Playing in the snow...

We had so much fun playing in the snow today. Jackson and Aubrin loved going down the hills and making snow piles.

A wonderful time of year...

We have had a couple of busy days, but so fun filled with family. We started Christmas Eve with Jackson and Aubrin putting reindeer food all of the front lawn (Crushed candy cane, oatmeal and gold glitter.) We had to make sure those silly reindeer could find our house. We spent Christmas Eve with Todd's side of the family. We went over to his parents house opened presents, went to mass and then back to his parents house for dinner and more gifts. Jackson and Aubrin had so much fun opening presents with their cousins. Aubrin was so excited when she opened her baby bed that Papa made her. She was so cute putting her baby in it to go to sleep. Jackson was SO EXCITED about everything! From cookies, to getting presents and giving presents. It was a really fun year to watch Jackson.
When we got home we put out our treats for Santa and the reindeer. Jackson was a little unsure about Santa being in the house while he was sleeping, but said he could come in just as long as he didn't "break in" the house.
Both Jackson and Aubrin were up early on Christmas morning. They were both excited to come downstairs and see all of the surprises that Santa left under the tree. We took our time opening gifts and playing with each of them as we opened. We took a break to eat breakfast and then back to the excitement of opening. Jackson LOVES his remote control car. He has enjoyed chasing Aubrin around the house with it. Aubrin loves anything to do with her baby doll. She loved getting a new stroller to push her baby around the house.
We spent Christmas Day at my parents house. Jackson and Aubrin were so happy to see Emerson and Will~ we haven't seen them since October. My mom made a wonderful Christmas dinner and then we opened gifts with our aunt, uncle, cousins and great grandma. Again, the kids had so much fun opening gifts and spending time with family.
Today (Sunday) we went to my parents to have Christmas morning with them again. My mom and dad like to give us and the kids our presents when it's just us and they don't have to share us with anyone else. They enjoy sitting on the floor and opening all the gifts with Jackson, Aubrin, Will and Emerson. It was a great morning to have the whole family together. Jackson was very excited to open his gas pumper and Aubrin loves her new toaster, blender and coffee pot.
We feel very blessed to have spent the past couple of days with such wonderful family. We hope that you enjoyed your Christmas as much as we did.

Breakfast with Santa

Today we had breakfast with Santa. When Santa arrived Jackson and Aubrin were a bit nervous, but then sat on the floor with all of the kids waiting for Santa to call their names. When it was Jackson's turn he and I went up together. Jackson decided it was better to stand next to Santa rather than sit on his lap. He told Santa what he wanted, got a present and quickly went to open it. When it was Aubrin's turn, she was not going to sit on his lap, or get too close. Santa gave her a present and she said, "Bye-Bye". After everyone was done getting their gift, Jackson wanted to go back up and see Santa again, and slap him five. Jackson asked him where his reindeer were and then said, "Bye Santa." It was a great morning.

Life at our house...

Jackson and Aubrin have been busy. They are both very excited when they wake up to find Charlie the Elf in the house. Jackson has found a new love of listing to books on CD. He listens to them at school and asked if we could get some for home too! He will sit and listen to several books in the kitchen while I make dinner. Aubrin is enjoying coloring and playing with her toys. She is such a silly little girl. Jackson and Aubrin LOVE playing together and learning how to share with each other.
Jackson and I made a gingerbread house the other day. Aubrin started to help, but she ate the chimney, so Jackson and I thought it would be a better idea if we built in when Aubrin went to bed.

Preschool Jingle Bell Party

Jackson had his Jingle Bell party at school this week. He was very excited for me to go to school with him and show me the different things he does in his classroom. Jackson and I spent the morning making crafts, playing games and eating yummy snacks.

A lot to be thankful for...

Last week we had a very packed week with dinners, visitors, family, and friends. My Aunt Ellen was in town from California for the week. She and my Grandma Olenech came over for dinner. Jackson and Aubrin were both excited to see them and play with them in their playroom.
We had Thanksgiving dinner at Todd's parents house. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins and eating lots of yummy food. Thanksgiving night we read Elf on a Shelf to the kids. Each morning Jackson and Aubrin get up to try and find the elf. They are having so much fun with it. It has also sparked a lot of conversation about Santa Clause. I love three year old questions.
The day after Thanksgiving I picked up my friend Michele at 4:40 and off shopping we went. We found a few good deals and had a great time together.
Jackson and Aubrin decorated their Christmas tree up stairs. Jackson has been cracking us up. We put his Nativity Scene under his tree, but next to it Jack put a barn. Each night he puts all the animals in it to sleep and in the morning takes them out and rearranges them again. Too cute!
Sad to say that Todd's Grandma passed away last week. She lived a very long and wonderful life. She will be missed dearly. Todd and I went to Indiana for her funeral and also had the chance to see a lot of family that we don't see very often.
After all of the family fun and festivities, it has caught up with Aubrin. We went to the doctors today and she has the flu. She our little lady is taking it easy and resting. It's so hard to see your little ones so sick.
We hope that you have a wonderful week. We continue to be thankful for all of the amazing people in our lives.

Welcome Cassidy Mae

Our niece Cassidy Mae was born on November 14th. She is just perfect! Jackson was very excited to meet and hold her. Welcome to the family Cassie.