Christmas Eve and Cousins

 Early Christmas Eve morning, we headed down to Glennville.  We wanted to go early this year so we could get back home and enjoy the Christmas Eve excitement with the kids.  We had a great meal at Jennifer's house and then opened gifts. 

The kids had a great time playing, then we had a surprise visit from more cousins- Madeline, Parker, and Cooper. Braden and Ella do not get to play with these cousins much, but boy they all had a great time. I wish they could play more often. They played tag, jumped on the trampoline, went for rides on the golf cart, and played chase the puppy!!  It was great to watch them have so much fun.  Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the day.

 Playing tag with the cousins!

 They froze long enough for me to take a picture! :)

 Ella and Cooper waiting patiently for their turn on the trampoline.

Ella trying to tie Cooper's shoe. (She cannot even tie her own! HA! HA!)

Then we got home about 8:30 and the kids quickly got their showers.  Then it was time to checking where Santa was on the computer, putting out cookies and reindeer food, and off to bed. 

Then, Santa finally came!!!!

My Ballerina

Last Friday night, Ella had her dance recital. This year she was moved up to the older group and she did so well. She was even on the end so she lead the group in their circle and then lead everyone back to their spots! I was so proud of her! She absolutely LoVeS dance and I LoVe watching her!!

 My pretty girl!

 Ella and her Maka!

 Dancing to the Pinata song!

 We bought Ella a bear instead of flowers since flowers give her the hives!!

 Daddy and his kiddos!!

Christmas Fun Has Begun!!

 Last weekend, we went to the Lake Club for their annual Santa visit.  It is a long wait, but it is oh so worth it! He is an absolute great Santa.  He talks with each child for a few minutes and it really sweet!  The kids have  a blast.  Braden was no so sure he wanted to sit on his lap, but he changed his mind.  He thinks his elf is going to get the list to santa, so he is not worried about telling Santa what is on his list!!! Here are some picture from that night.

My sassy girl!!!

Our elf, Single, has returned!! This year he is definitely finding strange hiding places.  His favorite is to hang upside down anywhere he can!! :)

Then today, I let the kids decorate a gingerbread house.  They always enjoy doing this.  I just LoVe this time of the year!!!! Seeing all this through the eyes of a child is such a wonderful blessing!!! 

Binki's Anonymous

Ella has gotten rid of her pacifier on multiple times.  Ever now and then she will find one and go into withdrawls!! It is really kind of sad!! She just loves these paci's. 

Today, the kids were upstairs playing in the playroom and it became really quiet.  So, I went upstairs to see what they were doing! Here is what I found. 

She had the bouncy seat on vibrate and was dead asleep with the paci in her mouth!! Poor baby!!!

Our Karate Kid

Well, Braden has finally made it to his red belt in Tang So Do.  He has really come a long way.  He is learning the commands in Korean and a lot of skill in balance and self- control.  We are so proud of him!!! 

My Little Turkey

Ella's school did their annual K-4 Thanksgiving program.  Ella was a "kid on the bus." They sang a few songs before the program in Spanish, which is sad to admit that I think she knows more than I do.  The program was very cute! She did a great job!  My mom said it was hard to see her on stage performing- I would rather her still be sitting in the audience with me! I would have to agree! Why do they have to grow up?!? :)

They stuffed their shirts because they ate the turkeys!!! Too cute!!

My sweet girl on the bus!! I just love her!!!

Pumpkin Patch, Disney, and More

I just cannot seem to find the time to blog lately. Anyways, we have been very busy lately so be ready for a picture overload. First, we spent one Saturday in October at the pumpkin patch. Marc said he has NeVeR been to one before so he decided to go with us. He said he was glad he did!!! The kids had a great time picking out their pumpkins. Of course, Braden had to have one so heavy he could not carry it, and Ella had to have a very small pumpkin.

Next, the kids went to Trunk or Treat at their school.  Braden was a fisherman and Ella was Princess Ariel. 

WARNING: You will see more pictures of Ella than Braden.  For some reason, Braden goes into hiding when he sees me with the camera.  I hope it is just a short phase!! :)

Then, we were off for our Disney Halloween Birthday Celebration for my sweet 8 year old!!! We had a great time! This time we went to Epcot, Braden's favorite, and Magic Kingdon, my favorite.  We even rode a few new rides at Magic Kingdom, even after we have been there 5 times!!! 

Braden got to choose where we ate for dinner the night of  his birthday .  He chose T-Rex! It is a great place, but it is LOUD!  They even brought Braden a small birthday surprise!!! Then we were off to trick or treat at downtown Disney!! That is always fun!! 

My FaVoRiTe Picture!! :)