Our 2010 Christmas, Raw and Unedited!

I've come full circle. . .blogging used to be about getting that photo uploaded, and writing my post. As I started getting more into Picasa, I started to do collages. As I started getting more into photography, I wanted to edit each photo. And today, well, it's past Mid-January, and we are a real family, with real photos, and a real schedule, that's really busy. . .so here's our REAL Christmas. Candid shots, nothing picture perfect, but they are our memories!

Big kids opening their first stocking stuffer gifts from the elves.

 

First stocking stuffer gifts of the season didn't interest the big kids, but Mommy the elves succeeded with Addi's!

 

Can you tell she loves balls?

 

She REALLY loves them. . .

 

And yes, more is better. . .and she managed to hold both of these togther just long enough to snap a shot!

 

Addi: "Hmmmmm. . .that's interesting. My doggy, um, I mean my brother pretending to be a doggy." (Shhhh! That's why I crawl around and bark too - all thanks to this guy.)

 

Yes, he really does think he's a dog. . .

 

And yes, Addi climbs on top of EVERYTHING, and yes, I actually let her stay up there long enough for a picture. . .

 

or maybe just two pictures. . .this time she has supervisors on both ends!

 

Peyton and Gracyn love to entertain Addi! (Well, unless she's breaking up train sets in which case they like to close doors on her fingers.)

 

Christmas Eve. . .
Opening stocking stuffers from the elves again! Seemed everyone wanted what the other had. . .

 

Do you think these two look alike or what?

 

This is Addi's modified ASL sign for more. (Guess her brother ate it all!)

 

A family tradition. . .WON TON!!

 

I admit, I have more photos of Addi than the other two - She's simply easier to catch. The older they get, the better they are at avoiding the camera.

Addi eating a black bottom cupcake for the first time. This was the recipe my mom was known for!

 

Addi has mastered playing the harmonica! Note to self: Must load the video footage!

 

Addi getting a bow for her bare noggin.

 

Addi: "What's so funny big guy? I think you'd be cute with one on your head too!"

 

Peyton and his second cousin - the winners of the puzzle contest!

 

Gracyn and her second cousin - partners for the puzzle contest!

 

Little Miss Mommy helping Addi put on a jacket that was just handed down to Gracyn.

 

Addi: "Oh no! Where did everyone go?!"

 

Christmas Morning. . .and the ball is still a hit.

 

Now what kind of Santa bring a kid a whoopee cushion for Christmas?! GEEZ. (A "Santa" who lets her kid wear skulls on his PJ pants two years in a row and a t-shirt that's too small in the middle of winter, that's who.) Tossed out the idea of cute matching PJ's for the boy years ago!

 

Awww, isn't she sweet?

 

And the girls match! Perfect children, aren't they?

 

All smiles, full of joy. . .

 

YEAH RIGHT. . .let the fun begin. Round 1. (Notice, the doll house is NOT assembled. Oh, and it still isn't. Some people are smart and put these things together while their angels sleep. Not so much in our house.)

 

Round 2

 

Round 3

 

He doens't like the doll house, he just wanted a picture with it to rub it in his sister's face. And I complied??

 

Nope, we don't stop taking pictures or rolling the video camera for blow outs on Christmas. . .

 

But we did stop for a time-out. Doesn't do much with smiling baby visiting you while you do time, and dishing out hugs. . .

 

Or high-fives. . .

 

And no, she didn't get a time-out - she's just pretending. Sad face and all!

 

Okay guys - just one picture, okay?! Take one.

 

Take 2 or 3. . .don't tell your kids to say "ho, ho, ho" - Stick with "cheese". . .there's a reason for it!

 

A keeper. . .

 

And a bonus one for good measure.

 

Message to my sweet peas:
Well, time's up - I've spent over an hour working on this post, so this it kids. I have lots more to share about Christmas Day, but if you want clean underwear, this will have to suffice. I'll do my best to post more before the year is over!!! Love you lots!

Turkey Day 2010

2008. . .when there were only 2 sweetpeas.

 

Last year. . .with three sweetpeas, and all still fitting in the pans.

 

And now, 2010. . .oh my how they've grown!

Addi outweighed the turkey this year! (We also bought a smaller turkey.) She just woke up from a nap. Can you tell?

 

 

Sweet girl.

 

Gracyn just woke up from a nap too. Can't tell in this one, but after the first shot. . .

 

Down hill it went. . .maybe she was sad for the turkey.

 

And yes, I left her in the pan.

 

And kept shooting. Cute even in tears, huh?

 

The oldest has graduated to wearing the pan on his head. . .

 

Can't believe how big he is!

 

 

Hope your Thanksgiving was a great one! Sorry this is so late. . .Ready for Christmas???

 

Halloween 2010

Okay, here the are. . .oops. One down. . .no, make that two. (Gracyn followed Addi just because.)

 

Nope, make that three, because who wouldn't enjoy rolling around on the grass BEFORE they actually wear their costumes to go trick or treating.

 

And finally, here they are. . .My pizza chef, my duck, and my peacock. . .The duck was a little wobbly in her squeaky boots, and well, that tail of hers just kept bringin' her down. Thanks to the big kids, they all made it one piece.

 

I have so many more Halloween photos I wanted to post, but Christmas is around the corner and I still have my turkey pics so, this will have to do. Better late than never, and better some, than none. Maybe after the holidays I'll be able to come back to this and add on for the sake of memories for my kiddos, but for now, this will have to do. As I post this, I'm away from home, and I miss my sweetpeas terribly. Sure, an uninterrupted meal, an "oh-so-grown-up" Smores dessert, and adult conversation can be nice, but I'd trade it for the whining, screaming, food fling fest at home any day. Hands down. (Even with a poopy diaper!)