Christmas Day

From the beginning, Matt and I came to the agreement that Christmas morning at our house would not look like Toys R Us blew up. We want our children to focus on the meaning of Christmas and not "the stuff".

This year Santa changed our office that we never use into a playroom. It was the best gift for the whole family. I will take some pictures soon of the final result. It's so organized and makes me and the children happy. Win, Win!

the playroom

The first thing Cam wanted to do was finish the cookie Santa couldn't. So funny!

Opening presents with Mommy

his very own video game (he is such a little Matt)

Harper and her new dog:)

Cam and his real T-ball set from Papa and Grandma. Watch out!

All Cam wanted for Christmas was a drum. It's the gift that keeps giving...me a headache:)

After we opened presents we headed to Nana and Papa's house. They did not have the discussion about all "the stuff". Our car was so full! Aside from an iPad for Matt and I, the kids got a wonderful easel for the playroom, lots of baby dolls for Harper, and more cars than we can count for Cam:). How can Santa compete with Nana and Papa?

The presents are half way up the tree. Craziness!

Christmas Eve

We went down to Dallas, Ga to celebrate Christmas with Matt's side of the family. The kids are not great travelers yet, but they did pretty well. Here are a few pictures from the day. The kids had a blast being with everyone and Cam thought opening presents was pretty cool.

Daddy's little present

One of Cam's favorite gifts...his "lipstick"

Aunt Laura got him skates. He is so excited!

Opening his soccer goal from Gigi

Another favorite...Pez:)

Harper and Daddy under the mistletoe

When we got home we made cookies for Santa, put on our Pj's, and got all snuggled in our beds to wait for Santa. We had to assure Cam several times that Santa would not come in his room. I don't blame him for being a little nervous. It would be a little scary to wake up to an old man in a red suit looking at you:).

making our cookies

all ready for Santa!

Cousins!

These two are best friends and worst enemies all at the same time. From hitting to tattling , they are a handful.

My Big Boy!

Do you notice anything?

Yep, those are big boy underwear covering that cute little bottom! Finally at 2 1/2 he is ready. I have used my Christmas vacation to bite the bullet and take off the diaper. So far, no accidents. I have to remind him often to go, but hopefully he will start going on his own soon. I heard boys take longer, so I am not worried about it. He will get there on his own time:)

I wonder which cost more, diapers or the cavities we will have to get filled from the Skittles he gets when he goes? A problem for another day:)

The Botanical Gardens

Matt, Cam, and I met the Nelsons at the Botanical Gardens to look at the Christmas lights. The kids had a blast running around everywhere, looking at the lights, and drinking hot chocolate. Although it was a little cold, Cam and Mia didn't seem to care. It was beautiful! They were in Christmas heaven! Hopefully Harper can join us next year. It was a little too cold for her and I didn't want her getting sick.

such a sweet little picture

Yum!

I'm 9 Months

My sweet little girl is 9 months old. You are 18 pounds of pure fun. You now have 5 teeth and love to eat everything, including your fingers. You stand for long periods of time. You get closer and closer everyday to taking your first steps. You love to play patty cake, peek-a-boo, and the itsy-bitsy spider. You have a huge laugh and a bigger scream if something is not going your way. Boy, can you get mad! You are very determined! You still have an obsession with cords and outlets. You love dogs and stuffed animals. It's so much fun to see your little personality starting to form.

You are the sweetest thing!

snacking on her fingers

Harper and her dog. This is the closest we will get to having a real dog for a really long time:).

I can't believe you're 1st birthday is around the corner! You are growing up so fast!

Peppermint Tum-Tums

Santa sent an elf to our house this year to make sure Cam and Harper are being good. Peppermint Tum-Tums (don't ask:) has done an excellent job of keeping them in line and causing a little mischief, also. I will be sad when he heads back to The North Pole with Santa Christmas Eve.

Here are a few pics of his adventures. There were so many silly things, it was hard to narrow it down.

spa day

mirror art

fun with underwear

Such a silly elf!

It's in the air!

Don't you just love the holidays?

My Little Angel

Cam's preschool puts on a fabulous rendition of The Christmas Story every year. I have no idea how those sweet teachers can get those kids to learn the songs and their places when they only go 2 days a week. Mrs. Barb, Mrs. Linda, and Mrs. Stephanie are fantastic!

He has been practicing "Oh Come All, Ye Faithful" for a few weeks and did a great job.

Nana and Cam

The best family picture we could get. Harper was exhausted!

ADP Holiday Party

One of the best things about being married to a payroll nerd (to be honest, I have no idea what he does at ADP) is their holiday party. They make it a true family event. This year they rented out the Marriott ballroom and had a theatre, tons of yummy food, games, crafts, and Santa. The kids had a blast and we didn't have to wait in any lines or pay for Santa pictures. I heart this big time!

we are so crafty:)

games with Daddy

enjoying a pretzel

Harper even had fun people watching

ADP takes pictures for you and they turned out much better. I just didn't feel like scanning:). Cam and Harper did really good. I thought she would melt down because she is going through a mommy only stage, but she did great! Cam asked for a drum and Santa said only if he agreed to stop playing it when his sister goes down for a nap. Love it!