New Years Eve

This year we spent New Years Eve at Jason's parents house with friends and family (aunts, uncles, and cousins). We went out to eat first and then headed to their house to munch on snacks and desserts. The guys spent the whole night in the garage playing Texas Hold'em while the ladies stayed inside chatting, laughing, and playing with the kids. The kids did enjoy going outside with the guys too and partaking in some poker themselves. Landon had a blast "playing" poker and being one of the guys. We didn't leave until a few minutes before midnight so we had some VERY tired kids (Jason got "stuck" in a game with his dad and Uncle Flo, but finally won the game). By the time Landon fell asleep it was 1am as he was worried about all of the fireworks he kept hearing. He freaked out when we were leaving Jason's parents house because all of the fireworks were going off. But, once he heard them stop at home he then wanted more of them. Strange! You would think that he would of slept in the next morning, but no such luck as he was up at 7:30am.

Outside Play

Despite Landon's hives and multiple visits to see doctors (see post titled "Terrible Weekend" if you don't know what I'm talking about) we still found some time to play outside in the nice weather. Bless his heart as he didn't get to play much and try out all of his new stuff (apparently his body had other plans!). Landon got to ride his scooter which he picked up on instantly and his new bike. The bike is a work in progress...he has a hard time keeping it moving forward after about 3 pedals. He then tends to get frustrated as he struggles to get it moving forward again on his own. Emerson enjoyed chasing him around and posing for the camera. She would back up to each yard art and pose for me with her serious look. She literally backed up to each one several times....so funny! But, I'm glad that she actually stood still and allowed me to take pictures. We are making progress! A diva in training!

Christmas Evening

After the kids decided to take long naps we headed to Jason's parents house to celebrate Christmas around 6pm. We ate smoked turkey, ham, and all the trimmings. Landon had a blast opening up his presents as he furiously tore into them and then played with them afterwards. However, once he discovered the trash bag full of wrapping paper (he was our trash man picking up all the paper) that was his favorite item. Landon has this fascination with trash bags. Everytime he is at Nana's house he plays with trash bags full of leaves or newspaper and ends up wanting to bring one home everytime. Nana even bought a bean bag, but he prefers the trash bags. Anytime we are somewhere where there are trash bags full of something you will see him eye ball them and start to move in their direction. Strange! Emerson was content running around the house playing on her own while we opened up presents. We made her join the fun after everyone was done and she then liked playing with her doll that drank a bottle (all the kids enjoyed the doll) and her princess tricycle. Bless her heart, she went crazy with the baby bottle and tried drinking out of it.....I guess reflecting back on her bottle days! Barrett even fell in love with the doll and practiced feeding her since he will be doing that in his very near future! :) The kids had a blast playing except for Barrett and Landon fighting over the toy garbage truck (they are both at that age where sharing is not a skill often used) and when Ms. Eva Knivel fell out of the chair as she can now climb onto every type of chair and stand on them. She's my crazy girl! The kids got SO many new toys, books, games, outside toys, etc. that I have spent this whole week sorting, organizing, and donating old toys. Jason also had to re-organize the garage with all the new stuff...bike, princess tricycle, scooter, princess cozy coupe, golf set, etc.

Christmas Lunch

We went to my parents house on Christmas day around 11am for another round of present overload. The kids got tons of more presents and enjoyed playing with some of their favorites, especially the Imaginext Firehouse and Little Tikes BBQ Set. Jason and I also got some VERY nice stuff too. My parents always spoil all of us! For lunch we ate beef tenderloin (to die for!) with a wine/onion sauce, sauteed green beans, rolls, lime jello salad (a tradition as it was my grandma Ganster's recipe), and a bunch of sweets. The kids loved playing and we stayed until almost 2pm and then headed home to get the kids down for naps before heading to Jason's parent's house in the evening.


Landon waiting patiently to open up presents. This year he tore into presents like crazy going frantically from one to the next.

Christmas Morning

The kids woke up on Christmas morning all excited to see what Santa Claus brought them. They were in heaven! Landon even shouted out "whoa" when he turned the corner and saw all of his goodies. The kids played non-stop as they went from toy to toy. It was a little too much though as they couldn't decide what to play with and seemed a bit overwhelmed. They also opened up gifts from us (about another 8-10 each). I think Santa and mommy went a little overboard this year. It didn't seem like a lot before, but it was! I'll be downsizing next year! Landon also got a kick out of the fact that Santa left some messy cookie crumbs and that he left the glass to the fireplace off. Landon seemed baffled and surprised.