Best One So Far

I may end up saying this again someday, but for now, this was the best Christmas so far. I would call it magical . . . even with the puking and fits fromt the kids . . . it was still magical. :) It started with my brother Nate and his AMAZING girlfriend Mia coming to visit us for two days. Unfortunately I didn't any pics of them while they were here. Nate . . . send me some please??!! :) Then, Joseph's parent's (Mana and Papa) came and spent about 3 1/2 days with us including Christmas Eve and morning, which is what made this Christmas magical. There is just nothing quite like having grandparents around during this special time of year. Alex was in heaven and got so overly excited that he could neither eat nor sleep and even threw up in their van. Sorry Mana!! :) Here are some pics.

Mana noticed that Rebekah loved pulling all the bows off of the packages under the tree and so went out and bought a whole bag just for her to playw with. She was enthralled. :) Mana . . . you rock!Bow Bum.The day Alex threw up in Mana's van out of pure excitement (and perhaps a mother who stuffed his yogurt down him too fast) was just too exhausting for him . . . Daddy conked out too. I love my boys.Making some seriously amazing "Alex and Papa Style" (meaning loaded with chocolate chips and candy) cowboy cookies for Santa Claus. He loves making things with Mana.Our newest tradition is to do personal pizzas on Christmas Eve. This was so fun and turned out so great! A fun way to get the kiddos involved in dinner too!We also decided to start acting out the Nativity. This was so neat for us and something we really loved to do . . . even though, Alex refused to weared his costume since we had to wake him up for the activity. After he shouted at us to stop singing, it was a candy cane that got him through without any more complaints. :)One of the best parts was that Alex insisted that Santa not only preferred Hot Chocolate over milk with his cookies, but that he also needed a small chair to sit in while he ate his cookies and drank his hot chocolate. Oh, and I can't forget the part where I put the chair TOO close to the table. "Mommy, Santa's feet are fat. He needs room to put them!" I love this kid. Finally . . . Santa came and loaded up the stockings with joyful goodies. Do you like our homemade fireplace by Joseph? This is the 3rd year we have done this. So fun!

I didn't take many pictures Christmas morning, but it was a great morning seeing Alex's eyes grow wide as he saw that Santa had drank his hot chocolate and eaten his cookies. Seeing the kids get excited over their presents, etc. On Christmas Day we went to my parent's house for a few days where I had lots of family in town. It was so wonderful to be with so much family during this special time of year and especially for our kids to see how important and loving our family is.

Other events over Christmas include . . . me hitting my 30 week mark and Rebekah WALKING!!! The best part of her walking is that half the time she only falls because she insists on dancing while she walks. Silly girl. I tried get her dance/walk on video, but she was too focused on the camera. I will try again to capture it and put that video on later. For now, here is my 30 week belly for interested parties.