A Busy Year So Far

We celebrated our fourth and fifth Christmas over the New Year weekend. Dear Hubby's half-sister and her family visited. The kids were able to play with their cousins all day. Everyone had a great time visiting, sharing a meal, and exchanging gifts. Though, they only live two hours away, it is hard to get everyone together as often as we'd like.

That same evening Grandpa Buck and Grandma Mary came to visit, too. Like always, the kids were spoiled with way too many presents (or at least this mom think so because I have to keep track of every one's stuff e.i. pick them up, search for missing pieces, referee over toy fights, etc.)

Though, I am sure the kids think otherwise. The kids were very grateful for all the attention and time they were able to spend with Grandpa Buck and Grandma Mary. An added bonus to the weekend was that the grandparents were able to spend the night and then go with us to the Home Depot kids' workshop. Our kids were able to put together and make wooden block calendars. When we finally made it home after lunch, everyone was excited to paint them. That is what the kids are doing in the third picture.

On Sunday we celebrated Epiphany. Dear Hubby blessed the house with blessed chalked as the rest of the family all stood outside to pray with him. Afterwards, we attended a neighboring homeschooling family's Epiphany party. Dear Hubby and I played the role of Mary and Joseph, while little Eli acted as baby Jesus. I think Elias played the part rather well. He looked really cute all wrapped up in swaddling clothes. The Magi made their appearance and brought us some nifty gifts. There were quite a few kids there and I know they all loved playing with one another. I think mine like singing the Christmas carols the best. We are so blessed to have such wonderful neighbors.

Our other excitement this week has consisted of going to a magic show at the local mall and seeing Mr. Mustache. The kids loved him. He was very silly and did all sort of neat little tricks that kids really enjoy. While at the mall, B decided to get her early birthday present. She got her ears pierced. B will be turning 4 this Sunday and that is what she has been asking for this year. I am not sure that she really knew what she was getting, but now that she has them, I think she likes them pierced. B cried when she got them done, but quickly stopped when the lady asked if she wanted a sucker and a sticker. The second photo is obviously of the sticker. She was so proud of that sticker! She even tried to fight to wear it to bed on her pajamas. Too funny how attached kids can become to a sticker. I told her the picture of her wearing it will have to suffice. I am not keeping every sticker that she has ever worn or will ever get. I guess I am just a mean Mommy. Oh, well, get used to it kid.