Random December Pictures

I've been really behind on my blogging this month. I've noticed that the busiest month of the year seems to have the least amount of posts. So, in January, I will play catch up on our personal lives, and for now, I leave this year, 2008, to pictures taken over this last month. Wishing you and your family a Happy and Healthy New Year. Cheers!

Happy 5th Birthday Cooper!

Today, Cooper is officially FIVE years old! He's been waiting for this day since Hayden turned five! On Saturday, he had an awesome camfire cookout to celebrate his birthday with a ton of friends and family to help him celebrate. We roasted hot dogs, made s'mores (instead of cake!), played horseshoes and enjoyed great company while the kids played until they couldn't stand up any longer. Literally! Happy Birthday Cooper, we love you very, very much and are so glad that you're such an important part of our family!

Merry Christmas 2008

What an exciting morning! It started off on such a perfect note and just got better as the day progressed! Taylor woke up at 7:30 and we made her wait until 8:00 to wake Hayden up. Taylor didn't really realize what was awaiting her on the other side of the house when she stumbled into our room. So having her wait was neither cruel or unjust!

Once Hayden was up we were in full Christmas morning mode! Santa did not disappoint these two little blondies. They were so excited to see that Santa ate their cookies. He even left Hayden a really nice letter! Hayden had a list that was a mile long and rivaled the 'Big Four' bailout, monetarily. However, by her response, Santa did pretty darn good!

Taylor was just thrilled about everything she opened! She was really into Christmas this year, so it made it twice the more fun!
Just after 10:00, Cathy and Ed and Kelly and Tom came over for a Christmas brunch. The girls were very excited to see their grandparents. And I don't think Kelly and Tom knew quite what they were in for when they got here. Hayd and Tay sure kept them busy!! They enjoyed showing them all of their new toys, their bedrooms, playing with their new walkie-talkies, dancing...you name it!

I think everyone enjoyed their Christmas morning. Once our family left, the girls enjoyed breaking in their new toys and I continued to stomp all over Conal on Guitar Hero. On that note, Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

Christmas Eve Candids

We had such a fun Christmas Eve this year. Well, actually, it's really fun every year, but as all four of the kids get older, it keeps getting better. I don't think I could've ever imagined how fun Christmas with kids would actually be!
So, it started early, on Tuesday night. My sister and her kids, Conal and I and our kids met up with my parents at their church for quite a wonderful Christmas program. I think it was more like a concert with scriptures and a lessson in between, but it was great! My parents came back here for dinner afterwards and we were able to just relax for a bit!
Then, on Christmas Eve we went to my parents, like usual. We typically do a simple dinner, German food or potluck style. This year, however, my mom completely outdid herself! We had prime rib and king crab legs with every possible side dish you could imagine! I swear, if anyone would've peaked through her windows, they'd have thought we'd have never eaten before!
I have so many pictures that are my favorite. I couldn't choose just a few to mark the moment. Here are our Christmas Eve candids: