Holiday!! Celebrate!!

Blogging about the holidays so late makes me feel like one of those people that still has their decorations up in February! But, oh well, better late than never.

THANKSGIVING

Briellen, Mitchell, Ivy, Luke & Sidney

Oh, all of the things that I am thankful for.... One night at dinner, I looked around and saw Stephen and these 5 little people sitting there eating and chatting and laughing and my heart almost burst. I am thankful for this little family, I am thankful that we all love each other unconditionally, I am thankful that we are healthy and happy and that we have found a groove that makes our life normal and happy.

I am thankful for my Mom & Dad for showing me what a family should look and feel like, for constantly sharing their wisdom, for being a rock for us to hold on to when we are sinking. I am thankful for my sisters and brother for our amazing friendships with each other, for being an example to my babies of what brothers and sisters should be!

I am thankful for Stephen's family who loves and supports us... Willing to move to a different state to be near us.

I am thankful for my oh, so many true girlfriends. I am thankful for the hours of crying and laughing and shopping and wine. I am thankful that even if months slip by without talking, catching up is like it was only a week that passed. I am thankful that they embraced my chaotic life without missing a step!

I am thankful for the help I STILL get every week even 2 1/2 years later -- Ms. Deborah, Nae-Nae, Lolly, & Bella -- What would I do without you??

I am thankful that I have a relationship with God... I am thankful that he carries me through the crazy times, comforts me when I am sad, gives me strength when I am scared, and forgives me when I mess up!

(I am also thankful for Pumpkin spice lattes, Rain boots in rainy weather, Pedicures, Nordstrom's semi annual shoe sale, Bubble gum, Cosmopolitans, Triscuits & Laughing Cow Cheese, Skype, and Angry Birds)

CHRISTMAS

Luke, Ivy, Brie, Sidney & Mitchell

With Santa

My grandma, GG, invited us to the Buckingham for brunch with Santa. The babies were not sure what to think of Santa... They loved the idea of him, but when face to face they wanted nothing to do with him. The only way that they would get near him is if Stephen and I were with them. If you look closely you can see that they are all ready to BOLT!!

Ivers

Loving the markers!

Sidney

Um, yes, this is her smile these days.

Briellen

She is a perfectionist

Luke

Mitchell

Stephen & Elle

We never take pics together anymore so I was adamant...

However, I am getting so tired of my dang pony tail!

Sisters & GG

Elle, Margaret, Amy

CHRISTMAS MORNING

I can't even begin to tell you how much fun Christmas morning was! The stockings were the biggest hit. I debated whether or not to do them, but opening stockings was such a great memory for me, that I decided I must do them! I am SO glad that I did. Every time they pulled something new out of their stocking, their faces just glowed!!

When it came to the gifts, the girls loved ripping open the paper... The boys wanted to play with everything. So the girls opened everything and the boys played with the very first thing they opened. (Trains) It was complete chaos with trash and toys everywhere! LOVED. IT.

Mitchell

Couldn't move past the flashlight in his stocking.

Luke

Was obsessed with the lollipops in his stocking.

Licked for a minute then opened a new one.

Luke's discard pile.

Briellen

Movie Star

Ivy

Spent forever on her stocking... savoring every item.

Sidney

Was so excited to have more stuff to hoard.

We then went over to my mom and dad's house for more presents and traditional Turkey & stuffing Christmas lunch.

Opening Bikes from Mimi

Luke, Sidney, Ivy, Brie, Mitchell & Brynne-Boo

Waiting for more gifts to open.

Nap Mats

One of their favorite gifts... They just lay on them wherever!

NEW YEARS

Two of our best friends (Kari & Bob) came into town to help bring in the New Year... They had a new baby, Ayla, in May and I had been desperately wanting to meet her, but couldn't make it work to get to California, so they brought her to me!! When I tell you that this is the cutest, happiest baby on the planet, it is an understatement. I fell in love, love, love! Her mommy is a fashionista, so Ayla is dressed & accessorized adorably every day. Just wanted to squeeze her all the time!!

Ayla & Auntie Elle

As we are getting older, going out on New Years Eve holds little appeal for us... Sloppy drunks, mass crowds, overpriced dinners... ick! We had a grown up slumber party at my sister Amy's house. Lots of great conversation and catching up!

The next night we hit the town for dinner and drinks!!!

The Girls!

Ellen, Amy, Kari, Amy, Sooze

Susan & Kari

Wasabi Bloodies

Sisters

Amy & Elle

The Guys (And Sooze)

Sis, RJ, Stephen, Damon, Bob

I had every intention of getting Christmas cards out this year, but I procrastinated and decided to do New Year Cards... It's the end of January and I found myself telling myself that I'll do Valentines Cards instead... Now, people, do you think I will really get out Valentines Cards?? I am thinking no, so here is the picture that I was going to use.

I hope everyone had a fabulous Holiday!!! Love to all!!

Happy New Year!!!

Briellen, Mitchell, Ivy, Luke, Sidney

Picture by Laura Howell

www. laurajeannette.com

(Lukes face is priceless because he RARELY smiles in pics)