New Years Party Animals

Despite Brian being in Cali at the Rosebowl, we still hosted a New Years party with some friends. Adults relaxed, kids ran around crazy playing. We had them celebrate New Years at 7:30 with sparkling apple juice, noise makers, hats and streamers to throw. 

Adults didn't make it to midnight, as kids had had it. Around 8:30, I looked around and couldn't find Gavin anywhere. So, I went upstairs and he had hour himself to bed with all the lights on...apparently was done partying. 

Alexis kept herself up until 10:00, even though she took several little cat naps anywhere and anytime, since she was exhausted. She didn't want to miss out on the action. Conner was the real winner staying up to help mom clean a little bit with the promise to see the ball drop at 11:00. Unfortunately TV and my phone were a couple minutes off, so missed it by seconds. Thankful for YouTube at that point and that Conner didn't recognize it said 2015 instead of 2016! A great way to ring in the New Year!

Granting Smiles

Today was the day we had been prepping for for over a month. The gifts had been piling up on our bedroom like an amazing pile representing all the amazing giving and selflessness that represents our village. 

People we talk to all the time, people we haven't seen since high school, parents friends, etc had come together to send gifts to us to take to the hospital treasure chest. It was truly amazing to see the amazing response to one post about wanting to give back to the hospital and if anyone wanted to give, they were welcome. The outpouring truly warmed our hearts. When we unpacked them all, it was amazing to see. 277 gifts...each to give a smile to a kid during treatment. 

We loaded the gifts into wagons and hauled them to the clinic. It took 4 wagon trips! The kids got to unload the gifts into the treasure chest. There was one girl there picking out a toy, and so I pulled out a couple girl options. Her face lit up when I brought out the princess duplo Lego set. It was so great to see! Direct impact. 

Thanks for all that gave to this cause. It's so great to give these kids that go through so much a little something to bring a smile.

Limo Fun

We hosted Laura's side of the family for Christmas this year. 10 kids and 7 adults in a house meant that we tried to find a lot of outside activities. We had a great time bowling as well as a limo ride to look at Christmas lights again. Alexis loved dancing, and Conner and Gavin stuck their hands out the window to wave at cars going by. Always a fun time in a limo!

Note: sorry for the blurry pics. Our computer broke, so not many pics have been taken lately!

Lessons of Giving

We went shopping today at Target. A few people had sent money for our toy drive for the hospital, so we headed to Target as a family to shop. We still needed some Play-Dough and Legos, so focused there, but grabbed a few other items as well. 

What warmed my heart most, though, was when Conner on his own asked if he could use his gift card to buy a gift to take as well. I was so proud of him, and happy when the other two followed suit. Made our day to see giving being part of their lives. 

Christmas

We had a great Christmas. The kids woke up around 6:30, so we were happy it wasn't too early. However, Alexis immediately started talking about an elephant and M&Ms as well as Tinkerbell paper, which tipped us off she had already been downstairs snooping!

The kids were excited to see what Santa had brought. Conner opened every square box looking for his Wii from Santa. Gavin was super excited about the candy canes (the only thing he had asked for for Christmas). 

We ate breakfast of Brian's dad's casserole and Laura's mom's Swedish rye bread. The kids had helped make the rye bread, and Gavin put his own tough on it of a clump on top, so we chose his loaf to eat, and he was proud. 

We spent the day playing with new toys. Brian getting the best job of lying on the couch and being the patient for the doctors. Although he did have to endure a lot of shots! Such a great Christmas!

Christmas Eve

We attended the Children's service at our church. As part of the service, they had live animals as part of the stable. After church, the kids could pet them, which the kids thought was pretty cool. 

I thought them handing out glow sticks for the candlelit portion of the service was genius! A great Christmas Eve service. 

We then went home and made our own pizzas followed by the cookie, milk, and carrot traditional arrangement. Then off to bed to let sugarplums dance in their heads. 

Star Wars Trash

We celebrated Christmas with Papa and Mimi (Brian's parents). The boys got light sabers, and Brian made them the most adorable Star Wars costumes out of trash bags. Coming from a person who isn't star war crazy, I think he did a phenomenal job! 

Entertainment

Alexis sang at a retirement home for Girl Scouts today. They weren't ready for them at first, so we walked the halls delivering Christnas tree decoration. Due to germs, I asked Alexis not to enter any rooms, and she was really good not to. 

Then, they sang in front of the group. Right as I snapped this picture, Favin went sprinting behind the group, so I had to chase him. Everyone, but me, thought it was hilarious. Glad we can always provide the extra entertainment. 

Heart Happy

This has been one of those days where my heart is happy. Alexis asked for a ponytail in her hair, which she finally has enough hair to do.

Then, this afternoon the boys and I went to Chuck E Cheese. Conner was so happy as he got to bring a friend and Gavin and I got some special one on one time. 

These simple things make my heart so happy!