Christmas #2

Christmas morning we woke up to lots of gifts from Santa. The girls still don't quite understand the Santa thing, but Brooklynn was still excited to see the gifts under the tree. We started with stockings. Here's some of the goodies: Lovin' her Mickey coloring book

I decided I wanted to start our own family Christmas tradition this year. So I had the idea of making homemade doughnuts and then having different stuff to dip and sprinkle on them. Little did I know that making doughnuts is no easy task. I didn't realize that you use a doughnut cutter until the day before and sent Steve on a run with no success. So we used our beer glasses and shot glasses - nice! First my dough was too sticky - added more flour - check! Then my oil was too hot = burnt doughnuts - turn down oil - check! My doughnuts never got to be the perfect shape but we made do.

I made a chocolate icing, cinnamon/sugar mix, and lots of sprinkles to use! It was fun but I think it'll be better when the girls are older.

Then it was on to the big gifts. Here's Brooklynn ooohing and awwwing over her new paints. But where will she use these?

Chandler excited about her magnetic drawing pad
DRUM ROLL PLEASE.......the big gift.....the easel. Handmade by Steve on Christmas Eve (well it's not completely done yet, but soon) It's 2 magnetic white boards and then a dowel in the middle for the paper - pretty sweet design.

And Steve finding out what his gift is - a trip to Ireland! Although he wasn't super surprised, he was still excited. We'll be going for a week in March to visit Carrie & Josh (no kids!)

I didn't get any pictures, but my big gift was a KitchenAid mixer. I've wanted one for years, but could never justify spending the money for it. Of course I do lots of cooking, so I don't know why I didn't buy one.

It was great to wake up in the morning and have our own Christmas with the girls. I treasure all the time we get to spend with them, but Christmas is that much more special. I can't wait until next year to see both girls' excitement for the season!

Christmas #1

A lot of preparation went into this Christmas season - numerous light display tours, Zoo lights, Gingerbread houses, homemade ornaments, matching dresses, yadda yadda yadda. So as the big day approached we were a little exhausted and all of us started coming down with a cold. Uggghhh! The first of our Christmas celebrations was the annual Chrismas Eve at the Weslings. We actually attempted to take the girls to the Christmas Eve service, and they did surprisingly well. Here's the girls opening their comfy Christmas pajamas (much better to open gifts in). Of course Chandler had a huge blowout during dinner, so the pjs didn't last long!

Playing with Aunt Carrie and Uncle Josh in the new jammies
Carrie and Brooklynn reading Nosey Rosie with their hats
Opening the wagon from Grandma & Grandpa

Who knew you could hide lots of stuff in those footy pajamas?

After a fun night with delicious food and great company we headed home to prepare for the next morning. It was the first year we've had to put everything out after the kids went to bed. We'll only have to get smarter and slyer each year.

Happy Birthday to me!

Again, another great birthday - Steve always finds a way to make it special! Tuesday I had a yummy lunch with mom at Pasquini's. Then Tuesday night we went to dad's for some yummy chile rellenos! Then Wednesday night was our date night - Outback Steakhouse and then the bar to watch the Nuggets game. Steve compared it to a guys' night out - what can I say? Then Thursday Carrie and Josh arrived from Ireland, so we visited with them before Steve made us dinner. He even picked up some delicious cupcakes - chocolate peppermint and raspberry eggnog! What a special birthday and priceless to see Brooklynn's singing happy birthday to me!

My gift - a new cell phone (since I lost mine)

The Princesses of the House

Delicious cupcake! Brooklynn didn't put her finger in the flame this time!

MySpace-Countdown-Clocks

Cinderella Obsession

Brooklynn's latest obsession has been her new Cinderella doll, so Steve thought it was the perfect time to teach her a little Young M.C. "Bust a Move" (a little modified for you fellow 90s kids). She just loves to sing it, and it's always good for a laugh from us!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Another great weekend of Christmas festivities! On Friday night Steve and I went Christmas shopping for the girls, dinner at Parisi (one of my faves), and then to the Nuggets game. We sat in the 3rd row at the game and got to see the players walk right past us. They actually did an interview with Chauncey Billups right in front of us and we were on T.V.! Pretty cool and they even won! Saturday morning was our annual "Girls' Lunch and Gift Exchange" for the kiddos. This year we did a recipe swap and all brought our favorite childhood book for the gift exchange. The kids had a great time - it's neat to watch them all play together and get along really well! Brooklynn & Chandler got "Angelina Ballerina" and "8 Little Monkeys". It was a little trip down memory lane with some of the books! It was rewarding to see the kids so excited for their books.

Kiley showing off her book!

Then we had to break out the crayons and coloring books - they're so big!

