Christmas 2011

At 6 am everyone in the house was awake- except for the boys.... 30 minutes later, when we couldn't stand the anticipation any longer, Mom went into Owen's room to wake him up. She sat on his bed and said "Owen Owen, I JUST saw Santa!! Hurry wake up, lets see what he left!!" My dazed little boy grabbed his flashlight, policeman style, and shone it on his Grandma to check out the situation. So funny. When both boys were up they ran to the living room to see what Santa left for them. They were amazed. They must have been very good little boys this year. The favorites have to be for Owen the Franchesco Burnuli remote control car, and Ian the singing Mickey Mouse. Granddaddy and Uncle Tommy had the big job of assembling all the toys out of the package! FUN!! David of course made a delicious breakfast fritata. After breakfast we all went outside to check out what Santa left for the boys. A very cool helicopter see saw. Grandma and Aunt Staci showed the boys how it worked (quite funny when Grandma fell off! Haha!)Later that day, we were surprised when Mama and Tom joined us for dinner!What a great and blessed day with family! Merry Christmas!

Santa On the Square Dec 22, 2011

This evening we met up with Aunt Rayna, Uncle Micheal, Emily, baby Will and the Armstrongfamily to Santa on the Square. What a great time! All the kids stood next to the huge Christmas tree in amazement. “ Look at all the lights Mama!!” , Owen kept saying. They loved how it turnedcolor every few seconds.
Then we waited in a LONG line to have our turn with Santa. The kids had a great timeplaying in the tree under all the twinkle lights. We only had ONE complete meltdown- not too shabby especially since there were 6 children under the age of four years of age! The meltdown occuredactually over coffee! David helped the wait for the adults by buying Starbucks holiday coffee, andall Ian could say was “ coffee coffee PLEEAASE!” So I gave in afeter it cooled. Ian cradledthat coffee cup like it was the crown jewels!Nonetheless, Ian our true coffee conisuier, was very upsetwhen I attempted to remove it the complete and utter meltdown ensued. He was devistated over a cup of coffee. He didnt want anything to do with the hot chocolate that the square was serving! He is such a riot!
Just when Ian calmed down it was FINALLY our turn to meet Santa and Mrs Santa Claus. Owenand Landen jumped right up in the sleigh with Santa. Ian, surprisingly went straight to Mrs. Claus(good choice!), and Kyhlie wanted me! Yay! Daniel was so sweet and sat right on Santas lap (and ofcourse pulled his beard and attempted to pick Santa’s nose! Haha!). Owen told Santa, “ My Babbofixed my Jeep, so I dont need one now!” And thats it! He told Santa nothing more! So I guess everything will be a bonus that Santa brings, now that he completely satisfied! What a great family night with great friends!

Our Pig Roast! Dec 17, 2011

What a great day! Our pig roast was a huge success! David's delicious pig cooked 3 ways and his apple wine/smashers was a reciepe for all 50-75 people to have a fantasic time! It was a perfect day for this event. The weather was unseasonably warm- 70ish, so the entire party was held outside. This year most of the O.R. came and of course, our close family and friends! As special guests my family from Ft. Lauderdale- the Romero family, and my Uncle John Finkell and his wife came! I love having these big parties every year, bringing friends and family together, and watching everyone having a great time. It is days like these when I truely feel blessed.