Christmas Day 2013

I think I was more excited for chhristmas this year than the kids were! It was our first year to spend Christmas morning with just our little family and not visiting our parents and siblings. It was a blast but kind of a strange feeling at the same time. Anyway here are some pics of our day...

Jace woke up around 6:50, so I brought the kids their milk, and we waited for Dad. We sang "Picture a Christmas." To remind us it was Jesus' birthday.

Then we headed out to see if Santa had stopped by. 

Lainee dove onto the couch when she saw her pink unicorn! Santa remembered! The bunk beds we- I mean Santa's helpers- made were a huge hit too! Santa also brought a GK gymnastics leotard. 

Jace walked over to take a look at their new train before hitting up his own stocking and gifts. Pretty cool!

Stocking surprises included candy canes filled with Mike and Ikes, Lintdor truffles, snowman chocolate balls. Anna migiclip doll, Frozen water bottle, and hair accessories for Lainee, and dinosaurs for Jace!

Jace got a big fuzzy dog just like the one he was in love with at the toy store!

Of course we got the dolls in bed right away.

Jace needed some boy toys so bad. Between his birthday and Christmas, I think he got his fair share. Santa brought him his big dog, a wooden car track, and some sports balls!

Choo choo!

Jace was excited but a little confused, I think. Haha cutie.

Then we opened gifts from Grandmas and Grandpas, who spoiled us again of course. Garen and I did get a few things for each other but they weren't as exciting to photograph so all you get to see are the kids :)

Jace noticed that Santa left a perfectly good cookie on the plate, and decided to finish it for him.

We had a great big breakfast/brunch, and enjoyed the rest of the day in our PJs, watching new Disney movies and our favorite Christmas shows while enjoying our new toys.

I thought my kids would be spoiled rotten with all their gifts from Santa, but when I saw on Facebook and Instagram all the tons huge gifts so many kids were getting, I realized that I think Santa chose just right for us! 

We are all very grateful for what we have and what we've been given, and most importantly for our loved ones, and for the greatest gift of all which comes from our brother, lord and savior, Jesus Christ. 

Christmas Eve 2013

There's only one more sleep 'til Christmas!

We had a fantastic day together even though it was sad to not be around other Hill or Blanchard crazies.

We drove up to Mt Charleston and found some snow.

We were invited to a couple different dinner parties but we had already bought a whole bunch of food for our own dinner, and it was actually really, really nice to to be with just our little family even though we did kind of miss the feel of a big gathering.

Garen fixed us up delicious steak and shrimp. Mmm.

This is his plate.

Then Lainee helped me make dessert. Apple jack. Yum! Plus we had some Oreo cream pie stuff.

That evening, after dessert and baths, we put on a little nativity at Lainee's request.

Lainee was Mary. Garen was Joseph. Jace was the shepherd. I was the angel. (And "Big Dog" was the donkey, and then the sheep.)

Then we sang some songs, opened our PJs, and got some cookies ready for Santa to come. It was a pretty good day.

(I have no idea why the kids look so grumpy in every picture... They really weren't.)

Now we're just chillin with this awesome fake fire on Netflix... Until Santa comes.

Santa's Helpers

We have this daughter who's three years old and wants doll bunk beds for Christmas, but we noticed that a lot of the ones you can buy are priced way too high for the cheap plastic and cardboard they're made of. 

So we built some ourselves! We got all the wood for less than $4. The rest was mostly stuff I already had in my crafting supplies so the whole thing cost us less than $8 or $10. Soo much better! Including all the sanding, painting, etc. it only took us three nights after kids were in bed, plus an hour or so for me to sew the bedding.

Voila! I think she'll love it!

December Update

More December update. 

Jace turned one and gets around the house faster than I can keep up with him.

Lots of packages in the mail lately for Christmas, and some are the perfect size for "IMAAAGINATIOOON" (yes, I just quoted Spongebob).

Jace threw my iPhone in the toilet, and two days later he pulled the crockpot off the shelf by its cord and shattered it. It's a good thing he's so stinking cute, or he'd be in BIG trouble for all the stuff he breaks or ruins daily.

Nevada finally decided to try out some fall weather now that it's time for snow.

When you're 3, there are not many things more magical than Christmas lights. We have been checking out neighborhoods in the area and loving every minute.

It's too warm for Christmas if you ask me, but this weather is perfect for bike-riding.

Garen has a little break from his rotation so we have had a little more time for family fun like In &Out. 

Lainee was a reindeer at story time.

More family activities. Gingerbread houses!

Lainee is upset that there is no snow outside even though it's almost Christmas, so we made our own. 

We didn't send out cards in the mail but this will have to do. Love you all!

Happy 1st!

This is the CUTEST baby I know! ... And he's 12 whole months old today. It kinda breaks my mommy heart how stinking fast it went, but he is so much fun and I can't wait to see all the things he learns and does in the future. 

Today we had a little play date at the park/party for him. It was a perfect day to celebrate, and probably the only one we'll ever have outside at a playground (ya know, since we won't be living in Nevada for ever).

He got spoiled out of his little mind with presents, and I'm a little bit glad because I really didn't want Christmas to take away from his own birthday.

(These pics below were taken by our good friend, Dayna. She's awesome!)

Jace weighs 22 lbs and is 30 inches tall. Here are some other fun facts about our Jace at ONE YEAR OLD---

-Was walking a little before 11 months 

-Drinks cow milk from a big boy cup

-loves to climb climb climb

-mimics things that Mom, Dad, and Lainee do, like wiping others' noses, pushing a stroller, sweeping, etc.

-favorite toy: balls, cars and trucks, anything he can pull or push

-makes a funny, a scrunchy nose face when he doesn't want another bite, or just to be funny.

-enjoys other kids and babies

-daddy's biggest fan and favorite pal

-has 6 teeth-4top&2bottom

-favorite thing to eat: strawberries, Maria's gallettas (those little Mexican cookie/crackers)

-still doesn't talk much but definitely understands a lot, and answers simple "where is..." Questions by pointing or showing, and has little hand motions for when he wants certain things.

-Bedtime: 7:30 -wake up time: 7:30

Is getting down to one nap but still needs two some days.

-is a pretty happy guy all the time 

-we love love LOVE him!

We Love Christmas Time!

The last few weeks have been full of Christmas festivities at this this little Blanchard house...

Writing letters to Santa.

Putting letters under the tree and waking up to find a little something from Santa's helpers.

Finally enjoying some chilly winter temps.

Watching Christmas movies with friends.

Movie going! (Top 10 for sure!)

Hosting a Christmas get-together.

With cocoa,

And games,

And gifts,

And cookies,

And decor!

Indoor play dates like Bounce U.

Painting festive toenails.

Using extra cocoa toppings for pancakes!

Sewing special gifts for kiddos (sssh). Santa may or may not be bringing doll bunk beds.

Beginning our 12 books of Christmas.

And of course, always trying to remember the real reason for the season.

...Ten more days to fill with fun!