On Sunday morning we drove to mom's house for the annual cookie decorating with the Martins, Mukpiks, and Matt. The kids made some beautiful cookies - much better than the old ones with tons of frosting! Even Brooklynn attempted to frost and sprinkle them but the temptation to eat them was too much for her.

Sisterly love

All the kids (except Carlin)

Sunday evening we went to Jan and Forney's for an open house, because all their family was in town from Minnesota and Australia. Brooklynn was amazed by the train and all the Christmas decorations. It was great to see everyone!

70 Degree December....What?

With so much going on this season and the girls loving it, I feel like I need to blog daily to keep up with everything. It's been wonderful being able to be home with the girls, especially this time of year when there's so much to do with them. Tuesday we met the ladies and Jackson at Bass Pro to visit Santa. I had never been in there (I know a girl from Bennett never there is crazy). They have a whole wonderland for the kids to play in, a free Santa picture, and lots of stuffed animals to entertain the kids. Brooklynn has been so excited to sit on Santa's lap this year, and it didn't disappoint. Chandler wasn't too thrilled - maybe next year! She didn't want to leave! Of course she was awestruck and forgot to tell him what she wanted.
The kids coloring in the wonderland



Checking out the "whales" as Brooklynn called the big fish

Got her hooked already. Uh oh!

Who would've thought the Jeeps would be so much fun? Jackson got the ladies in the back. This could be trouble!

It was 70 degrees on Tuesday - warmer than Florida. So we took the opportunity to take the kids to the park at Stapleton. We've been loving this warm weather, but it's already mid-December and no snow this year. I think I'm ready for it now!

The little walkers

Chandler loved the girls spinning her

as did Hazel.......

Since it was such a nice day we decided to go to Zoo Lights early (instead of waiting until after Christmas. ) Apparently the rest of the city had the same thought. Even though it was busy, it was a fun time! It was an early gift for mom! I know me and the girls are all bundled up, but we could've gone without so many layers - I guess that's the mom in me!

Brooklynn had to ride the carousel. We weren't going to take Chandler, but she was grunting and pointing at it, so we figured we'd better take her. Brooklynn was determined to get the elephant and she did!

Brooklynn loved the "mingos"

The ladies

In Santa's sleigh

Just Another December Weekend

Last weekend was another busy one with Steve's Christmas party, Thornton's Winterfest, Disney on Ice (for Brooklynn), and Katie's sprinkle and dinner at dad's on Sunday. Whoa!

Friday night was Tri-State's annual sweet Christmas party. In a day when Christmas parties are almost obsolete, Steve's work still goes out in pure style. We enjoyed a yummy dinner with fantastic desserts followed by a Murder Mystery - so funny! We had an entertaining evening (even with the computer nerds). Saturday morning Brooklynn went to Disney on Ice with G & G Wesling. She had a magical time and couldn't stop talking about the princesses she saw - especially Cinderella! Saturday evening we drove to the Thornton Rec Center for WinterFest. We had seen many advertisements for it, and knew it would be a neat winter experience. Unfortunately we chose the only cold night we've had in December, so we didn't stay long. They turned the soccer fields into a winter village complete with ice sculptures, Santa, firepits, and lots of lights. Apparently a lot of other people knew about it, because it was crowded. We didn't last long in the frigid temps, so we hopped back in the car, drove around to look at lights, and then returned for the big fireworks display. It was spectacular -a full July 4th show!

Best place to watch the fireworks!

Then Sunday morning it was down to Katie's sprinkle to see old friends. I'm really excited to meet their new little boy soon! After naps we trekked out to Bennett for dinner with dad, Andy, and Kenz - we hadn't all been together since September with Andy's busy work schedule, so it was fun to get the everyone together!

It's Already December? What?

Last week was a fun one - Monkey Bizness & the Children's Museum. It doesn't get much better than that for the girls! Friday we met the Startzels at the museum (which we hadn't been to in a long time). We ended up buying a membership, so we can go there all the time now! The kids had a fun time playing pretend - Jackson cooking some food and Brooklynn doing the laundry. Hmmmm....

Fishing togetherChandler's first time at the museum! Love at first trip!

*She really is walking, but every time I break out the video camera she crawls over to grab it. I'll get it somehow!

He's too stinkin' cute (Brooklynn obviously agrees)
Proud moment - our future science nerd!

But she loves art - she doesn't get that from us!

Saturday evening we went downtown to watch the Parade of Lights (which I hadn't seen since I was a wee one). The weather was bearable and the girls loved it. Watching Brooklynn's eyes light up with each passing float was priceless.

Chandler keeping daddy warm

Look at that smile!

After the parade on Saturday Steve and I stayed downtown to hang out for Jen's 30th birthday party- another entertaining karaoke party. We had a great time hanging out with friends - a little glimpse of the New Orleans trip to come in May. Woo hoo!