Christmas

We enjoyed Christmas Eve with the Mackay family. We had a yummy dinner and then allowed the kids to open up their cousin gifts. Unfortunately I forgot Ian's and Rachel's at our house... So, Audrey just opened up her presents. But Chase kept on finding more things to buy for Audrey, so she had a few presents to open and let her sister help. Ian didn't mind not having something to open.

 

 

We then came home and put everyone to bed. I love putting kids to bed on Christmas Eve. There's no arguing, no whining about brushing teeth, etc... They cooperate and just get to bed, because they want Santa to come! :) The next morning the girls were up at their usual time (around 7 am) ready to dive into their presents. They had asked Santa for a Wii for the family. So, we let them play and discover the Wii for awhile while we waited for Ian to wake up. 

Once Ian emerged I tried to get a picture of the kids in front of the tree:

Everyone was then allowed to explore their stockings. Such fun treasures from bubble bath to umbrellas to goldfish to movies to band aids!

 

 

We then took turns opening presents. Everyone was quite excited about each and every one of their gifts. The kids were definitely spoiled by their parents, grandparents, and cousins. It's so much fun to watch their faces as they open and enjoy their presents. Every year it surprises me what they really enjoy and what becomes their favorite. Andy had visited many stores for one certain gift and it ended up not really being a favorite. Such is life! We enjoyed our morning opening our presents.

 

 

 

This picture is so not clear and taken with my phone, but it's my favorite picture of Christmas this year. So much joy and excitement on that face!

After opening presents and getting presentable, the Mackay family joined us for brunch. We enjoyed some good food once again. Then right around Ian's nap time we packed up everyone (and a few presents) into the car to drive to Papa and Grandma Michaelson's house. Jeff and Amy were visiting from Pennsylvania and we wanted to spend some of Christmas with them as well. So there's more fun and presents to come...

Christmas Activities

December was full of lots of activities. We enjoyed our ward Christmas party. It's always fun to attend and socialize with our friends. Santa visited the party as well and we attempted pictures of the kids. Ian wasn't a huge fan, he ran away as soon as he could. But the girls knew the drill and were willing to sit a bit longer and ask for what they wanted for Christmas. I love how they're both twirling their hair; a nervous habit they share. :)

Audrey's preschool is run by a local Methodist church. They sponsored a program where you walked through Bethlehem. It was really neat and we enjoyed it. They had people from their congregation set up to act out various parts of the Christmas story. I was impressed. The girls enjoyed dressing up as little shepherds while we were there:

On Audrey's last day of preschool for the semester she was excited to bring home her reindeer bag full of Christmas crafts she had made throughout the month.

When I went to pick her up from preschool all the kids were coming out dressed up like reindeer. And it just so happened that "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" was playing on the radio at the same time. She was one cute girl reindeer!

This year I signed up to be Rachel's room mom. My first assignment was the Winter Party. It was fun to go and spend time with Rachel in her classroom. She was thrilled that I was in charge. One year she won't be as thrilled, so I've got to enjoy these years... The kids decorated sugar cookies and enjoyed queso and chips. Here's Rachel with her decorated cookies:

The Saturday before Christmas, Craig and Natalie enjoyed dinner out to celebrate Natalie's birthday a bit early. Chase and Landon hung out at our place. The big kids enjoyed decorating some sugar cookies (leftover from the above party, which was the day before):

December was definitely full of lots of activities. We stayed busy and were grateful for the slowdown once Christmas break started.

One bike at a time...

Many years ago Andy learned about Elves & More, an organization that donates bikes to children around Christmas. For several years we've given a monetary contribution to this organization. We really liked the idea of children receiving bikes. I like the fact that the children each earn their bike. They fill out a contract with their teacher and if they follow through, they get a bike. So, not only does it make their Christmas a little brighter, but it also helps them learn how to earn something. One of the many great organizations out there. We are fans! Elves & More are all over, so if you're interested, look it up in your area. :) 

This year, Andy decided it would be fun for Rachel to go with him to build the bikes. Rachel was so excited about this! We actually had to reschedule their night, but it all worked out in the end. The week they were assembling the bikes was the same week of Audrey's birthday and Andy's work Christmas party. They ended up going on the last night and Andy was worried the bikes might all be assembled. But he was wrong, there was plenty to do. Rachel and Andy spent a few hours there and put together 17 bikes!

