Christmas Vacation 2009

Last day of school before break....Cora was struttin' her stuff before the school bus came that morning! Each were excited for their class parties and treats and were so anxious for Christmastime.

What would Christmas Break be without snow and snowman building???

Brock received a new stander and also a new wheelchair. Isn't he looking good standing so big and tall?? The best is that he now tolerates 60 minutes in this contraption everyday! WOW Brock!!! :)

Avery and Cora "helped" me make 3 fleece knotted blankets for Jason's side of the family. The girls had no idea what was involved, and soon were bored--but they were sure to be there for a photo opp. when each was completed! Brock missed out, but fortunately he took a GREAT nap the day I made these gifts!

For Christmas eve, the kids and I made some chocolate mice. Very cool, but a little creepy when you see all the red eyes on a platter 'looking' at you! They consist of maraschino cherries, with stems, dipped in chocolate, then a Hershey's kiss, 2 almond slivers for ears, and red gel icing for eyes and mouth. Adorable and tasty!

Oh, Christmas day through the eyes of 5 year olds'. Priceless!!!!!!!!! Avery couldn't believe Santa got her everything she wanted, and Cora said she couldn't believe Santa was able to get things she didn't even know she wanted! LOL. I have some videos of their reactions that I will treasure forever, but they are far to large to upload.

Barbie, Littlest Pet Shop, Strawberry shortcake, My Little Pony...... etc..... They loved it all.

Brock got some majorly noisy gifts! He got this keyboard, and an acoustic guitar. He seemed very pleased. I could use some earplugs some days however.

I told the kids to pose with their FAVORITE gifts. Avery placed the guitar for Brock, she chose her Princess and the Frog Leapster game, and Cora selected her Strawberry Shortcake house--which by the was was heavily critiqued later. It was 'way cool' that the doll smelled like berries, but WHY DID IT ONLY COME WITH ONE DOLL???? Leave it too Cora.......

In addition to celebrating Christmas with my family, we also traveled south and met up with Jason's side at a cabin near lake Shelbyville. The cabin was cute, and the kids had a lot of fun playing. However, the drive home was dreadful due to a snowfall and strong winds, but we made it. Seems like this winter is going to provide plenty of the white stuff from the looks of it so far.

I celebrated my 33rd Birthday on the 30th, and my parents came over to sit with the kids while Jason and I went out to eat. Every year we join my sister and her husband for dinner as he shares the same birthday. It was very nice to get out and the food was delicious!!!

Tonight we opted out of hosting a small family New Year's Eve party.....it is just TOOOOOO cold to have people get out and honestly I am too worn out from all the festivities and travel. I took down the Christmas tree and all the decorations AND even put the totes up on shelves in the garage! Phew! I'm thinking that ordering a pizza tonight sounds great! Wonder if I can even stay up late enough to ring in the new year? Perhaps a pot of coffee could help.....

I would like to wish all the ABC fans a Happy New Year. I hope everyone has a HEALTHY and HAPPY 2010! God bless.