Christmas Dinner

This year we decided to have dinner at the Grove Park Inn on Christmas rather than having to cook ourselves. My mom and Danny's grandparents joined us and aside from the large crowd of people who had the same idea, everything was really nice, the food was great, the kids were well behaved and best of all...we did not have to cook or clean up! 

Audrey all dolled up in her pretty Christmas Dress (she refused to wear her bow)

Owen looked rather handsome and loved being at the Grove Park for dinner. I think he liked sitting next to the dessert bar the best! 

Ben fell asleep on our way and woke up just as we had all finished eating. While Danny fixed him a plate, Owen and I went around taking pictures. He was a little ham and stopped to pose at every tree, sculpture and brown paneled wall. 

Danny and his grandparents

Ben... he licked his cookie. I guess he wanted us to know he was not sharing!

these were toy solider ice sculptures with places to put your head for a picture. They were very cold, but the boys enjoyed playing and having their pictures taken.  

A family picture in the Grand Lobby

(it's blurry and Owen is doing a ballet move, but it's us and I love it!)

what a wonderful Christmas it was! The only thing missing was SNOW!

Christmas 2011

We had a wonderful and magical Christmas! There is nothing like the look in a child's eyes when they see the lit tree with all the presents Santa has left for them. 

marble runs, yoyos, watches and socks...

"WOW! Just what I wanted!"

shopping cart, sippy cups and snack bowls AND

Nana got Audrey a new kitchen

 a tee pee from Santa

a LeapPad and Leapster Explorer for the boys from their Grana

a stroller/push toy for her baby

 A talking cash register and "Wii" his favorite! 

lots of new games, a Jack in the Box, 

a tool bench

 super hero capes 

and a new Busy Ball Popper

and all Ben wanted was a YoYo and candy cane.

We have 3 very lucky and spoiled children! 

Christmas Eve

We started the evening with Danny's traditional reading of 

The Night Before Christmas

 and then the boys put together a snack for Santa

(a cheese sandwich, cookies and a glass of milk)

 then we made reindeer food with steal cut oats and glitter

 and sprinkled it out in the yard

 the boys were so excited, it was all they could do to contain themselves.... This was the first night I can remember where Owen was ready to go to bed at 6pm all on his on. 

 as soon as the children were all snug in their beds, the elves went to work

and only mins after everything was set up... the pitter patter of a little Ben began down the stairs. Danny rushed up to get him back to bed, before he saw everything . 

SHE is ONE!

and SHE is...

Cutting 4 new teeth...all at once. standing unsupported for longer periods of time and takes 2-3 steps...ALL BY HERSELF. SHE gives the best kisses and hugs. Loves on her baby doll while saying awwww. SHE is a great eater. loves music. plays with her little kitchen. balls. cars. her clipo table and shape sorters. SHE can crawl up the steps. spends lots of time playing in the cabinets. stacking cups and bowls and banging on the pots and pans. LOVES to play at the boys train table and beat on their drums. tolerates the ERGO for short periods of time. still sleeps best on the go or in my arms. LOVES music. HATES bath time. LOVES books. still rear facing in the car and will continue to be so until she seems uncomfortable. tries to put her shoes and socks on by herself. wears size 3 diapers. 12-18 month clothes. nurses 3-4 times a day and occasionally at night. not sure when we will wean. neither of us are in any hurry. has blue, blue eyes and blonde hair. SHE fell out of her crib this month and we finally lowered it all the way down. SHE has the sweetest smile and best personality. and SHE is all mine! I knew all along I wanted several children and the day SHE was born, I knew my my family was complete!

Audrey's 1st birthday party

Today we celebrated Audrey and her first year of life (even though her actual birthday isn't until Tuesday.) We had a sweet and simple brunch with family and a few of our friends. I tend to invite everyone we know to things and even though I love ALL of our friends very much, I wanted to keep this party intimate and small.

THE DECORATIONS

A friend of mine from high school made this banner and Audrey's party dress and fabric bow. Pink, gray and pearl white balloons from our local party store, a beautiful cake made by my neighbor, Christmas trees and a few things from Audrey's nursery made up the cake table.

I made this little trees with pink yarn and pom poms. I don't love them, but I ran out of time and they just had to do.

Owen and I made this banner with pictures I had taken of Audrey over the past year, scrapbook paper, snowflake gift tags and hemp twine. It will bittersweet to take the final 12 month picture on Tuesday.

THE FOOD

Punch

Apple Cider

Orange Juice

Milk

Coffee

Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

Gingerbread Scones

Parfaits

Pumpkin Granola

Honey Raisin Granola

Strawberries, blueberries, and bananas

GingerbreadBelgium Waffles

FrenchToast Casserole

Cinnamon Rolls

Breakfast Casseroles (sausage or bacon)

Asparagus and Potato Tart

Birthday Cake
(made by my super talented neighbor)

THE SLIDESHOW

HER BEST FRIEND

THE CAKE

THE SWEETEST SMILE

THE GIFTS