Many Christmases

We had several Christmases with family this year. It was so nice because the kids got to relax and enjoy their toys in between and they really enjoyed opening their gifts and didn't get warn out from opening like they have in years past.

First, we went to New Jersey on the 19th and had Christmas with my family on Saturday the 20th. We got to exchange gifts with the Reif kiddos, Ben and Aiden, and got some fun stuff from Grammy, Mom-mom, and Pop-pop (including a new Wii). Then, we went to Gran Irvin's for some fun presents over there and decorated their tree. It was such a nice relaxing day. We had such a fun time and were able to just sit back and enjoy the day.

We went to church on Christmas Eve and came back to our house with the Carter family to exchange gifts with them. Joe gave me my gift early...a new digital camera, a real one, not a point and shoot. I was so excited!! I used it all night and the next day. I think I took over 200 pictures.

Joe got a customized Phillies Jersey

Christmas Eve...

Christmas day we stayed at home and opened gifts and played Wii. We went over to the Snyder's in the afternoon for sandwiches and dessert. It was such a peaceful day!!

Hannah only wanted to eat M&Ms

and play in her new "big girl seat"

Lizzie and Jackson opening their "big" gifts

Lizzie playing with Pixos (not recommended to anyone!!)

Hannah made it into time-out at some point Christmas Day!!

At the Snyder's

20 loaves...

We decided to make Pepperoni Bread again this year for the holidays. We made 20 LOAVES!! Everyone helped and after much hand washing and patience, we had 20 yummy loaves of bread.

Hannah liked to try rolling.

She also liked to "paint" the egg on the bread.

Jackson tried rolling but didn't like it so much.

He took over the painting while Lizzie rolled.

It snowed that day too, so when Daddy got home we all went out to make a snowman and do a little sledding.

the boys

Hannah before sledding

getting ready to sled

after sledding

Christmas Tree Shopping

This year was a little different getting our tree. Every year since I can remember we have gone to a tree farm and cut down a tree. We attempted that this year, but were very unsuccessful and decided to get a pre-cut tree being sold in the local grocery store's parking lot. We quickly realized why we like cutting our own tree. The tree hadn't "fallen" yet and had some unruly branches once it did. It ended up looking fine after lights and ornaments, but we will be cutting one down again next year!!

At the first tree farm...

Decorating the tree...

Being silly...

November...

We have been quite busy here in the Carter household. As mentioned we went away for our Anniversary on the 13th, Lizzie finished up soccer and got her first trophy.

Lizzie's entire team...

We also had Lizzie's first official Parent Teacher Conference this month. She is doing great and Joe got brownie points with her teacher because he had Notre Dame gear on and apparently Mrs. Dolan is a big ND fan...anyway, her teacher said she is doing well and is ready to read and just keep doing what we are doing at home. She said Lizzie is very compassionate and polite (whew!!) and a joy to have in the class (or something like that). One down, 12 more to go...geesh!!

We went to NJ for Thanksgiving, minus our very sick Joe who caught the flu at 4am the Tuesday before. We missed him very much. We had some yummy hors d'oeuvres and dinner at Mom-mom Irvin's and then went out at 5:00am on Friday for our Black Friday Shopping. Irv got very sick and missed her first shopping day since we started :( we missed her, too!!

Now we are going into December, Joe had his 32nd birthday yesterday, and we are gearing up for Christmas. I have started wrapping some gifts already, I know I can't believe it myself, and are excited for Hannah to understand a little more about what this time of year is all about.

Quotes:
Hannah is still being a stinker about staying in bed, but we have found that she stays in more now that she can "read" before she falls asleep for bedtime or nap. So she collects about 10 or more books and looks at them and some how cuddles down in between them and falls asleep. I went in to check on her at naptime the other day and she was reading the Bible (the one from the Shelfari Bookshelf) and was pointing to some picture of a man saying "Jesus" and singing the Bible song from church, precious!!

All of the kids are very interested in the Bible since Meemom and Poppie bought a new one for them and luckily we have another copy, but anyway, Jackson also was reading before bed and I told him to lay down and go to sleep and he said, "Mom, I'm reading the Bible!!" What the heck do you say to that??

Happy Anniversary Number 9!!

Joe and I got to go away to the Outer Banks, NC for our 9 year Anniversary, what a restful time we had. It is so great to get away and just concentrate on us for a change. You don't realize how much revolves around the kids until you are away from them and THEIR schedules and needs. WOW!! It was really great to sleep in, ride bikes, go for a car ride, climb the sand dunes, sit in the hot tube...refreshing!! (We did miss the kids a lot and were glad to see them on Sunday!!) Here are some pictures...Thank you again Aunt Marge and Uncle Ron!!