December 25, 2010

Day 25

We started with a great morning of exchanging gifts at home.  As a tradition, the picture of the kids on the steps, not so patiently waiting to go down. Cael gasped at the sight of the stockings "Oh Mom, our stockings are filled with JOY!"

The boys were convinced that they were getting a Play Station.  When they finally opened it, they both did a victory dance.  Here is Cael, screaming "in your face dad, I was right".

It was a 'BANG UP CHRISTMAS', literally.  Note the gash on my head in the remainder of the pictures.  We were in a car accident on our way to Grandma and PaPa's house.   Roads were slick, as we had gotten a nice amount of snow.  Luckily, everyone is fine.  My 'thick head' got the worst of it!

 We had a fabulous time and Grandma Penny and PaPa's house.  Spoiled!  That's the condition that we left their house in.  Thanks Paul and Penny for making another Christmas extra special for the kids.

Off to Mana's we go for Christmas celebration #3.  Mana made a cake and we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.  Kids really enjoyed the singing!  Cael lost a tooth during Mana's celebration.  He actually pulled it out, because it was "driving him crazy".

Last, but certainly not least.  We end our night at the Bichsel farm.  Gaven got his lump of coal.  He was not the least bit impressed by this.   And Mana got a puppy.  She acted at first as though she was not pleased, but by the end of the night, she was snuggling him tightly. 

December 24, 2010

Day 24

Christmas Eve

We started the day with a family trip to New Pointe's Christmas Service.  Great message, as always. 

 

Christmas Eve is celebrated with PaPa Vroom Vroom. Cael gave him that name when he was just a little guy, because he was always riding his Vroom Vroom a.k.a motorcycle.  Always good food and good company.  The exchange was fun.  Cael and Gaven got new rubber boots, which is a must at our house.

Geno was right in the middle of the party.

PaPa and Julene

Aunt Stephy, Xaden and Aron.

Ready to be tucked in. 

The cookies and milk were set out, with a note to Santa and high hopes that Santa was going to be generous this year.  Gaven went to bed, really worried about being the recipient of coal this year. 

Less than 1/2 hour after laying down, the stockings were hung. Presents were too far behind.

December 23, 2010

Day 23

Today we went to McDonald's playland for some fun with the Schoelles Family.  What a great afternoon the kids had playing.

Upon our return home, the older boys decided they wanted to get rid of some more energy.  With only a little snow, they were determined to sled ride.  They didn't had a blast!

Snow angels

Best Buddies

Love the excitement on his face.

Karter and Mom stayed inside in our jammies.  Dad is hard at work, out in the bitter cold. 

This is Karter's new favorite activity, climbing up in the rocking chairs.  What a lovey!

December 22, 2010

Day 22
Vist from Squidy Claus and the Mrs. (Sam Hatcher and Ashley Arnold).  Two great, family friends came to visit tonight, bearing gifts for all the boys. 

These are "REAL" 4 wheeler riding jerseys.  Let me tell you how excited the boys are to ride with real gear.  Gaven begged to ride tonight.

Karter got a football and a Buckeyes blanket.

As a working mom, its not often that I get to volunteer in the classroom with the boys.  Today was an exception.  I went to Gaven's Preschool today for the adventure of making Gingerbread houses and reindeer food.  Ms. Kari read a few books while we prepared the icing/glue.

We were way too messy to take pictures in the act of making. 

 

December 21, 2010

Day 21

A day of reflection.  Oh how our family has changed.  Really enjoyed gathering the pictures to create this post.  And I've officially driven myself crazy trying to find all the pictures. 

2004

2005

2007

2008

 2009

December 20, 2010

Day 20

Today I got flowers at work from Shane.  What a wonderful husband and father.  Reason for flower "I've been stressed".  Sounds good to me.  And the kicker "They're not just roses or something, its a festive basket".  Love him.  (Bet the flower shop lady used the term 'festive basket')

That would brighten any girl's day.  Not to mention that it smelled of fresh pine and cinnamon.  Put me right in the holiday mood. 




