A Visit from the Maurers

Friday night, we had a few visitors.  The Maurers stopped by and we exchanged Christmas gifts.  We had a nice visit with them and they asked us to be the Godparents of their baby boy!  We were honored and happily said, "Yes!"  They weren't able to stay long because it was getting late, but we are looking forward to hanging out with them on New Year's Eve!  Aunt Katie also stopped by to try on the tutu she made for Lilah's birthday party.  She is going to look super cute!!



 Sweet Anya

A few other random pics we took with the new camera trying to figure it out:



A Day With Hannah

Last Friday, we met Miss Melissa at the mall for therapy at 8am.  It was bitter cold and the wind was rough, but we made it.  The great thing about going so early was that we had the entire play area to ourselves until the very end.  After therapy, we went and picked up Hannah for the day.  The kids couldn't wait to spend the day with her.  Hannah was a bit overwhelmed when she got in the van and to our house because they were trying to all talk to her and play with her at once.  It was crazy to have four car seats in the van and it didn't make me want anymore.  My three are enough!  Aunt Annie came to help for the day.  We made tortilla pizzas, colored, and played.  Lilah even got a birthday present from Aunt Annie!  There were a few minor issues, but overall it was a great day!  The kids didn't really nap, so as soon as we dropped off Hannah, they fell asleep for a few minutes in the car.  What a long day!

Lilah's birthday gifts: a rhino flashlight, an elephant pillow pet, and an animal activity puzzle!

 Three little chefs wearing aprons made by Grammie!

Coloring while I was making lunch



My Christmas Present!!

I've been wanting/needing a new camera for a long time.  Every time I think that we have the money, I talk myself out of it for some reason or another.  I had a student teacher this year and got a small stipend for it.  I finally just decided to go for it and get a camera!  Brian and I had been researching for a while and he kept going back to the Nikon Cool pix P510.  I took Allie with me to Best Buy one night and she thought it was a good camera for us.  It is a "bridge" camera between a dslr and a point and shoot.  It was on sale and we were able to get a bundle package that included an extra battery, a camera bag, and a photo card.  Unfortunately, we grabbed the wrong battery, but Brian was able to go back and exchange it.  I am super excited and Brian and I have been snapping away through all the holiday celebrations.  I have a lot to learn, but I think it was a great purchase for us!

I went ahead and added one last picture I had on my other camera.  I plan to take that one to work to use at school!

Making Cookies at Aunt Allie's

After looking at our treat bags, we went over to Aunt Allie's house to make gingerbread cookies.  The kids had fun using the cookie cutters and decorating them.  We ate dinner, played a bit, and then ate a cookie.  The kids even each got their own tin and were able to pick out some cookies to take home with them! 

 Gavin's Tray

Mommy and Aunt Allie even decorated a few

 Macie worked so hard and put each piece of candy in it's place

 Macie's tray...she left a few plain for Lilah!