This night was a win-win all around. Rachel got to spend time with her dad. Rachel got to learn how to put a bike together. Rachel got to feel good about doing something for someone else. Rachel and her dad had fun. I think this is a new December tradition for us. In a few years time our whole family can go and help. One year I'd like us to be able to see the bikes delivered. That would be neat...seeing the joy on the faces of the children. I'm grateful we're able to help out with little projects like this.

Audrey's Birthday

We had so much fun celebrating Audrey on her 5th birthday. The night before we were out late at Andy's work Christmas party, but the lack of sleep didn't cause anyone to lack energy...especially the birthday girl. She was up bright and early, excited for her day to start! She got to open one present before school, since it was something she could take to school.

 

A new backpack! She's been struggling fitting all her paperwork, lunch, and water bottle in her old backpack. So, a new one was needed.

 

Off to school Audrey went! Her birthday fell on one of her short days, so I was allowed to bring treats into her class around 11 am. Since it was so early and my kids aren't really fans of cake or cupcakes, we opted for doughnut holes. My girls have recently been introduced to these and they love them. So, we brought doughnut holes for her class. Audrey was so excited to give everyone a birthday treat and for her class to sing to her. She was just beaming!

  

After school we had a little bit of down time. Ian took a nap, Audrey and I got to just hang out, and then soon Rachel came home from school. We were anxiously awaiting Papa and Grandma Michaelson to arrive as well. Audrey loves Chuck E. Cheese and had asked that we go there for her birthday dinner. So, the Mackays and the Texas grandparents joined us. Everyone had a good time at Chuck E. Cheese!

 

Once we got home from Chuck E. Cheese it was present time! Audrey was VERY anxious to unwrap the rest of her presents. She was definitely spoiled by her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She's one lucky gal!

 

  

After all the presents were opened and the birthday girl had a chance to change into her new black sweater (a gift she requested specifically), it was time to enjoy some cake. Audrey asked for a pink cake inside and out. So easy to please! 

The super-smiley birthday girl blowing out her candles and making a wish:

I love the candid pictures of Audrey. She's smiling in every single one... She loved her day and loved getting attention. We're grateful that the Mackays and Papa and Grandma Michaelson were able to join us as we celebrated Audrey. She's such a good girl, with a sweet, tender spirit. Audrey does not lack personality or spunk either. Some are surprised when I say this. But when Audrey's in a comfortable place all barriers come down and her true self comes out. I love watching her when she's being herself. She loves to laugh, dance, and sing. I'm so grateful for her and for all teaches me.

Work Christmas Party

Every once in awhile Ernst & Young surprises us by having a family friendly activity. They did a family work Christmas party two years ago and we were excited to find out they were going to do it again this year. The girls still remember the last time and they were excited to go. It's just held at Andy's office downtown. There's food, pictures with Santa, and various activities inside. They also provide everyone with passes to ice skate at Discovery Green, which is kitty-corner from Andy's office. The party was on December 10th this year, which was a really busy week for us, but we knew we had to make it happen. As soon as we got there, we got pictures with Santa:

We ate some snacks (our kids never eat well at parties) and the girls insisted getting their faces' painted:

 

The kids and I went down to the lobby while Andy went back to the car to gather all the winter gear. I attempted to get a few pictures of the kids in front of the massive Christmas tree at Andy's work building:

 

Goofy pictures:

 

We then got all bundled up and headed out. Sometimes I'm amazed that we can ice skate outside in Houston. But this night, it was COLD!!! Ice skating seemed like a reality. We debated taking the passes and coming back on a warmer day, but we knew the girls had been looking forward to this for too long. So, we went with it. We probably spent about an hour outside. I tried my best to keep Ian happy while the girls ice skated with their daddy.

Ready to go:

Warming up in the kiddie area while Dad gets ready:

Out on the big rink with Daddy:

Enjoying the kiddie rink again while the big rink gets resurfaced:

Ian super happy Daddy's holding him during the break:

We always enjoy Andy's family friendly Christmas Party. We never bother with the adult one... :) Discovery Green is our favorite place to ice skate because they have double-bladed ice skates. It makes it enjoyable for the girls. I don't know if I'll get away with sitting on the sidelines with Ian next year, he may insist we join them. That will be an interesting venture...