December 2011

 Lauren has taken to waking up very early (like 4:15 AM) and not napping. 

I will take what I can get now so my happy girl returns. 

 Kyle Loves Winter - Too bad we haven't had much snow - this melted quickly.

 Guess who is obsessed with stickers?

 Sonoma's favorite sleeping spot (Lauren's Room)

 Caught Lauren telling Jasper her Christmas wish list.

 Checking out the Lego Advent Calendar

 Lego Towers

 Kyle and Jasper Playing Legos

 Her hair is getting so long.

 A special delivery of winter coats for children in Korea

Bringing the coats to the adoption agency for shipping

Last update approximately 350 coats were collected - Hooray!!!

Christmas Day 2011

The kids were up bright and early on Christmas morning.  Way before the sun came up...4:15 AM.  They were able to contain their excitement until 5:15 AM, then it was time to get up and check to see what Santa had left them.  The looks on their faces were priceless and worth the early morning wake up call. 

First up, the stockings...

Then it was time to check out what Santa left by the Christmas Tree....

It was a Lego Ninjago Christmas for Kyle

 Lauren got the Puppy she so wanted.

 And her own laptop for typing.

 Cameron and his Lego Heroica Board Games

I think the kids were very happy with the gifts Santa left them.  After breakfast, we had some time to play with all their new toys before Grandma Maggie and Grandpa Bill arrived from North Carolina. 

Grandma Maggie and Grandpa Bill arrived safely.  Now it was time for more presents...

   Grandpa Bill and Grandma Maggie with the kids

Christmas Eve 2011

We spent a quite Christmas Eve at home.  Our day consisted of tracking Santa on the computer, playing games with Grandma Judy and Grandpa Al, baking, relaxing, and having a wonderful meal together.  Following dinner the kids were able to open a few presents (something they had been dying to do for the last few weeks).  They were not disappointed. 

 Getting ready to open their blankets and neck warmers Grandma Judy made them.  They LOVED them.

 Grandma and Grandpa with the kids

 Now Lauren can take care of her dolls when they are sick.

 Brothers

 Cookies, Yummy!

 Kyle was excited for his Nerf Gun.

 Just what Cameron wanted and didn't think we'd buy him - Mind Flex Duel

 Take Cover

A Charlie Brown Christmas, as read and recorded by Cameron

Jasper 2011

If you read our blog last year, you will know that Santa sent the kids a secret scouting elf to keep an eye on them and report back on their behavior.  The elf's name was Jasper and he came back this year to three excited children who longed for his return.  The kids loved waking up each morning to see what Jasper had done the night before while they were sleeping.  These are some of his adventures in 2011.

 Jasper Arrives On Our Front Steps

(In advance of his arrival this year, he sent the kids their beloved Lego Advent Calendar and a note letting them know he would be arriving soon.)

 While spying on the kids one night Jasper lost his special super ball in the snow (Kyle found it while playing outside).  He wanted it back. 

 Fun with Dry Erase Markers

 The boys needed their own mini tree for their room.

 Must love ribbon so much he decorated the bedroom doors.

 Jam Session

 Jasper and his Pals recorded "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

 Wii Game Night

 Messages in Flour

 Game Night

 All Christmas Related Words

 A Sleigh Ride

 Kyle really wanted a Santa Hat and Jasper Came Through

 Testing to see if the Stockings are Hung with Care

Oh No...Someone was Naughty

 Stuck in some outdoor decorations upon returning from the North Pole to file his report with Santa.

 Santa sent each of the kids a special video message

 A Friendly Race

 Movie Night - Jasper gave the kids a new copy of their favorite movie

 Tea Party

Reading the Night Before Christmas