December 30

We got to see Matt, Sara, Janey and Naomi today. We are so blessed to see our friends - even for such a short time. We all make the effort and words can't express how much their friendships mean to me. Even if we don't talk for months at a time, we pick up right where we left off. I can only hope that Hannah and Austin develop friendships like these one day. P

December 29

As promised, the kids played hard today. They rode the tractor, rode the go kart, played all the arcade games in the basement, watched tv, and basically had an all around awesome day. They ended the day back at Mimi and Papa's house for dinner with Great Mimi. Whew - they must be worn out by now!!

December 28

The kids spent all day at Grandpa's playing with all of their new toys and celebrating with him. They are having a sleepover and dreaming of more tractor rides tomorrow.

December 27

Another awesome day with my family! We spent the morning with uncle Greg and then met up with Kier for lunch. Then it was back to Mimi and Papa's for more playing with all their new toys. Then they got another Christmas at great Mimi's house!! The kids are having a blast and are looking forward to seeing daddy tomorrow at Grandpa's. And yes - another Christmas will be celebrated there too!

December 26

We caught a ride in with Anne to Daleville and surprised Mimi tonight. She was in the kitchen when we came running up the steps bellowing "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells!" She was so surprised and so thrilled we arrived a few days early. Greg and Kier came over shortly after we for there and we spent the entire evening with them just playing and having a blast. It was another perfect day.

December 25

The kids had an amazing Christmas!! They got a lot of what was on their Christmas list and a ton more! We had a great day as a family - breaking into all the new toys and playing all day long. We ended the day with dinner and presents at the Thomas house. It was a wonderful day.

December 24

It's just us for Christmas this year and we were fortunate enough to be invited to Ben and Maria's for Christmas Eve dinner. We had our tradition of fondue through! Hannah wouldn't let us miss that for the world. It was a quiet and family filled day around here. I loved every second of it!

December 23

The kids went to see Santa today! They were so excited (and a little shy) when they got up on his lap. But they both used their manners and were so proud of it too!

December 22

We hired an architect! It's officially - the plans for the house are officially underway!

December 21

Austin had his first sleepover tonight. He and Owen had a blast... So much so that I am pretty sure they wore each other out!

December 20

Austin told me he didn't have any dreams last night. And he said that was good because he didn't have any bad dreams. Then he told me the reason he doesn't have any bad dreams anymore is because he prayed to God to take the bad dreams away.

December 19

Tonight Hannah climbed into bed with me at bedtime. We snuggled, we chatted, we giggled, we loved every second of it. There is something so peaceful about falling asleep with her safe and sound next to me.

December 18

Today, austin was laying on one couch and i was on the other one. He looked at me, hopped down, came over and gave me a huge bear hug and ran back to his couch as quickly as he jumped off. Just a little love for momma, I guess.

December 17

We made Christmas cookies from scratch tonight. It was a huge undertaking and we all conquered it! Love making these memoirs with my sweet babies.

December 16

Look who lost another front tooth!

December 15

Austin's preschool teacher texted me this pic today. She loved his shirt that he wore the other day :)

December 14

We had a sleepover tonight at the E building, as Hannah calls it, for Morgan's birthday (it's also know as the Embassy Suites hotel) Hannah claims it was the best birthday party ever. I love that I was there to see Hannah interact with everyone. She is growing up so fast!

December 13

Our elves (Max and Lucy) are here for the season. Today we work up to find that they had climbed up high to write a Christmas countdown on our mirror!

December 12

Apparently letting Hannah write on the window with dry erase markers makes her much more enthusiastic about doing her homework!!!

December 11

We celebrated Morgan's birthday tonight. I love how much Hannah and Mo love each other! They are such a special part of each other's lives.

December 10

Austin and I took a quick walk around the neighborhood today. He brought his camera and took pictures of all kinds of things along our journey. Maybe he will be a photographer like his momma!

December 9

Hannah had her youth club Christmas program tonight. She has such a good time there with her buddies every week. And of course her Aunt Jill had to get a ok tire with her girls! Love them!

December 8

We decorated the tree tonight and put up the train. Grandpa and Mimi were both here for the holiday festivities!!

December 7

Mimi has been here all week and I just had to capture this moment. We had some errands to run after school with three four year old boys. She handled it like the professional Mimi that she is!

December 6

The elves came today! They are here and the kids are thrilled. To see Christmas through their eyes may just be one of the coolest things about being a parent. I love their innocence and their excitement over the little things.

December 5

"Mom - when are we gonna put up our foot lamp?" Austin says to me today.

"Um, do you mean "leg lamp, buddy?"

"Yea! Leg lamp! Leg lamp!!

December 4

I love how they play together. Give them a bouncy ball and a ribbon and everyone's happy.

December 3

Austin asked to ride his bike without training wheels today. Hannah and I jumped at the chance to help him! (Mike was at the lot today cutting down more trees). I love that Hannah wanted to help teach her brother!

December 2

We went to our lot today and spent some time marking off where the house is going to be. The kids played for HOURS and had a blast! It's amazing how much they can explore, play in the dirt and run around and never get bored.

December 1

We ran a 5k this morning! It was Morgan's Girl on the Run 5k and we joined her. The girls did great!! It was their second 5k in nine days!

November 30

He spends about an hour a day going through the Toys R Us flyer that came in the mail and copying down the items he wants. He is so ready for Christmas!

November 29

It's already started.... Their constant questions about Christmas, makin lists and asking when we can decorate! They are soooooo excited!