Christmas Time 2009

On Christmas Eve, my family has a huge party. We begin by having the most amazing feast. Sorry, no pictures to prove it, we were too busy devouring it,but trust me, my family knows how to have a meal.

Then, we all go into the family room and listen to Christmas stories.

Ava and Ellie helping Grandma tell the story.

Then, it is time for dessert. This is what my family does best!

Ava with her plate.

A family photo.

Then, it is home to open, a special, hand picked gift. Ava, opening hers.

Jordan, opening his, knowing already what is inside.

Lexi, opening her surprise gift!

Together in their new PJ's on Christmas Eve.

Now, it is time to go for a ride to look at all of the beautiful Christmas lights. I remember doing this as a child. It is supposed to "tire" the children out so they can come home and go right to bed so Santa can come.

This child looks a little too excited still...

This one looks a little kranky..

And this one looks just right...a little sleepy.

Christmas morning...Lexi opening her gifts.

Jordan opening gifts.

Jordan and Ava.

Ava on her bike.

Christmas morning was amazing. We were all very blessed this year with many wonderful things. Ava was the cutest thing ever. As soon as she got into the family room she said, "MY BIKE" ran right over to it and hopped on. Forget the rest, she has her present!

Opening presents at Grandma's with the cousins!

Ava with her microphone...thank you Brad and Kristin:)

Ava opening presents from Grandma and Grandpa Brunger.

Grandma and Grandpa Brunger at our house for lunch, and more gifts!

After we had lunch on Christmas...this poor little thing was found lying on the kitchen tile...I think she has had enough.

Our "Sunday" Best

I tried to get a "cute" picture of my kiddos in their new Christmas clothes. Many attempts. Many, Many attempts. This was as good as it gets!

I think the expression on Ava's face explains without a doubt how she feels having her brother's loving arm around her...

A HAPPY FACE!

Disneyland at Christmas

I will admit, right now. I . Have. an. Addiction. There, I said it out loud, with many witnesses. No longer is Diet Coke my only addiction. I am not alone with this addiction though. I share it with my husband, and three children.

Disneyland. Amazing at Christmas.

This had to be the largest tree I have ever seen in my life!

My three little elves under the tree...the best Christmas presents ever.

We happened to see some friends of ours that live on our street. We had no idea they would be there at the same time. Jordan got to ride some rides with Jackson.

Lexi and Cooper.

Santa was even there...notice anyone missing. Yes. Ava, is crying in my arms to the right of the picture. Wouldn't even get close enough to be in it!

Ava's sleeping arrangements.

The castle, all lit up with Christmas icicles.

It's a Small World was unbelievable. So many Christmas lights. On the inside, everything had been changed to Christmas themes. Even the music was Jingle Bells, and Deck the Halls, with the Small World Theme.

Ava with her dadda on Small World.

Riding the train.

Lexi and Ava on the train.

Ava, sporting her new "Minnie" ears!

Jordan and Lexi, a little wet, I mean soaked, after riding the rapids.

Christmas with Mickey.

Walking to the park from our hotel.

Me and my Snow White about to get on Snow Whites scary ride!

The kids in front of the Castle.

Pluto.

Pluto.

Goofy, all decked out in his Christmas sweater.

Ava had to wear her "Snow White" dress every day. Well, all but one. It was finally getting too dirty to wear after the third day, so mommy threw it in the tub with some shampoo and hung it to dry. Unfortunately, it was not dry in the morning.

The Family. The Best Christmas Ever. Magical Memories.

One of THOSE days...

I am sure we have all had many of those days when nothing seems to be going our way. The term, "When it rains..it pours" was my feelings at the end of the day.

It started off as a bad emotional week. Mike & I had just attended the graveside services for his brother's baby. We came home and continued with the day. As I went downstairs to get Jordan's clothes out for school the next day....

My sock became soaked as if I stepped in a wet sponge. Our basement, that we had just spent the last TWO years finishing ourselves, was FLOODED!!

I cannot describe my emotions at that point. I had definitely had it. I couldn't cry anymore, I couldn't be angry. I felt NUMB. What else could go wrong?

We had to rip up the new carpet in the two hallways, and in Jordan's room.

The BAD news...as if it could get any worse...we are not even sure where it came from. The guess is from the water heaters, since that room had the most water, and it appeared to go to all of the surrounding rooms, but we can't see where they leaked from.

SO....until we find out where exactly, and fix the problem, the carpet will remain pulled up, in case it decides to "rain, or pour" on us again.

I think today will be a sit in my PJ's all day, with a large diet coke, and chips and salsa day!

A HUGE thanks to my dad, and our awesome neighbor's for helping us with wet vac's, and fans! We love you!!