Christmas 2013~

Zapper, the elf returned in fashion the week after Thanksgiving.  Like last year Zapper came with new jammies and a letter from the big SC himself.  This officially kicked off the holiday season for the kids.

We spent Christmas Eve Day with Alex's family here in town.  The kids opened presents, and we enjoyed a great meal by Alex's mom.

Then we came home and got all dressed up for Christmas Eve service at our church.  It is my favorite service of the entire year.  I wanted a picture of the kids in their Christmas Eve outfits.  It was next to impossible to accomplish, but the sequence is funny to look back on;-)

 FINALLY!  A keeper, and they both look civilized in it.

 Before we left, Rowan sprinkled reindeer food on the front lawn for a little snack for Santa's reindeer!

 When we turned onto our street after church, one of our neighbors had placed luminaries around the entire neighborhood.  This picture does not do it justice, but it was a sight.  We have such awesome neighbors.

After church, we heated up the fondue pot, and we all shared some yummilicious chocolate fondue.  The kids loved it, and they just about licked the pan clean!

Then it was deep sleeps so Santa could come deliver his magic!  I snuck into the kids' bedrooms to see both of the children sound asleep!  So peaceful!

Santa made his delivery, and we woke up bright and early to open presents!

On Christmas Day, we headed to my parent's house to celebrate with my family.  All of the cousins were there, and we had a fantastic 2 days celebrating the birth of our Savior.  The kids came home exhausted and loved.  

And just like that, Christmas 2013 was here and gone~

Rowan Blane is 6~

My little guy turned 6 this week.  This mom heart was dwelling on the fact that I have completed 1/3 of the parenting required with Rowan under my roof.  Gosh, it goes so fast!!

I'm feeling sentimental as he has entered his school years.  Here he is as a newborn 6 years ago.  He was so sweet and innocent, and he loved his mom;-)

I was just telling Alex that he really just doesn't need me much anymore.  He can feed himself, work the tv better than I, do chores, take his own shower, and brush his own teeth.  He is what I like to call self sustaining, and it is just a little heartbreaking;-)

We celebrated as a family on Saturday night with family, presents, and cake.  He was spoiled, and the cake was amazing!!

Happy Birthday, Rowan Blane!  May 6 be an awesome year for you!