BFFs

During Christmas break, Alex, Aubrey, and I went back up to our previous neighborhood to visit our good friends.    Alex and Aubrey love our new neighborhood, but the one thing Aubrey misses most is her first best friend.  We went to spend a few days with them over the break.  All three kids had a great time together.  We can't wait to get together again soon.

 

 

Christmas Morning

Christmas Eve Fun

Here are some pictures from our Christmas Eve

 

Before church, we took some pictures in front of our Santa Bears.   The Santa Bears were from my Mom's best friend, Carol Appel.  We gave her the honorary name of Aunt Carol.  When she passed away, my Mom asked for all her Santa Bears.  My sister, Kendra had them for a while, but when she was ready to pass them on to someone else, I was glad to take them.  It was nice to see them sitting in our living room.   On Christmas Eve, we sat in front of them for some pictures.

 

 

Even Dave's Mom, Nanny, sat in front of them. 

 

 

We are so glad that Nanny and Jamison were able to join us.

 

After Christmas Eve Church and dinner, Alex and Aubrey opened up their gifts from Aunt Kendra.  They were happy to get some cool pajamas.   They both liked them and Aubrey was happy that hers came with a matching doll dress.

 

 

For dessert, the kids made a birthday cake to celebrate Jesus's birthday.

 

 

 

Then we made a plate of treats for Santa Claus and his reindeer.

 

 

 

On Christmas morning, we took a sneak peak Aubrey and Alex's gifts from Santa.

 

 

 

The bikes sure have been put to good use since they got them from Santa on Christmas. 

They love them.

Christmas Cousins

Just before Christmas, Dave's family came over for Christmas dinner.   Alex really wanted his cousins and Aubrey to sit and get their picture taken.  Here are a couple of the results.

Gingerbread House

Alex and Aubrey had fun with their Gingerbread kit this year.

 

At first they each took turns.

 

 

 

 

 

Then we had a little crossover action going on.

 

 

And the finished product.

 

 

Santa Claus

Santa Claus came to our local YMCA and Alex and Aubrey had the chance to say Hi.

Alex and Aubrey's Michigan Cousins

During our trip to Michigan we attempted to get the cousins all together for a picture.   This sure was a challenge.   I am so thankful for digital cameras.  I was just able to click away with about 100 pictures total and I think I got a few good ones.

 

First off, we started with the three oldest ones, Aubrey, Olivia, and Alex. 

This was a challenge in itself.

 

 

Then we added Johnna to the picture. 

 

 

Then we added Simba and there you have it.

 Alex and Simba were done with the pictures, so only the girls were left.   Cutie-pies!

Of course, snacks helped them stick around.