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.

As we savor the last warm days of fall Jackson and Aubrin had a ball playing outside at home and at the park. They had a lot of fun raking the leaves and being silly with Grandpa.

Field Trip

Jackson went on his 2nd preschool field trip. They went to a gym called Bounce. Jackson had a great time walking on the balance beams, doing "tricks" on the rings and running around with all of his classmates.