Christmas 2011

Having had Preston at the end of November made us a little bit of a homebody family this Christmas season.  We missed most of the holiday parties as they were held early in December.  We finally made it to the fire department's Christmas party that was held just a few days before Christmas.  The kids had a great time putting together some wooden toy kits that Lowe's had donated, going through the smoke house, and sitting on Santa's lap and getting a present.  Mommy even got a little present from Santa. 

We started off our Christmas weekend by visiting Todd's sister, Chelsea, and her family and finally getting to see their new home.  We had fun talking, playing games,watching some TV and EATING with Todd's family.  The kids disappeared to the basement and we only saw them when there was some tattling to be done.  The next day was Christmas Eve and we hung out at Chelsea's for a while before heading back to the Cole family party.  It was fun to see everyone as always and introduce Preston to everyone that hadn't had a chance to see him yet.  We headed home that evening and eventually got the excited kids to go to bed.  Santa came and Christmas morning was a whirwind of wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, wrappers, and lots of excitement.  If I ever get time I'll edit and post a short video, unfortunately the video camera was the only camera going that morning.  The kids were super spoiled as usual.  Luckily Preston slept through the whole thing, so I was able to focus on the big kids and help them get toys out of packages so they could play.  The big things they got this year were...

Garrett- Star Wars Lego set, Light Saber, and a remote control helicopter

Lauren- a HUGE doll house and Princess Barbies

Ella- a battery-powered Minnie Mouse scooter and a Minnie Mouse pillow pet.

We had Christmas tree waffles and tried to quickly get ready for church.  We were 1/2 hour late and had to sit on the stage, but I'm glad we made it and were able to hear some wonderful music and Christmas messages. 

After church we had lunch at Todd's parent's home and then headed off to my mom's for a dinner and cousin gift exchange for the kids.  Then it was off to the Cox family party and more food and fun. 

It was a hectic schedule but so much fun and we are sad it is over.  The kids are already looking forward to next year and we finally got the excess toys cleaned out of the closet to make room for the new ones. 

Thinking back over the last year reminds me of how blessed we are.  A year ago Todd was on unemployment and we had no idea what the future would bring.  Little did we know that just a few weeks later he would start a great new job and by the end of the year we would add another sweet baby boy to our family.  We are so incredibly grateful for the friends and family we have and for the blessings that we enjoy.  We already have so much to look forward to in the next year and are excited for what is yet to come.