Cael, Karter and I went to finish up shopping for Ms. Deana's Christmas present.  Gaven and Dad headed out to karate.  Ms. Deana's 'Treasure Chest'. 


While we were at Drug Mart, Cael had an epiphany.  He wanted to pick out a Christmas present for Shane, all by himself.  So, we bought Shane a Buckeye's T-shirt, from DRUG MART!!  Might be an indication that he's gonna be like his Momma, Mana, and Grandma Penny when he's shopping at Drug Mart for gifts. 

December 19, 2010

Day 19

The dreaded cut-out cookies. 

Gaven is thoroughly impressed by Daddy's creation.  Cael thinks dad should NOT be allowed to help!

We so enjoy watching the boys with activities like this.  Gaven wants to get done quickly, as he really hates for his hands to get messy or sticky.  Gaven's are mostly iced and sprinkled.

And I'm still not sure why Gaven had to have a screwdriver on the counter while he was working??

Cael wants to take his time and "be creative".  The entire time he made comments, "look at this one mom, I was really creative"  or "Hey dad, I'm gonna use creative-ness for this one".  Cael likes to use more than one color, sprinkles, M & Ms and Hershey kisses. 

The final product. 

Check out Gaven's baby blues. 

December 18, 2010

Day 18

Most of the day was spent playing inside.  We finished getting Christmas decorations out since the house is all put together. 

Today we put up the Countdown Christmas Tree.  Aunt Beth (with some help from Pops (Great Grandpa Bichsel)) constructed Christmas trees last year.  Each day, we place an ornament on the tree, to countdown the days until Christmas.  Cael and Gaven alternate days. 

Tonight was Karter's birthday party.  Check him out, in his height of glory.

Karter with cousin Jake.  Jake and his family got Karter a John Deere steering wheel/column.

Wow...he sure does love this noisy toy!

PaPa Vroom Vroom got Karter his first Harley Davidson hat.  Like Papa, like grandson.

Karter loved his cake.

And his 4 wheeler.  He's a 'gear head' already!
 

December 16, 2010

Day 16

Kids say the darnedest things!!

I've always tried to pay special attention to the things that come out of the kids' mouths.  Recently, we found ourselves laughing more and more.

GAVEN (or 'G NEIL') as he is often referred to around here 

Cael was writing a letter to Santa.  Gav says,

 "Cael, you have NOT been good this year.....NONE of us have!!"

CAEL (Bird Man)

10 minutes into Christmas cooking making Cael say "Ahhh, I think I need a chair.  I don't like to stand that long.  Besides, I'm a little bit lazy, kinda like my Daddy." 

Cael has also really taken to playing dress-up.  He loves to pile on mine and Shane's clothes and role play.  Just a really funny picture. 

KARTER (Karty Paul)

He doesn't say much yet.  But he did have a sucker for the first time tonight and boy did he love it.

December 15, 2010

Day 15

Only 10 days til Christmas.  So much to do, and so little time to do it all. 

The floors are finished at the house, now it's time to put us back-together.  Looks like a new house. 

Dinner at Wendy's, by choice of the boys.  Then off to Tae Kwon Do for practice. 

December 17, 2010

Day 17

Happy Birthday Karter Paul Blake.

12/17/2009

One short (yet very fast year ago) Karter Paul Blake entered our family.  Seems like yesterday we we found out we were having another baby.  Karter has been one of the most amazing blessings we've ever experienced.  This little boy is full of smiles, snuggles and an all around happy demeanor.  His smile takes over his whole face.  He has an innocent look about him, yet his smile tells all of his mischevious secrets. 

First hour of life

First family outing

First bath

 First Buckeyes Game

First family vacation

 First camping trip

 First snow in 2010

 First sucker

Moring of his first birthday.

We love you Karter.