Merry Christmas

I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday. We certainly did. It was such a blessing to have our Jackson with us this holiday season. He made the most of every moment and still lit up with a smile when I turned on the tree today. He was probably wondering where the present where.

He is filled with such sweetness and love. Just like his big sister. We started our celebrating early this year with Great Grandma Bea's all family gathering, plus it was her 87th Birthday. The kids had fun seeing, and meeting their extended family and playing with their cousins. Lisa and Luke stayed with us for the weekend and we had our Christmas together as they were heading home to be with Luke's family this year.

Christmas Eve was nice and low key. I spent the day cooking/ prepping for Christmas while Brody hung out with the kids. We attended the childrens service at church and Addie was mesmerized by the live nativity and Christmas story, especially the angels. She even went up front by herself for the childrens liturgy, such a big girl this year. We came home, had a little supper and got ready for Santa - hand picked cookies (gingerbread man and reindeer), chocolate milk (it's the best), and food for the reindeer.

Addie woke at 6:50am Christmas morning, Jax likes to sleep until 8 or 8:30am. So we kept Addie entertained until 7:30 and brought down a very groggy Jackson for presents. He did great and was soon diving into the paper and tearing open presents like a champ. I think the favorite gifts are the Fur Real Panda and baby Chou Chou(Addie) and anything with wheels(Jackson).

Christmas day we had my parents, Brody's parents and our friend Russ over for dinner and of course, more presents. It was so special to be with our family and share this holiday, Jackson's first with us, with them as well. If I had to sum up our holiday season this year in just a few words they would be thankful and blessed - I feel this way everyday, but especially on Christmas.

Here are a few pictures from our holiday:

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Adoption Finalized - Check

Next step citizenship - or the certificate of citizenship anyway. He is a citizen with the re-adoption/finalization. He was the cutest resident alien I have ever known though, but we are ready to move on to the next step. It was a unique coincidence that almost two years ago to the day, we were in the same court room - different judge, readopting Addison. Who know if we will be there again in two years :)

We made a festive family day of it - family photos, courthouse and pictures, stopping through the social security office to order up a card for Jax, and finally a celebratory lunch at A & W. The kids had the cutest mini rootbeers.

Today was Addie's Christmas program at school it was too cute. If I ever learn how to get video from my video camera to my computer I will share.

Here are some pictures from Jackson's re-adoption - enjoy!

Elf Hijinx!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Rolling into the Holidays

Our favorite time of year is here. First, where did November go? Wow it went so fast!! We had a lovely, and low key Thanksgiving with my parents this year. The kids also got to visit with their cousins and attend the local lighted holiday parade. It was a lot of fun. Monday my MOPs group had an outing to see Dora and Diego at the local mall. It was a character packed day as we saw Santa and Chuck E. Cheese as well.

Now we are all sick. Too many germs apparently. Jax has a double ear infection, Addie a nasty cough, and I picked up pink eye (probably from the doctors office). We are battling through and hoping to finish the holiday decorations this weekend.

I hope you like the new look. Please check out the credits below (scroll to the bottom of the blog). The designer, Summer Driggs, is offering this kit for a charity donation to benefit a friend's sick child. A very touching story - please visit her site.

Love & Hugs!

P.S. I will post pictures soon!