Christmas Dinner

Brooke, pretty much kicked our butts at Guitar Hero

So I am posting these because they showcase Matt's awesome picture taking skills........

That's right, he really knows how to capture the moment............

group shot, we're missing Nate and Mr. Gabe(he didn't think our party was that great)

this is our school dance pose.....we're pretty awesome.....maybe

the ladies

party favors

table setting

We got to have a Christmas dinner at our house with some fabulous friends! I love this time of year! It's a great excuse to do stuff like this and go all out!!! Really, just an excuse to eat delicious and fattening food:) (wonder why my pants are always tighter in January.....)

The girls first dance recital!

Addy

Miss Nemmy

Emerie is on the left, Addy on the right

There is a little movement this time

Cute little Miss Savvie, love this little girl to pieces!!!

I gave been so excited to see how the girls would be on stage in front of a lot of people and performing. They danced to the song "Where are you Christmas", from The Grinch. I thought I would be a good mom and prepare them a little to what the Grinch actually looked like. I thought they would be dancing with someone in a full on Grinch costume. Addy didn't have a problem with the movie, Emerie, on the other hand, went and hid upstairs at my moms house and wouldn't come down until she knew for sure it wasn't on anymore.She said,"mom, i don't want to dance with the Grinch, he's mean." AWESOME......I couldn't do or say anything to convince her to dance. Finally, she decided to give it a try if she got a Toy Story toy. We went for their last dance class before their performance and she heard the Grinch's voice on CD and melted down! Addy was out there doing the dance with the other girls and she would not go. Finally, after almost an hour of convincing her to do it, she went on the dance floor and while the other girls were doing the dance she twirled in a circle bawling! It was the funniest thing! Am I a mean mom for laughing??? It was really cute! I was really worried the night of their performance, it wasn't as bad as I thought. They both got up there, no crying, and just stood there.........yep, that's right, no dancing. They looked so cute just standing there though:) They danced a little during their 2nd performance and still have one more to go. Hopefully they will do the whole dance then:) Thanks to mine and Matt's family for coming to watch our girls stand on stage:)

November

the girls had fun helping to decorate our tree

Addy still insists on wearing her princess dress ups everyday! She LOVES them!

I LOVE this picture of Matt with Justin and Crystal!

Trying to get all the kids to look at us at the same time and smile.......impossible:)

Spencer looks so sad in this one! He's probably sick of us taking pics!

At the beginning of the month Matt's sister Crystal, her hubby Eric and their cute little Spencer came to visit! We went up to the cabin for an over nighter. It was fun and relaxing....and very cold:) We're glad that we got to spend some more time with them this year, this is their second visit and we love it!!!

I didn't get any pics of Thanksgiving or shopping with my favorite girls on Black Friday! I love this tradition. In the middle of the night as we are losing energy and sleep we wonder why we do it, but it is one of my favorite traditions and I love all the delirious laughter and diet coke and eating pizza in the middle of the night!

Matt and I have been so blessed with such wonderful families and friends and we are grateful for each and everyone!

Happy Holidays!!!