Happy New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year's Eve to all. This year was filled with it's fair share of challenges but it was also full of fun too. Often times my mind gets caught up in the struggles and forgets the things I am so lucky to have. I have a healthy family, a warm home and loving family and friends. What more could I ask for?? I recently looked back through the various blog entries for the year and it's been a fun and exciting year. Londyn finished up Kindergarten and started 1st grade. She lost a whole bunch of teeth. Brooklyn experienced her 1st haircut and gave me plenty of silly things she said to post. All in all it has been a good year. I am hoping for another year of good times and good health. For my children to continue to grow and be happy and above all that we all remain safe. Here's a great 2012!

2 cute girls dancin' up a storm!

Even Alexis got into the dancing fun

What great friends we have! We are so lucky!

I have no words for this pic.

Matt's lovely Gangsta' pose

Looks like Londyn has learned Gangsta' from her daddy!

Londyn's 1st Time Skiing

Londyn and her dad decided she might enjoy learning to ski so we packed her up and headed up to the mountain. Mom, of course, was a bit nervous but pleasantly surprised at the care the instructors provided. It only took a few times down the baby hill and Londyn was ready. Up on the ski lift she went and down the bunny hill. The first time she only fell once and the second time not at all. We are so proud of Londyn for trying something new and discovering that she can accomplish the things she sets her mind to. 

Getting ready

Just waiting for her lesson to start. She was chomping at the bit to get on those ski's

There was actually another Londyn in her class, can you believe it?

There she is coming down the mountain.

Brooklyn's First Haircut

I decided it was probably time to get Brooklyn's hair cut. It was so long but the ends needs to be trimmed off. For a child with as sensitive of a head as she has, she did amazing. She actually seemed to understand the joy and excitement of being pampered. Looks like I have many years of pampering ahead of me.

She was so excited. She kept saying she is going to be beautiful.

She did such a great job at standing still.

Christmas 2011

This year we did things a little different but it was nice to start new family traditions. We ended up going to my mom and dad's house for Christmas Eve dinner. We played games, socialized and enjoyed good food. One of the highlights for me this year was the children re-enacted the nativity with puppets and we all got to join in song at some parts. It really brought the Spirit of Christmas to my heart. 

Here the kids are trying to get marshmallows through a hole in a wreath. Turns out it was much harder than everyone thought it would be.

Aren't these all such cute girls!

Boy are these Grandkids lucky to have such amazing Grandparents!

The puppet Nativity

And of course what's the fun of Christmas without opening presents!

As our own tradition the girls get jammies to open Christmas Eve night. They always look so adorable!

Ahhh...Finally Christmas Morning is here!

All Brooklyn asked Santa for was a sucker. Apparently she didn't realize the vast resources Santa has to bring real toys! I just love the innocence of this Christmas request.

Awe! What a sweet moment of Londyn and Brooklyn thanking each other for their gifts. These are moments I don't get to see very often and cherish when they happen.

As a new tradition I wanted to start I have decided to have Christmas Day dinner and enjoy the company of family and friends. This year really was a special year to me.

How cute is this girl!! We love you Brooklyn!

Christmas to me is a time of giving and sharing with friends and family. I am so blessed to have these special people in my life. Without them I would be lost. Although some would say this was a trying year I believe I have become a stronger person because of the challenges life has brought. I pray my children grow to learn and remember the true meaning of Christmas and that it's something that can lead them through their own life's challenges. Mommy and Daddy love you girls more than words can say. You both have such sweet and special spirits about you and we love watching you learn an grow. Merry Christmas to All!!