Monday, December 29, 2014

Hiking and Bowling

We had a beautiful December day on Saturday so we went up to the Eno River in Durham for a picnic and a hike.  The kids were pretty tired by the end but it was fun and the weather really was perfect.




She got a bit tired of walking so Shannon let us borrow her Boba.  She loved it...for a little while at least ;)



After hiking we had dinner and then headed to the bowling alley.  We always try to go when we are all in town.  It was Haven's first time actually getting to play and she thought it was so fun.  She kept picking up the 6lb balls and trying to bowl.  It was cute to watch her.



While the boys played a second game the kids went to the arcade.  I don't think she quite understood the game, haha.  I'm going to be sad when Brenan goes back home although my house wont be such a disaster :)

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Christmas!!!

We spent Christmas Eve at my parents house with Travis, Brenan and families.  My mom made yummy food, we played games, had a Christmas devotional, and did our annual tradition of each opening one gift.  I LOVE Christmas Eve.  I love the anticipation and being with my family.  

Pretty girl with her adorable outfit on



The kids opening the poppers Mama Cheri and Pops got us for Christmas Eve. The kids thought these were soooo fun.


Cousin Bella helping Haven blow her whistle 

We headed home and played Santa.  I was soooo excited!

Santa went and long his dang mind, ha!  Phillip and I both would have killed for Power Wheels when we were kids so we finally got them for the big kids.  I could hardly wait for them to see them.  Addison had suggested that she wanted one but never really asked for it since she knew it was impossible!

Haven LOVES her car.  She plays with it at every house we go to that has one so she had fun with that.

Addison just stopped dead on the stairs when she saw the cars.  She couldn't even talk.  It was awesome!

Soooo happy!


Haven LOVES shoes.  She insists on wearing them all the time, even going to bed with them so she loves her slippers

She thought this ball popper was pretty cool, haha

Feeling a little shaky on her new skates


The kids were so excited to give each other and mom and dad the presents they made.  It was super sweet and my favorite part of opening gifts



Addison has been wanting feetie pajamas for a year. I had a hard time finding them in her size so she was beyond thrilled that she finally got some.

This was the one thing Cooper consistently asked for the past few months.  I have no idea why and I don't even think he knows why but he was so happy to get it.

My polka dotty girl


These magnaitiles were also the hit of the day.  The big kids played with them for HOURS.  Even Addison who rarely plays with building toys is now begging for a set for herself.  

I have no idea why but Haven loves Frozen.  She can't possibly understand what is going on in it but she loves it anyway.  She loves this doll.  I on the other hand am about to throw it out the window with it singing Let It Go over and over!

Phillip has been getting into golf lately and was borrowing my dad's 30 year old clubs so he was super excited to get his own new set.

The kids had a blast riding around the backyard in their new wheels.  I LOVED watching them having so much fun.

 My dad picked these up on a trip to Canada a few months ago.  They are sooo cute!


The kids played with the magnatiles for the rest of the day.  Glad they were a hit!!


We were able to chat with various family members, eat more yummy food, play games and long naps.  Perfect day!!

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Sunday Before Christmas

I love buying the girls Christmas dresses and because I thought Cooper looked so cute at Trav and Ashlee's wedding, I bought a bowtie and suspenders for him.  They are adorable!! I always love the Sunday before Christmas so I can dress them up.


Haven just wanted to dance

He's soooo handsome!

My beautiful girl

Haven refused to participate after the first 2 minutes so I had to snap a few of just the big kids

Cuteness!  He looks so grown up next to her.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Santa Time!

Phillip and my dad's Christmas party was last night and the kids ask about it every year because they just want to see Santa. 

Cute kids in their Christmas clothes

Had to get a better shot of Haven's ADORABLE outfit

Cooper spent about 5 minutes talking with Santa.  He LOVES him!  And Santa remembered his name from last year and Cooper thought that was amazing.



We tried to get a shot with just the kids but Haven wouldn't come within 10 feet of him without being securely held by Phillip.  

 She would finally give him a high 5 by the very end of the night but that was all Santa could get.  Hopefully she'll like him better next year!