Christmas 2010

Well, Christmas has come and gone and it has been one of the best! The magic of the season really descended on our home this year. We planned some great activities to do as a family, we didn't over schedule ourselves, we shopped early, and my family (mom and Kevin) came to visit! It has been WAY too long since I have blogged, but I am just going to start where I am.

Highlights:

Tree Trimming


Polar Express Kid Night complete with an awesome hot chocolate bar!


Temple Lights with some friends-




Christmas shopping and crafts- (pics from Black Friday are not downloading from my phone)

Rudolph play and Christmas Concert by the Choral Arts at the Kennedy Center

and of course...

Baking!!! (Vanilla bean angel pillows, mint chocolate chip cookies, cranberry white chocolate macadamia nut bars, orange kissed brownies)

CHRISTMAS MORNING was the BEST! !



I just loved these pics of the kids running down the stairs!


We had a lovely breakfast as a family before we went downstairs to open wrapped gifts.


Cam needs a break from all of this commotion!


Mom Mom and Dad Dad joined us as we opened presents via Skype!

Coursey and Mom rocking out to Rock Band



This air hockey table may be for the little ones, but the adults can sure have quite the battle, too!


It has been so much fun to have family here for Christmas this year. The kids have had undivided attention and always have someone to play their new games with. I was able to get all of the fuss of Christmas over so I could really enjoy the actual day. My biggest present has been my mom helping out so much around the house...she organized my entire kitchen! Merry Christmas!!!

What a dirty trick...my baby turned 1!

Well, despite my constant begging and pleading, my kids just keep on getting older (which means I am too!). Cameron is no exception...he went and turned 1 without my consent! In some ways he has been a dream baby. In other ways not so much. He began life with a 7 day quarantine in my bedroom (H1N1 hit our home) which proved to be great bonding time. He was super quiet and easy until about 6 months and then each month he got a little more vocal and a slept a little less each night. Not sure why he stopped sleeping so great, but I am still battling it. (yes, we do the cry out and he cries it out while I listen in my bed at least twice a night). BUT, I digress...let's talk about his wonderful qualities! He is so cute with his dimples and 4 front teeth (he is just now getting 2 more)! He has blond little curls and just lights up a room with his giggle. He is extremely playful and LOVES kids. He does love his mom...A LOT...(translation: he doesn't let me leave him easily). He LOVEs his dad even more than me which oddly doesn't bother me at all...hee hee hee!

I sat down today to look at some of the pictures of my Cam 1 year ago...hospital pics mostly, but, I still remember it like it was yesterday. I think that is the curse of the last kid. You remember things much more clearly. Almost as if you are trying to permanently press them into your brain so you don't forget these years or how a newborn baby feels and smells. Cameron has been such a wonderful little guy in our home. I don't think Rob has been more attached to a baby. It probably helps that Cameron looks JUST LIKE HIM!

Anyway, my mom came into town to celebrate Cam's first birthday and Halloween. It was perfect timing for us to have grandma here. The kids just love the attention and I just love the distraction and entertainment of having her here. We didn't do a big birthday bash, but we did decorate cupcakes together and had some fun watching Cameron play with his new toys. He had SO much fun with his new stuff eventhough the older two kids could NOT stand him getting the attention. Here are some pictures you can see for yourselves!

Summer fun

One day this summer was spent at Lake Anna crashing our friends, the DuBravacs, week long vacation. They were gracious enough to take us out skiing, take us boating, feed us a yummy dinner, and the guys even put on an end of the night fireworks display. We had a great time relaxing and hanging out on this gorgeous lake.

Me and the kids snacking on the boat!



Cameron can't ski yet but he can practice his grip on the rope!


Rob has a boot that is too tight on his ski, so he has to put it on in the boat. This was how he had to get into the water! Thanks to Shawn for helping dump him into the lake!

Our expert, Andrea, was able to lull Cameron to sleep on the boat...thank you!


Yep, that is me...take note bc it doesn't happen often. I was 8-9 months after having a baby...not too shabby, right?

The kids were awaiting the show!

Mmmm...I am so hungry, my toe is tasty!


Fireworks and sparklers...a perfect way to end the day!

We went to PA to visit my friend, Tina, and her cute family. We started at The Chocolate Factory in Hershey. We did lots of fun stuff including a splash park, swimming, and a park!

Carys at the splash park.
The kids were getting ready for the 3D movie...it was really good!
We ended our trip by getting drunk on chocolate! Note their gooey faces!

Carson is so cute!


Tina warms up Carson after the splash park!