Santa video

Every year growing up, Santa would make a visit to our house on Christmas Eve before we went to bed. This tradition has continued for Jack and Charlie. This is a clip of Santa's arrival. I missed the first moment the door opened when Charlie ran and attached himself to Santa's leg, declaring, "SANTA...I LOVE YOU!!!!!"
Magical!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Santa came to town!!!

Sara and I took the kids to see Santa while he was at Bass Pro Shop last weekend. They had all sorts of activities to do while we waited. The boys couldn't wait to see him. Charlie went running down the red carpet that led to Santa, arms out, yelling Santa, Hi Santa. Far cry from last year's hesitation and uncertainty about "that" stranger.




You'll never guess what they asked Santa to bring them...A REAL sword and shield. Aren't these fixations only supposed to last a few weeks?!?!

Then, we were off to Aunt Sara's to decorate cookies and gingerbread houses. There was frosting and candy everywhere, but the kids had fun.

Jack and Charlie's birthday

November 10th:
Anyone who has spent 5 minutes with either Jack or Charlie knows that they are REALLY into knights right now. So, it came as no surprise that Jack requested a sword and shield cake. Since I am the least creative person I know, I was glad that Jack was pleased with the end result. We made the sword out of brownies and the shield out of the family favorite...funfetti!!





December 10th:
Charlie opted (with some prompting) for a different kind of cake. He wanted a "big, humongous, giant cupcake" with green frosting and "sprinklers." The kids had fun showing off their green lips and tongue. I am still not able to wrap my head around the fact that Charlie is 3! He happily declared to Jim and I the moment he woke up that he was a "grown-up now!!!"






Happy Birthday, my wild ones!!

Marine Corp Ball

The Annual Marine Corp Ball event grew leaps and bounds this year. For the first time, Ally and Andrew joined us for the night. Pat also flew in from DC, and Ashleigh came from San Diego. Although I was sick and we didn't stay late, we had a great time catching up and spending time with family. Dad was recognized twice this year, once for the work he does at the Marine Corp League and once for the keepsake photo he did for the guest speaker. Thanks, Dad, for another wonderful year!!

Thanksgiving in San Diego

While we were in San Diego for Thanksgiving and Martha's wedding (neither of which I have ANY pictures from!?), we made quick stops at the beach, Sea World (got to get the most out of those passes) and Brenner and Amy's house. Although it was a whirlwind trip, we had a great time catching up with people that we love.

Charlie, ready to take off on Elmo's flying ride at Sea World.

Jim and Jack were flying their own rocketship directly across from us...hard to see.

Brenner & Charlie playing video games.