Christmas Part 2

To start off the second part of our Christmas, we had another Christmas party with Marty's family. This time it was with all of his aunts, uncles and cousins. They always make homemade enchiladas and rice. I love that meal and really enjoy it. There is also a family game tournament and it is always a kids game. Sometimes that give a big advantage to the kids and sometimes it doesn't. This year we played ants in the pants.

Mackenzie won the entire tournament. The last round was Mackenzie and Marty's cousin Eric. She got the game, and 3 lottery tickets. With the lottery tickets she won $10!

Since the kids are in school, they have Christmas parties and programs. Mackenzie had both of hers at the same time. They sang 3 songs and recited 2 poems.

Cameron's Christmas party was a lot of fun for both of the kids. Snacks, games and crafts.

Making candy necklaces

Frosting gingerbread cookies

Decorating her gingerbread cookies

Ring toss

Ring toss

Prayer and snack time

Music fun

Christmas Eve is spent at dads with all of us sisters, our families, and Uncle Doug and Aunt Leslie. We always have a great time!

New PJ's!

Nose cups!

Finally, on Christmas we go to my moms family and end the day and Uncle Doug and Aunt Leslie's.

This year we also had a get together with dad and most of his siblings on Saturday after Christmas.

Danielle also took family pictures for us!

Christmas Part 1

Every year our Christmas is split into multiple days. Today was our first Christmas party. It was at Marty's moms house with us, Marty's brothers family, and his grandparents. The kids loved it, as always. 

Before the party, we took the kids to see Santa.

They're at the stage now where they're no longer afraid of Santa so they take great pictures with him. 

And now to the party. There was sooo much food and great conversation.

Each year, the kids get a new sheet set from She She. This year Cameron got finding nemo and Mackenzie got Dora and friends.

 Cameron's big gift was an art easel. Mackenzie got the same one when she was his age and they both love them.

Mackenzie's "big" toy was a Barbie playset with a baby and all of the baby essentials. 

They also got slippers and books from Uncle Mike and Aunt Kristin, which they both love. Finally, She She got them baskets for their stuffed animals.

We will have more Christmas to come soon!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Give Thanks!

What are you thankful for this holiday season? 

I'm thankful for my family, the whole crazy bunch of them. And my kids and Marty, even though they are driving me to the nut house on some days. Other days my heart wants to burst open with all of the love I feel. 

I'm thankful that I have the freedom to go to school and earn my degree. And I'm able to go to church and teach my kids about God. 

Thanksgiving for me is all about giving thanks and spending the day with family. We had 3 dinners but Marty's moms' dinner was moved to Saturday because of her work schedule. It gave us time to spend with everyone and we didn't feel rushed. It was pretty nice. 

And to end with a few pictures from the thanksgiving festivities!

Yes my boy likes to play dress up :/ Oh well!

And Brian and I had a good time "bonding." Courtney and Marty get to "bond" on Christmas Eve.

Mackenzie's 5!

Seriously? Already? Where has the time gone? I can't believe my baby girl is already five. This was just yesterday, I swear.

Actually, this was just yesterday.

Well, on November 15 mackenzie had her birthday party. She wanted to go swimming. I was able to rent a room and open swim time for her party at one of the local schools. All of the schools around have pools, but the one we went to has a kids pool and a competition pool. There's water shoots, a slide, and a basketball hoop to play with while you swim. She was also allowed to invite a few friends from school and most of her cousins were able to come too. All of the kids had a great time.

GG and Aubt Taylor made a very cool Elsa dress cupcake cake. And it tasted delishious too!

And I put together a spread of frozen themed foods.

She got a bunch of new presents also. And she loved every minute of it!

I love that look of surprise and joy on her face when she opened the present she asked for!

She was invited to a princess for a day party at one of the local churches to take place that night also. All of the girls got their hair, makeup, and nails done. They got to color, make a craft, and have frozen themed snacks. And finally, they got to meet Elsa!

Yesterday was her actual birthday. I decorated the house a bit while she was sleeping. She woke up very surprised! I even made a streamer curtain and hung it in front of her door that she had to walk through. She said, "mommy, that is sooo cool!" Marty made the kids pancakes for breakfast. And I took them to church. She even got to decide if she wanted to go on her birthday. I'm happy to say it was her choice to go. She asked for homemade nachos for dinner and marty and I made her a cake. And of course the few presents from mom and dad.

There's that joyful look again because she got what she asked for.

And a new skirt and Dora movie.

She loved that microphone. She was on it at least 3 hours yesterday.

I still can't believe that she's a whole hand old!

Happy birthday my baby girl! I love you!