Happy New Year!

~December 31, 2010~

We kinda threw a little get together for New Year's at the last minute. We were all so touch and go for a while with the kids being sick, Mommy & Daddy being sick, and then Mommy's latest bout of "morning sickness" kicked in. It wasn't clear what our plans would be, but we were luckily able to rally and really enjoyed our family and friends while ringing in the New Year.

We all agreed to hors d'oeuvres and desserts. This was the table before the guests arrived. Once everyone got there, the table was covered and so was the counter. It was a mini feast of snacks and goodies.

Thomas immediately spots the oreos
I gotta teach this kid how to twist it apart

The chocolate part of the table was investigated at length by the boys

Loves

Happy New Years, Girls!

Tay had just finished mooning us. I don't remember when she got in to her jammies, but really wish I had gotten a picture of her in her cutie patootie silver sparkly skirt.

Then Daddy

The sparklers were a huge hit and though the pics are dark, the effects of the fire turned out to be pretty cool. I especially love how there is a warm glow on everyone's face.

Tay's priceless expression

Every year, the neighbors from all around shoot off the big fireworks and the boys were all about it. They were so excited every time they saw one, so they camped out in the playroom window waiting for the next show.

Daddy's attempt at a champagne fountain. Fail.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

~December 28, 2010~

The kids insisted we make a chocolate cake for Daddy. So we did. With homemade chocolate butter cream icing. Yum.

Daddy actually surprised us by getting home super duper early! We went to Papasitos for fajitas. The place was so packed that we couldn't find a parking spot anywhere. On a Tuesday! We ended up trying another location where we still had to wait, but not as long and had the best time. The kids got to watch the tortilla lady make tortillas in the big machine, which Mommy thought was pretty cool too.

After dinner, we got in to our jammies, sang happy birthday, and had yummy cake which the kids helped make.

Merry Christmas!

~December 25, 2010~

Christmas morning is SO much fun with these kids! It's not just fun, it's relaxing. They are so easy and contented to play with their toys. We lounge in our jammies all day and enjoy watching them spend hours quietly working with their loot. This year, Mommy was sick. It was still relaxing, but Sawyer did not like Mommy's quick Jack in the Box meal from Christmas Eve. Thank goodness it was just us and we could all be lazy and recover from a very late night.

Thomas was thrilled with his train set and table. Tay was delighted over the huge pink doll house that didn't fit under the tree.
Mommy reading Santa's letter to the kids
They really did make out like bandits

She spent 3 hours straight arranging and rearranging the dolls and their furniture

Him the same with his trains, cars, planes, dinosaurs, and tracks

Of course Daddy gets in on the action

A sweet moment of pure sibling love: Mommy's gift

He was all about playing with her. I KNEW he would!

Our little tiny table set up

Batman strikes

More trains. Just can't get enough of the awesomeness

Sporting his new robe and loving it

Robin thinking

Sweet Robin. I adore the mask.

Dear Taylor & Thomas

~December 25, 2010~
Santa left the kids a letter on Christmas morning next to the plate of cookies, carrots, and fudge that he and Rudolph enjoyed.Dear Taylor & Thomas,

Thank you for being such a good girl and boy this year. You have grown so much since last year. I am especially proud of the friendship the two of you have built. I enjoy seeing you play together and share with one another.

Taylor, you are doing such a great job teaching you brother how to write, draw, and craft. You are a fantastic big sister. Keep up the great work.

Thomas, you are an incredible little brother. You are so loving and kind. I like the way you look up to your sister and look out for her as a friend. Keep it up. I think you will make a terrific big brother to Sawyer as well.

I am incredibly proud of you both. You are two of the best kids I have ever had the pleasure of watching grow up. I’d like you both to work on sleeping in your own beds all night every night. I know you enjoy your Mommy & Daddy’s bed, but you are getting bigger and they are not getting a good rest, because there is not much space in their bed with you two in it with them. I have left you both a special gift to help you sleep in your own beds all night. Please take this seriously and do a good job working on this task and taking care of your special gifts. I also want you to work on obeying Mommy & Daddy more. You do a great job with this already, but need some improvement. Take care to not throw fits and to not fight with one another. Share your toys with each other and speak nicely to one another. You are both special gifts and good friends to each other. You need to take care of each other and be kind and loving to one another always.

Eli loved it at your house and was impressed with you both. He looks forward to coming back next year.

Thanks for the cookie, brownie, chocolates and milk. Rudolph was especially grateful for the carrots.

I love you both. See you next year!

Love,
Santa

Dear Santa

~December 24, 2010~Dear Santa,

We have missed you and are so excited about Christmas this year. We have been good this year and have been working hard at being kind and loving to one another and to Mommy and Daddy.
Santa, I (Taylor) would really like a doll house. I have seen a pink one that I really want and hoping it is something you can bring. I’d also like some new movies and books. I especially would like the Ramona and Beezus and the new Tinkerbell movies.

Santa, I (Thomas) would like a car, an airplane, and a helicopter for Christmas. I’d also like a train set of my very own as I really like playing with my friends’ sets. I’d also like the Toothfairy movie and the new Toy Story 3 movie.

We can’t wait to see you, Santa!

Love,
Taylor & Thomas Alexander

Christmas Eve

~December 24, 2010~

A little Christmas tradition I really enjoyed when I was a little girl was opening one gift on Christmas Eve. I always knew it was going to be new jammies and it was thrilling. This year, the kids enjoyed the same tradition and were more than thrilled. They were elated. Tay has been asking for a robe for a while now, so her Christmas was made at that point.

Shortly after, the electricity went off for about an hour. Of course we were in the middle of a movie with the kids, but it was fun lighting all the candles. The elves were a tad worried about how long it would last knowing they had to help Santa with last minute wrapping. After the kids were in bed, the electricity went out again in the middle of elf magic. Thankfully, it returned within minutes.

Eli waiting for Santa to take him back to the North Pole

I love were he "landed"