Christmas 2008 cont.

I made a Ham and Uncle Jimmy had the Turkey. Everyone brought something and everything was delicious. The kids could barely wait to open the presents. It was a great Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all! Happy Birthday Jesus!

Christmas morning 2008

Before the chaos started:

Shayla checked out everyone's stocking. The girls' stocking were in their beds. Shayla opened mine for me! Trinity was excited Santa brought her a bike! Shayla and Trinity rode their bikes in the house for a few days before we were able to get outside to ride them. After all the presents were opened and breakfast was ate, we went to Nana's so we could exchange gifts. I let the girls stay in their new pjs to show Nana. They thought it was cool to leave the house without getting dressed. Then we went home and I had less than 2 hours to get everyone showered and dressed. I just about made it! It took the longest time to give Shayla and Trinity French Braid PigTails. It was worth it. They looked great. It was time to go downstairs for Christmas dinner at Uncle Jimmy's house.

Christmas Eve

We went to Neen's house for "picky food" for Christmas eve. The kids got to open their presents from her so they were happy. Coby got dressed for dinner. The kids started tracking Santa while we were there. As he got closer it was time to go home. The kids got to open one present which was matching pj's for them to wear. They would have been happier opening toys but that's for tomorrow. Coby
Shayla opens her new High School Musical Game.

Trinity opens her new sleeping beauty Barbie.

Just little feet sticking out was so cute! Riana got a Little People's carriage and horse playset.

I was so tired after getting the kids in bed that I fell asleep in the recliner watching tv. Shayla came and woke me at 11:00. She told me to go to bed so Santa would come. I got her tucked in and I went to bed shortly after. At 4:30 am Shayla came in our bed and told me Santa had indeed come and there were 2 bikes! She slept with us until 7:15. She went back to her room and Trin was wake. They woke up Riana before I even got out of bed. So I missed thier reactions but it was better than them getting up at 4 am like last year! Stay tuned for a few Christmas pictures.

Pre Christmas Dinner

Before the Christmas activites started we went to Jeff's mom's house for dinner. It was nice for me not to have to cook. We all enjoyed dinner then the kids had fun playing with her dog, Sasha.

Does red eye fix dogs? Guess I'll have to try. Riana talking to Sasha. Jeff's mom and Grandmother.

Santa visit

Every year we have gone to the mall in Milford to see the same Santa, since Shayla was born! This year the days flew by and we hadn't gotten there. So Thursday we went after Riana woke up from her nap. I knew santa was there until 9 pm and he took a break from 5-6. We got in line at 4:45. The worker came up and told me that the 3 families in front of be were the start of the 6 o'clock line. No way was I waiting that long. So we walked around and got a snack. We played with a puppy in the pet store and let the kids climb in the play area. We got back in line at 5:30. Thinking it wouldn't be too long to wait 30 mins. Santa came back at 6:15. another 20 minutes till our turn. Meanwhile, Riana spilled red hawaiian punch on her white shirt. What to do? There were only 3 people in front of us and I had no diaper bag. Quick thinking, I put on her jacket. Riana didn't want to sit on or next to Santa. Hence me in the picture. Then the kids went on the train ride and we got back in the car at 7:10. I was mentally exhusted! But another family tradition done.Riana, Nikki, Shayla, Santa, Trinity

snow play

The kids got snow to play in. They were so excited to wake up and see snow. About 1 1/2-2 inches. I was glad I finally got Shayla new snow pants. So into the cubby hole I went to get out all the snow gear. Jeff was impressed how I had all the right sizes. One of the bonuses of having all girls!
Here is Shayla with a snow mustache. How do you get one of those? My kids lay on the ground and lick the snow. Why? I don't know. I don't remember doing that as a kid. We picked it up and ate it. Trinity was having fun with the pile of snow near the street.
This is Riana and her first time to really play in the snow. I do need to get her some good snow gloves. Where do all the missing gloves go? She loved it! She threw a fit when it was time to go in. Even the promise of hot cocoa wasn't enough to stop the tears.
Here is our naked snowman. I got help this year making him. Usually I do all the work. Trinity helped a lot by giving it hair. She had the most fun with the snowman. Now if I could only find the snowman kit I have.
Then they all went for a swing in the snow. I was glad they all got a good amount of fresh air.
I don't know the date of this because I turned off the date when I was taking the family picture. I will have to turn it back on.

Hoilday breakfast/Toys for Tots

Every year there is a Holiday Breakfast to benefit the Valley Toys for Tots. It is hosted by Jeff's barber. This is the first year I go. The past 2 years I have stayed home. 1 year I had just given birth 2 weeks before, the 2nd year she was only 1 and it was too cold for her outside. This year we went as a family. They serve Egg sandwiches with sausage or bacon, donuts and pastry, Hot chocolate, Bloody Marys and Screwdrivers! Did I mention it starts at 9 am? They have a 50 piece band. Santa comes and passes out bags with snacks and prizes in it to every child. The fee for all this wonderful festive cheer is an unwrapped toy for the local Toy for Tots program.

When we got there it was snowing. It looked beautiful. Then it turned to rain and sleet. Not so fun. The kids had fun with this rock. I don't understand why it was so great. This is Trinity laying in the mud. I had to wash her snow suit twice to get it clean.

Here are the 3 girls, with the rock.
Santa comes on a wagon and each kid gets to sit on his lap. Trinity did a great job.


Shayla got a little shy and couldn't think of anything. She has a list at home I am sure. Riana sat at the end of the wagon and didn't want to get any closer.
We left after the kids saw Santa because it was cold and hailing. One last picture I took was of all the toys that were gathered....This is the front porch, filled to the brim.