More Christmas Pictures...

Christmas 2009

Today we had a super Christmas. The kids were so excited that they couldn't sleep, which made for a late night for Seth and I. They were crazy all day but I did manage to snap a few photos.

While the kids played with their new toys tonight, I pulled down ALL of the Christmas stuff and put it away. It is such a great feeling to have a post-Christmas free house. It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

Merry Christmas!

I am going to be honest, I have no idea if I sent you a Christmas card this year. I started working on them one night after taking my Ambien and sent them out the next day, realizing afterward that I didn't make a list of whom I had already sent to. Anyhow, if you didn't get one, consider this a personal greeting just for you!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

A Rather Funny Moment

Unfortunately for Coltyn, Seth and I are severely cursed with allergies. All 3 of us require prescription allergy meds daily. Without my medicine, I get migraines and I break out in hives and trust me, it's not pretty.

So....the other day, I was due for my medicine. I went to the cabinet only to find that Seth (we take the same kind) had taken the last pill (Rrrrrrr). It was late and so the pharmacy was closed and so even if I had wanted to pick up some over-the-the-counter Claritin D, I would have to drive to a 24 hour pharmacy about 20 minutes away. I went back and forth about driving down there. I ripped apart the cupboard thinking that MAYBE, just maybe, I would find a stray that we had put in a Ziplock and forgot to take. I searched my car, Seth's car, my purse, the 72 hour kit....NOTHING. After my feet started turning red and swelling like nubbin toes, I told Seth I was going to the pharmacy. I grabbed my keys and headed out the door. Just as I was getting into the car, I remembered dropping one under the stove a long time ago and thinking I should throw it away and then thinking (and laughing to myself), that it would just stay there until a rainy day. Well that day was today! SO, I ran back inside and grabbed a flashlight and a long stick. Just as I am doing this, Seth walks in and asks what I am doing. I quickly made something up (you NEVER tell a OCD germaphobe that you are scrounging under the stove for an old pill). I pulled it out, dusted off the dust bunnies, and took it.

I put my keys up and went about my business only for Seth to ask me why I was still there. When I told him I didn't need to go until morning, he asked me why and before I could answer, the puzzle fit together and the look of pure horror crossed his face. I am pretty sure he is still haunted by my resourcefulness. It's probably only funny to me and anyone who knows how much this would bother Seth, but I still can't quit laughing about it.

Alyvia's Christmas Dance Recital

Today was Alyvia's Christmas Dance Recital. It's a much more laid back recital than the Spring concert as you can see, her class got to wear jeans. I can't believe how far she has come just since last Christmas. It's a lot of fun to be able to have a little girl in dance! Even the boys like to watch her.

Christmas Party

Last night we were able to go to a Christmas party with my dad's family. It was even more fun because my brother, Jaysen was there due to a job interview in the area. It made for some good times.

Luc's Christmas Performance

Tonight was Luc's Christmas performance. He acted like he didn't want to go, but he sang so loud that we could hear him over everyone else. It was awesome. Afterward when I told him what a great job he did, he said, "I know" like I wasn't telling him anything new.

Stuff for Heidi to Read

Apparently, it is time to update my blog. Things have been pretty normal around here so I haven't had a ton to talk about.

Coltyn recently received his green belt at karate. That was fun. He went to see the Nutcracker with his class and thought that was a good time.

Luc has a Christmas singing thing tomorrow so I will post some pics of that. I snuck into the gym today to watch him practice and he was SO excited! That kid loves to sing. But....not as much as Lyvi.

Lyvi is the happiest little girl on the planet, until you make her mad. Then the girl stuff kicks in and look out! But, most of the time she is singing (and never the right words). Yesterday, she spent the entire morning before school singing and cleaning Coltyn's room to surprise him. She is a sweetheart. She has a dance concert this weekend so I will for sure post pictures of that.

Lucas Magoo's Party

So today we had Luc's 7th birthday party. We decided that the parties were getting out of control so we toned it WAY back and just invited a few close friends from the neighborhood and relatives.

Seth set up some of his DJ equipment and Coltyn literally "spun" records (ahhhhh) for most of the party. It turned out to be a good time and awesome outside weather! The games were a huge hit, but almost every kid tried to cheat in at least one game....rascals.

I would be fibbing if I said I was sad that the friend party is over. HUGE relief! I don't know why these parties stress me out so much. Maybe it is the chance of rain and lots and lots of little boys running through my house. Who knows!? Now we just have a relaxing "real" birthday on Tuesday for him planned. That is what I am talking about!!!

Halloween 2009

We just finished up trick-or-treating with the kids. Luc and Alyvia were so excited about their bucket full of candy. Coltyn...not so much. He goes for the sake of going, not for the candy. He told me it was time to go home because the full moon was out. Aah Halloween. I don't get the Holiday at all but the kids sure love it.

Brandon and Mal

Brandon finally tied the knot with Mallorie. She has basically been in the family forever so we were happy that they made it official. It was a great wedding and she looked awesome!

Alyvia Turns 6

Today is Alyvia's 6th birthday. She woke up bright and early to politely demand her gifts. She started out only wanting to open one and save the rest for later but gave into the temptation and opened up everything before breakfast.

This afternoon we went to Thanksgiving Point Farm and rode ponies, played games, and went on a hayride. It was freezing, but the kids still had a blast.

More Pictures...

More pictures from our trip. We went to a Marlins game while we were there.

Florida Reunion 2009

We just returned from the most amazing trip ever! We had the opportunity to go to a reunion in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the kids from CEJ (the kids' orphanage) and their adopted families.

It was so much fun to see the kids reconnect with their old friends from Haiti and the siblings had just as much fun as our Haitian kids did.

I was a little hesitant to go, but am so glad that we did!

Coltyn Earns His Blue Belt and The School Carnival

Here are a few pictures from the school carnival that we recently attended. It was a cowboy theme and that is why they were wearing the hats. Luc, used his to hold his tickets.



Over a month ago, Coltyn received his blue belt and I am just now posting about it. Things have been a little crazy lately.