Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! I hope that you had a great last few weeks and are looking forward to a new 2013.

We had a wonderful December! I'll let the pictures do most of the talking...

Thomas participated in the Festival of Saint Lucia at my work. It is a long standing tradition for a sophomore girl to be crowned Santa Lucia. Employees' children are asked to participate in the festival. Thomas was chosen this year. We have celebrated Santa Lucia in my house for years, so it was extra special to see him up there.

 The boys met Santa at the Breakfast with Santa, for Thomas's preschool. Both of them enjoyed talking to him and no tears were shed! They told Santa they wanted trains and cars.

 We cut down our Christmas tree this year again. Thomas was a big helper for Charlie.

 Thomas had his first Christmas program!! All of the little preschoolers sang their hearts out and were great hosts. It was a very fun sight to see.

We were lucky to spend Christmas with both of our families. On Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, we were with my family (my parents and also my sister and her family up from Texas). It was so fun watching the kids play! We had two girls (9 and 5) and our boys (4 and 1) there. So much fun was had by everyone. We even had time get a cousin photo...the mower one wasn't it. :) While we were selecting photos, grandpa monitored everyone playing on the mowers at Sears. :) 

The boys were very lucky boys this year..and were treated well by Santa and family. Here is Henry, arriving at Grandma and Grandpa's house on Christmas morning...his new Elmo in tow.

We went to Charlie's mom's house on Christmas Day afternoon for an evening of fun. The cousins all had a great time playing....so did the adults. I'm not sure who was having more fun...

 Once we got back home, we had some more time with my family. Charlie even took all of the men (minus Henry) ice fishing. It was a first time experience for my dad and brother-in-law and a second time for Thomas.

Both boys amaze me everyday. Over this past week, Henry's vocabulary and speech clarity have grown so much. He is talking all the time and knows what he wants. Thomas continues to be very patient with his brother and is quite the big brother. They have enjoyed playing with one another over break, especially downstairs, in our new play area. We have carved out the basement as a play area now for the boys and we all have a good time down there.

Many blessing to you all in 2013!