I am relieved that 2012 is over. It was a hard year for me and it is nice to think that we get to have a new start. Michael and the kids have been home from school for almost 2 weeks and we have a done house projects and PLAYED!!! This has been a really long vacation for Michael and it has been so nice to have him home. The kids have loved it, and I have really loved it.
Here is a funny thing he did yesterday:
In his stocking for Christmas he received a $15 itunes gift card. He realized that he didn't know where it had gone after Christmas and started scouring the house for it. It was no where to be found. He decided that he must have thrown it away and started digging through the trash. It has Christmas garbage, tile floor garbage and I am sure much more. HE FOUND IT!!! He threw it away on accident and was so relieved when he found that $15 gift card.
Kim and Billy watched the kids for us over night so we could go on a date. I received a gift card to Ruth's Chris for Christmas and Michael got Movie tickets in his stocking so it was going to be an awesome night out. It was the most delicious meal...totally worth the cost. Skyfall was a great movie. The kids had fun with their Aunt and Uncle. They had a treasure hunt, decorated cookies, played hide and seek and much more. They had so much fun. We really appreciate Kim and Billy for watching them for us.
TILE
We started tiling our kitchen right before Christmas. It was a pretty easy project and we felt like we had done a pretty good job considering what was there before. I am going to do a whole post on the house changes we have made in the last eight weeks. We are tired of projects and will be taking a break for a little while.
Christmas
I am really learning how to do this Christmas thing with kids. I like to keep it relaxing and easy. It was a little busy this year, but worth it. We were able to spend a few days with the Clutter's which was really great. The kids really enjoyed those times and can't wait to see them again. We spent the few days after Christmas as a family enjoying time together. I know these years where the kids enjoy the "Magic" of Christmas won't last long and I hope that I can make them very memorable years for them.
Mr. Peaker
We started a new tradition this year "Elf on the Shelf". Ours name is Mr. Peaker and will look forward to many years of him coming to visit us. The kids really fell in love with him and his crazy ideas.
Brody and Michael's Birthday
We kept Birthday's simple this year. Went to dinner with Nana and Papa for Dad's birthday and Brody had a small birthday party and after that has a small dinner with family that lives close. We have fun on Birthdays and are always so excited for this time of year when we get to celebrate together.
Thanksgiving
Elizabeth was so wonderful to host Thanksgiving this year. We had the most amazing time with everyone. I am so glad we were able to spend so much time with cousins and siblings. Thanks! Ben for all of the fun food.
