Christmas 2013

 Before Christmas we had a snow day.  It was only a couple inches but enough to go sledding and make a snow/leafman.

 We had a cookie decorating party with our play group friends.

 Emily's started talking about her baby sister.  I wasn't sure who she meant until she showed me her new sister, Emma.

 Liam and I had a date to see the Nutcracker.  I told him he could pick anywhere to eat after and he chose IHOP.  His comments about the ballet were, "strange but fun."

 Our favorite neighborhood Christmas display.  This house was synchronized to music and the lawn was full of lights.  Favorite songs are Jingle Bell Rock and Rockin Around the Christmas Tree.

 Christmas chapel at Liam's school.

 Our visit to see Santa.  We went to the local high school to have breakfast with Santa.  They also had Disney characters.  Emily's favorite was Minnie Mouse.

 Liam asked Santa for a triple track twister, and Emily asked for a baby with a high chair.  These answers were pretty consistent leading up to the big day.  One of the funniest comments about the experience was when we were talking to Emily about the visit to see Santa.  Liam told her you tell Santa what you want for Christmas and the UPS man will bring it.  He also told her you can't just ask for one present because he is going to bring A LOT. 

 We flew to Michigan to see family before Christmas.  It was a fast, fun, busy weekend.  My dad with some of the grandkids

 and his big kids.

 We also had time to visit with some family friends while in town.  We went to Joe and Linda's for lunch

to see Michele, Julie, and Lucas to see the Huckleberry Village and ride the Christmas steam train

 and to have lunch with grammie the next day.

 Our last visit was to the Lamphear Christmas party were we spent the evening with my aunt, uncle and cousins.

 We were back home in time for Santa and Christmas eve. 

 Christmas morning

 Ladybug girl is a character in a book series Emily likes.  Here she is dressed as ladybug girl playing with dress up dolls.

 Bubble wrap.  Sometimes the packing material is just as fun.

 

Legos

Emily with her babies and new carrier.

 Liam could not be happier running his triple track twister, with Hex bugs running around, and playing switch and go dino with superheros from Gotham city.

 Playing puzzles

 "It's Christmas again!"  Grandma Smith came to visit the day after Christmas.

 Emily was so happy to meet her bitty baby.

 We are so blessed to be able to give our children  many gifts, the experiences with friends and family, and our time together as a family.  Thank you to everyone who helped make the holiday so special.