Thursday, December 29, 2011

Miller Christmas

The Miller's always take turns hosting Christmas and this year it was Larry and Carolyn's turn. Nice for us because we only had to drive down to Williamsburg. They had Christmas the day after and it worked out that almost everyone but two families made it. Actually another family got sick so make that three!

This year instead of gifts we drew names and everyone gave books. It was fun to see what kind of books everyone got. During our gift exchange we got a surprise visit from santa! Nora was still so amazed from him coming you our house that she was then really confused. She said to me later, "mom the santa that came to Carolyn's must of been the mall santa, I don't think he was the true santa." Now I have totally messed her up!!!



Here are some santa photos




Wednesday, December 28, 2011

5 months old


Sean is now 5 months old and getting so big!

Christmas 2011

This is only the second time in my (10 year) marriage that we have not traveled over Christmas. The first time was when I was pregnant with Nora. It was SO nice to be able to be at home during this busy time.
Ok here it is confession time! I said that I was not going to ever lead my kids to believe in santa. I truly want them to know the real meaning of Christmas. I never thought my kids would make it so hard! Nora wants to believe in santa so bad and I have told her (yes I have) that santa is pretend. I told her that santa is just something that people do for fun, but that we can have fun and play along. Then I realized that she really wants that "magic" of santa. So I went against what I had said and played along! If I was going to do it I needed to do it all out. First thing I did was put flour on some boots and stomp them across our wood floors to show santa had come throughout the kitchen. Then I wrote each of the kids a letter (each was just a little different) here is the one to Nora.
Oh my word was Nora amazed! Molly was still asleep and Nora made her put a blanket over her head to come down the steps so she would be surprised. It was a lot of fun to see them so excited and have that magic. We talked before opening gifts about why we have gifts and what the day is supposed to be about-Jesus.

Here is a photo of the kids before we let them open gifts.


We had such a fun morning just hanging out with out family. Later that afternoon we went over to Brian's parents for a late lunch and stayed until bedtime. We are so lucky to be blessed this Christmas season with three wonderful children and a loving family.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Noras Winter dance recital


This is Nora's Just For Kix winter dance recital. They danced to the song, When You Wish Upon a Star. Super cute!!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Santa and Mrs. Claus

We went to the Elks and the kids got to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. It is a fun time because there is not a long line like at the mall!