Great Wolf Lodge

This year instead of giving our nieces money we decided to take them to the Great Wolf Lodge. They are growing up so fast I wanted our family to get some quality time in with them before we are not cool to hang out with. We arrived on Wednesday afternoon and we go upgraded to a bigger room. The kids had a little cubby to sleep in and they loved it. We did not spend much time in our room but it was very nice. We headed down to the water park, man it the park was crowded. At first Allison was not going for it at all. I was surprised because she loves to play in the water and she has been to water parks before. Caleb defiantly was not happy. The water was spraying him and it was a little cold for him. I took off with Rebekah to try out the Howlin' Tornado. We waited in the line because something broke down. After about 20 Min's we finally go to the top. It was a great ride and it was dark so you could not see where you are going. After I got off the ride I was not feeling well. I guess I am getting old because I can not even handle a water slide, what is up with that? We spent a few hours in the park and then decided to go to our room and order in. We had some good pizza. Caleb was ready for bed but the girls wanted to do the night life. Kyle took the 3 girls out to play in the arcade and do the magiquest. Kyle brought Allison back to go to sleep. Caleb slept awesome this night. I was so glad because Kyle and the girls were in and out of the room for part of the night. The next morning we all woke and headed to the restaurant in the lodge. I do have to say this was the best breakfast ever. They had so much to eat and we defiantly filled ourselves up. After breakfast Kyle wanted to go on some slides. He took the big girls out and I hung out with Allison and Caleb. We all had such a good time. I hope to do more stuff like this with my nieces.

After the howlin tornado - ugh.

Steamy inside

Christmas

We had a great Christmas this year. One thing Kyle and I started last year was to save each month for Christmas. Then when the holiday came we would not be stressed about buying stuff. It really helped us a lot this year. I felt like we could give more to our family and friends this year too.

We started our morning off with opening Santa's gifts that he left in our stockings. Allison loved waking up in the morning and seeing what Santa left her and Caleb. Mommy and Daddy even got some small gifts from Santa. We all got a family gift from Santa too, a sled. We didn't have one last year and we really needed it. Too bad this year it did not snow. I hope this year we will get some use out of it.

Caleb enjoyed his first Christmas. He was more into opening the gifts then I thought he would be. He loved playing with the string too. Allison defiantly helped him open a lot of his toys. Well the two he got from us. :) Allison got dress up clothes and baby clothes for her American Baby Lilly. She even got a little people boat from mommys era. We love to play little people together. I hope to buy her more so we can play together. I just love when my inner child comes out when I play with Allison.

Christmas Eve

Christmas eve was a wonderful celebration this year. Grandpa Bob had gone in the hospital a few days before so we did not know if we would be spending the Holidays with him at home. Its a long story but thankfully Bob came home the day before Christmas eve. It was a great time. Usually we spend Christmas eve at our home but not this year due to Bob just coming home the day before. Kyle, the kids and I went to our church service and then headed over to Bob and Nancy's for dinner. We brought them some good white chili, yummy. As we walked in the door of Bob and Nancy's little home, we were over whelmed by all the gifts sitting on the floor. It was so packed in their little living room. I really could not see the floor. The kids got so spoiled this year and they had a ball opening all the gifts, even the gifts that were not theirs. We had a joyous time with the family and after all was done, we headed home to get ready for Santa.

Our new tradition this year. The kids get new Jammie's from us for Christmas and they get to open them up on Christmas eve.

Our Princess.



Loving on Brother

Caleb is ready for the craziness

Caleb opening his Jammie's

Caleb's first gift, scout the leap frog dog. He loves it.

Allison's Preschool Christmas Party

Allison's preschool had a little Christmas birthday party for Jesus. I had the chance to go and hear her sing and play the part of Mary. It was so cute. Allison would come home each day from school and want to play Mary. She loved playing the part and holding baby Jesus. They sang songs and brought presents for baby Jesus. The presents they kids brought were for the pregnancy resource center, which is a non-profit organization that helps people who have unplanned pregnancy's. After watching Allison open up this past year in school Kyle and I wonder if we have a actress/singer in our home. This Christmas Allison has been singing no stop Christmas music and playing out the role of Mary. We just love her imagination. Her imagination continues to blow us away. We are so blessed to have such wonderful Children. Thank you Jesus for allowing us to raise them. :)

Allison singing her song

What a cute Mary

Just Hanging out at home

Here are some pictures I just took during the Month of December.

Allison hanging out in my robe enjoying some TV time.



Allison wearing red shoes that Hannah gave her. They wont fit for a few years but they are so cute and she just loves them.

Kyle Decorated Allison's room with Christmas lights. It was fun for her. She was coping Hannah and Zachary Peterson. She misses them so much.

Our little guy finally sitting in a high chair at 5 1/2 months. :)

Decorating with the Petersons

Hannah made these all from buttons. I loved it so much that I took a picture so Allison and I can make them one year together.

The funny thing about Allison is she kept following Susan around the last few days we spent in Atlanta. I totally reminded me of home and when Hannah was little and followed me around asking me a million questions. Oh, another funny story is the first few days I kept calling Allison (Hannah) and Caleb (Zachary). I just could not get the names straight.

The last few days we spent in Atlanta was spent helping the Peterson's decorate there home. Allison enjoyed helping them decorate the tree. Kyle put lights up on their tree outside and I just took care of Caleb. We also enjoyed seeing some old friends of mine like the Sullivan's, my old bosses at Classic Travel, ( I miss them so) and one of my first friends I met in Atlanta, Lisa. IT was so good to catch up with everyone. May God continue to bless you all through this Christmas year. I will miss you all very much.