4 Day Weekend

I'm pretty sure we just had a nice long Christmas break. Yet, he we are with another break from school and a 4 day weekend for MLK and a teacher work day. Well, we had ourselves a real good time thanks to Uncle Sam! We went to Fun Spot!! The kids LOVED it! And I only took 1 picture (and here it is) Daniel took the kids to breakfast Saturday while I was at a training for church and Monday we headed to Wild Florida with a few of our favorite friends and cousins! It was a good long weekend!! We are lucky people!

A Visit From Dad!

My dad and Vicky came out this month for a visit and to meet little Benners. We had a really nice time... so fun for my kids to have some quality grandpa time and it is always good to see our California family. They were here for a long weekend and we mostly just visited here at the house. They took the kids out on Saturday for their Christmas shopping and treats and we hit up Wild Florida on Monday (in the rain) but it was just nice to rest, relax and visit, play outside, and have them hold the baby! We are already ready for them to come back!!

Daddy Daughter Date Night!

Daniel loves taking his girl out for a date night. And this time he went big by inviting all of Ivy's people. They went to dinner, shopping and ice cream. Very brave with 5 little girls. Some of Daniel's comments after the fact...

"I knew I was in over my head when all 5 girls had to use the bathroom in Bealls" 

"Just when I thought I could never do something like this again, the smile on Ivy's face made it all worth it."

I know she will cherish these daddy daughter dates with her dad forever!

 Restaurant of choice.... Chili's!

 Matching shirts has become a tradition! A lot of happy girls in this picture!

First of the Year

The beginning of the year brought new church classes for these munchkins... and Ivy's graduation from nursery to the big leagues... SUNBEAMS! She loves it (and she's the class giant). It was also Benny's very first day at church and he was a dream!

 We also ended Christmas break with a bang by having all these crazies over for a slumber party... or were we the crazy ones???

Day Out

My first big day out with the kids was for Benny's 2 week (closer to 3 week) well baby check up (on the 29th of December to be exact). We stopped at Target so the kids could use some of their Christmas gift cards, ate at Chick-Fil-A, went to the doctors office and made a short stop at Costco afterwards. Phew!! Big day for me but I did it! And it went well and the kids were great! The big kids always so helpful. I'm a lucky mama!!

(the kids with their loot)

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year!

We brought the New Year in right with a Christmas tree bonfire and sparkler action at Collin and Christine's. Ivy wasn't too sure about her sparkler. Party ended about 9:00 and we put the kiddos down but Daniel and I managed to watch the ball drop on the couch and retired immediately after. 

 We started the New Year off right with Jackson losing another tooth!!

Merry Merry Christmas!!

 We started Christmas Eve off right in our bathing suits and outside with the hose throwing water balloons! Needless to say, it wasn't a white Christmas here... it was a warm, muggy Christmas!  

Now that my mom lives here, our tradition is Christmas Eve dinner and gift exchange at her house. She made the most delicious prime rib! Here, the kids are enjoying all their new Fun Spot gear from Uncle Sam! They were spoiled rotten by grandma and enjoyed opening their gifts! We are a small group but I love it!

One of my most favorite Christmas Eve traditions is the picture in front of the Christmas tree. And I was sure looking forward to having Benny in the picture this year. Here it is! My most prized and special gifts of all!! These ragamuffins that make me the happiest girl on earth! We snapped a handful of pictures of Bennett in his jammies and I love the one where he fits in his stocking!

Santa surely did come!!

Pictures in bed Christmas morning!!

And the grand event! Opening up our loot!

We headed over to Daniel's parents house after our morning at home for cremed shrimp on toast and our gift exchange with them. It was a wonderful, fun, beautiful few days and we are so grateful for the reason we are able to celebrate... our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. We love Him and are blessed with the knowledge of His grace and power. Happy Birthday Jesus!!