Valentines

We had so much fun celebrating Valentines this year.

I made the girls some dresses. 

We passed on love notes and surprises for the whole month leading up to the big day. 

Lydia and Grayson gave their classmates Love Juice for their valentines. Lydia made all of hers and loved every minute of it. Grayson helped but wasn't as into it as Lydia. 

The Love Juice was a huge hit. 

Valentines night was on Monday so we celebrated as a family with a fancy dinner. 

The grill started on fire while I was cooking the steaks. I was scared to death of the giant flames. Luckily I had just enough baking soda to put it out. The best part of the dinner was the yummy red velvet cupcakes we had for dessert. 

I also loved this last minute heart garland I hung to make things extra special. 

New Years

 A New Years Kiss

More Christmas

We were surprised to hear the Kamerath's would be coming Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Night. They got in late and we had to fill the time waiting for them to arrive. 

We baked Santa some cookies for the first time ever.  We usually just put out a box of chocolates. 

Aunt Shelly took the kids to some lights.

We opened our PJ's.

And, finally after the Kamerath's arrived we did the Nativity. 

Kate, Audrey and Clair loved playing sheep.

Our not so wise, wise men. 

My sweet Jared got me a much needed new sewing machine. He likes to spoil me with things I would never get myself. 

 

With eight kids we made a big mess.  

This was our best attempt to keep it under control.

Merry Christmas!

I hope your day was as magical as ours. 

Kate got her big pony

a good reaction

first stilettos

Pillow Pets from NaNa

Three years ago I made a music video with my family LATE christmas night, HERE.  Ever since then we've talked about doing it again.  We finally did it again and had a blast.  Since my sister already has it on facebook, I'll post it here. Merry Christmas. 

Santa Party

2010 Christmas Tree

Looking for the right tree.

The tree is down. 

Waiting back at the truck

The children were very helpful getting the tree into the truck. Kate was especially helpful. 

Success. 

It was a beautiful, special day I hope I don't ever forget. 

Skating with Santa 2010

 We only go ice skating once a year when we go to my moms work Christmas party. It's become a favorite tradition. 

The kids always need a lot of help in the beginning.  

Grayson and Lydia took a lot of falls.  But, they kept getting up and trying again. I love how Grayson is concentrating so hard his tongue is out. 

Taking a break for donuts and hot chocolate. 

By the end of the night they were pro's.

We tried to keep Clair off the ice, but eventually she won.  She liked to be dragged between my legs, with her feet on the ice. 

Kate enjoyed many superman rides with uncle BoBo. 

We always leave wondering why we don't do it more often.