Christmas with the Bray's

A Typical scene in the living room. There was a total of 13 people and 5 dogs. Joseph loved being surrounded by the dogs. The kids getting ready for bed.

Savannah running around outside.

Thomas and Daddy having snowball fights with the little bit of snow that was left.

Addy stopping to smile for the camera.

opening presents, cousin Kasandra helping them out.

Kasandra's twin sister Kasara sitting in the background.

Grandma and Grandpa Bray opening gifts.

Cousine Jake and Savannah doing a puzzle together. Jake is 13 and almost 6ft tall.

Aunt Kim, Allens sister helping the girls.

Joe Fish (Joseph) in his camo, can't wait to go hunting with the boys one of these days.

Christmas at our house

Before the kids tore into everything. Right after they ran into the room

Discovering the Hermit Crabs we bought for the girls. Thank you friends and family for talking us out of Guinea pigs or a puppy. We were temporarily insane. They love the hermit crabs.

I briefly freaked out thinking that Addy and written Merry Christmas with markers on the fire place but it was with Wikki Sticks that she received in her stocking. Addy and Savannah have made all kinds of things out of these.

Grandma helping Addy build Marble Run that Santa brought.

Bri and Savannah cozied up watching Liss play Guitar Hero on the Wii

You Rock Liss!

Here she is again.

Joseph and the kids playing in his new Fisher Price learning home.

These next pics are the day before. My Mom, my sisters and the kids.

I let the kids open a present during the Day Monday to keep them busy. a 500 piece set of Zoobs. I will post pics later of some of the creations.

These trays were kind of bonus gift. They were $5 a piece at Michaels. The kids have been using them for everything. Even Joseph has been using his, toys can fit in the sides, and he has been holding on to it to get in standing position. The girls have done crafts and other building creations, and Thomas has eaten in the living room using his.

Baking Cookies Christmas Eve

We had our Christmas Eve on Monday night since we were going to be heading out of town on Tuesday afternoon. I dabbed flour on the kids cheeks and noses to get them in the baking spirit. They thought it was very funny. I let them get as messy as they wanted.

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Irwin's

We celebrated Christmas at My Mom and Dad's on Sunday night before Christmas. Here is Thomas trying out one of the masks that came in his new book from Aunt Bri.

Bri holding Joseph. My little sister Bri is now engaged to Steve. He proposed to her Tuesday. I am still so excited about this. They have dated for the past few years, and my kids absolutely adore him.

The Mystery Machine...if you remember he got the Scooby Gang action figures back in October for his Birthday, Scooby doo is still a big deal at our house.

My sister Melissa (Liss) who lives in Venice Beach, California. I am bummed I only got to see her a couple times while she was in town. Hopefully we will get to see her this summer.

A rare picture. Liss does not cook at least not very often... I was impressed with her talent of stirring two pots at once. Great job Liss.

I tried a new meatball recipe out this year. Bag of frozen meatballs, can of cranberry sauce, and a jar of Heinz Chilli sauce. Easy, Easy, and so yummy. Thomas and Grandpa are seen here enjoying them.

Savannah with her stocking at Grandma and Grandpa's

Addy with her stocking.

Fun in the Snow

Savannah and Midnight enjoying the snow last week. Addy and her goofy hat

Thomas had much more fun in the snow this day, I think because it wasn't freezing cold.

Joseph watching out the kitchen windows. Maybe next year...

My Girls

Last night right before I read to them "The Crippled Lamb" by Max Lucado. If you haven't read this story, if you don't own this story you need to go out and get it. This story really reminds you of the true meaning of Christmas. The girls really enjoyed it this year. I wanted to take quick pictures to show you them at bedtime. Savannah is sleeping on her big fish pillow, with her favorite heart blanket that was originally Addy's blanket. Addy gave this blanket to her when Savannah was little because " she needed a blanket too" and Addy already had another special blanket. Savannah's pillow also has hand prints from all her KDG friends, she always has this pillow case on.

Addy wears a sleep mask to keep the light out, since Savannah still likes the closet light on and night light. In the background you can see her favorite blue snake, and she is lying on her favorite giant fish in her pink floral bed with her special baby blanket.

Cinnamon Rolls can make you do anything

Caught in action. Joseph who had been sitting up near the couch suddenly was on his stomach and scooting across the floor. He had hold of Thomas' fork and was reaching for the cinnamon roll on the plate. Here he is clapping over his accomplishment. Thomas not so thrilled.

There he goes again. Yes, Joseph did enjoy a small piece of it. Look at his face. Grandma Bray's cinnamon rolls are something we all look forward too. I think Joseph has to be the youngest fan though.

Look how big I'm getting

Well Hello There. I thought I would tell you that all that drooling, runny nose, and gooey eyes has paid off...do you see my two bottom teeth. They make me look pretty cute don't they. Mom, why do you keep taking pictures of me?

No one ever told me it would be this easy to crawl...

I put one hand like this, and then my knee like this

Mom, put the camera away will ya? I am practicing. I will let you know when I got it all figured out. Okay!