theater.
Santa E-mailed both Aubrey and Carter later that night.
Aubrey getting her candy gifts ready for her cousins and friends.