Christmas 2009

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! We spent a few days with Ben's family in Houston before heading to Fort Worth to spend a few days with mine. Luckily, both of the girls travel pretty well, so we can't complain. And if driving to grandparents' homes ensures us cakes, cookies and Christmas presents, than by all means, count us in!

Sydney kind of looks like a deer in headlights in this one, but that's nothing compared to Addison. Addi flipped out (hence, no photo).

From now on, instead of timeouts and spankings, I'll just tell her she'll have to sit with Santa.

Isn't this great! It's Ben's parents' neighbor.

I'm taking notes for next year.

Addi riping through presents at Grammy & Grandpa's.

It snowed on Christmas Eve. Hard.

Nana & Sydney, both without coats.

We were too excited.

Dressed up and ready to go to church.

The girls did great. Addi liked the singing.

Addi, Kenlee, Bubba & Kaylee opening 1 gift on Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning.

Fort Worth hasn't had a white Christmas in over 80 years!

Over 3 inches! Addi was afraid to put her feet down.

Ben helped Sydney open her gifts. More pajamas. :)

Addi's favorite gifts:

baby & stroller from Nana

bowling set from Grammy (see below)

The Big 30!

With the help of a few friends, we threw Ben a 30th surprise party a couple of weeks ago. He was completely shocked! We ordered pizza and let the kids run around until we were all exhausted. Even after a full night of fun, we were still home by 10pm. Ha. Are we getting old or what?!

Daddy's little girls

Man, that's a lot of candles

Addi & Elana helped

coming back for seconds

everyone + Mickey

Nightly routine

We try to ware Addi down every night, getting out every last drop of energy. It usually involves jumping off of the bed or spinning in circles. This one was particularly entertaining...

Night in Bethlehem

Our church held a wonderful event for toddlers last week that put the average nativity to shame. Not only did they have Mary & Joseph, but they had a petting zoo, ornament decorating station and real live angels! The pictures just don't do it justice.

Mary & Joseph (a.k.a. Jordan & Katie, who are due with their little girl Kendall in just a few weeks). I hadn't planned to be in the picture, but Addi wasn't sure about the whole thing.

Ben & George had everything under control while Lindsay and I took pictures.

This was at the pottery making station right before I asked Addi to take the play-doh out of her mouth.

We loved the angels. Addi wanted a picture with her.

cookie break

We had a sugar cookie decorating party this morning. I wasn't sure how it would go, considering we had 9 two & three year olds, but it went great! I baked the cookies beforehand & had plenty of icing and sprinkles to go around. The moms monitored the icing usage, but we let them go wild with sprinkles. I'm now dealing with the sugar rush aftermath. Nap time can't come soon enough.

the whole gang

would you like some cookie with those sprinkles?

Jake & Levi lovin' the icing

sweet Hudson didn't even need parental guidance