Deck the Halls!

I had so much fun this year decking the halls with George and Clara.  It was chilly outside.  We had Christmas music playing and drank hot chocolate with marshmallows.  They were so excited to put up all the decorations.  It was adorable to see their faces light up with every Santa, snowman, and snowflake decoration that came out of the box.  We had a few casualties but nothing a little superglue can't fix.  Can't wait to put up the tree and outdoor lights.  Kiddos really do make the season bright!

Thanksgiving Weekend Festivities

We woke up on Thanksgiving, ate our breakfast, and started making pies.  I had the best two assistants!

Growing up I always helped my Mom with baking the pies for Thanksgiving.  I love that this tradition continues with my kiddos.  I had lots of fun teaching them the ropes.

I made four pies so when the kiddos lost interest they decided to play with their new play doh sets with Daddy.  They stopped their play doh fun to lick the spoons from the chocolate mousse pie!

After lunch and a nap we went over to my parents' house for a Thanksgiving dinner with the entire family.

Having my brother back in Houston is awesome.  He was actually able to spend Thanksgiving with us and added his touches to our traditional meal.

Just a small cheese tray

That's a lap full of grandchildren Pop-pop Wanno!

The day after Thanksgiving we hosted a dinner for some of our good friends from high school.  Jake and Maria came with their daughters Allison and Kate.  Paul and Whitney joined us with their daughter Alexa.  Scott and Amanda drove in from Oklahoma with their two boys Kellis and Kallum.  We were standing around wondering how in the world we got this old and where did all these kids come from!?!  It was a fun night.

 

We had other fun adventures while Daddy was off from work.  George and Clara did a little tree climbing.

We also went on a few adventures on the greenbelt.  One day we even found some ducks to feed.

One night George, Clara, and John had their first "camp out."  The three of them slept in their sleeping bags upstairs in the game room while pregnant Mommy slept in her bed downstairs.  They stayed up late, watched movies, and did lots of giggling.  I think they had a fun night!

We had such an amazing Thanksgiving Holiday.  I try to remember each day to say my thanks to God for the many gifts in my life.  When this season rolls around each year, I am able to really stop and take in the amazing things in my life.  We are so incredibly blessed by our loving and supportive family.  We are thankful that we all get a long so well and that we all live in the same city again so we can spend these important days together.

I am so incredibly thankful for my husband.  His hard work allows me to stay home with our kiddos every day.  I am also thankful for the amazing father he is.  John takes every chance he gets to spend time with his kiddos.  He is fully present in every aspect of this family and for that I am truly blessed.

I am so incredibly thankful for my children.  They are the biggest blessings in my life.  I am thankful for their laughter, their love, and even their difficult days.  Those are the days that push me to do better, to be better, and to love better.  And of course I am so thankful for our newest little blessing that will join our family in March. 

My cup runneth over, and for that I am so incredibly thankful!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Birthday with Family

On the twins' actual birthday we had our family and my very close friends come over for brunch to celebrate.  We also celebrated my birthday as well so John did all the cooking and preparation.  He is such a sweet husband.  When we first got up, George and Clara wanted to open their presents from Mommy and Daddy.

Princesses!

Batman!

Happy Three Year Olds!

Love these two monkeys!

Everyone arrived for brunch.  We enjoyed time with both sets of grandparents, Aunt Christina, Uncle Sayed, Cousin Elyse, Debbie Olson, Brooke Olson with her boyfriend Allen, Brandi and Alberto Milmo, and Ashley and Michael Lyle. It was a fun morning!

Sweet Elyse.

 More presents!

 The theme of this year's birthday was Spiderman!  He was so happy.

 Happy Birthday to You!

 Love being pregnant with one of my very best friends, Ashley.

Loved spending time with Brandi and Brooke too!

Happy Birthday George and Clara!

Before heading out to the twins' birthday party we took a few photos of the family.

We had an awesome party at Wonderwild with all of their friends.  All the kids, and a lot of the parents, had a blast.

Wonderwild

The Party Room

 Gift Bags for Friends

 Cupcakes...Yummy!

Kid's Tables

 Chomp Chomp Slide!

 Best Buds!

Don't eat me chomp chomp!!

 George and Clara racing cars

 Momma Lauren with Collin and Olivia

Natalie and Claire playing trains

Sweet Hunter

Addison loved this tricycle.

Bubble time!

 Pop-pop Time!

Poor Clarabear wore herself out playing.  She slept through pizza and cupcakes! 

 Pizza time...sweet Elyse!

 Happy Birthday to You!!!

 Wow! Lots of presents!

Thanks friends!  We had a great birthday party!