Allie's Christmas Concert

Allie played the part of a BEAUTIFUL angel in her Christmas concert at school.  She's been practicing very hard the past couple weeks.  Allie was dressed in a VINTAGE, long, white dress to look the part (this was my bride costume my mom made for me when I was 4 years old for Halloween...just happen to find it in my bin of Halloween costumes I saved that my mom had sewn for me). 

 

 

 

Allie did an AWESOME job flying around as an angel.  Way to go, Allie girl!  You made your mom and dad so proud...and Miss Sue too!

 



Ayden is 15 Months

Ayden has been a busy, busy boy. He learned how to twirl around until he falls down and he thinks it's the funniest thing when he walks backwards until bumps into something. When music is playing, Ayden will nod his head back and forth to the rhythm. One of his favorite things to do this month are play in the Tupperware cabinet and put lids on and off of containers. Ayden grew tall enough to reach the handles of our doors. We had to start using the door locks on the bathroom, pantry, and garge door. Whenever anyone gets ready to leave, Ayden will get his coat himself and bring it to Todd or I to put on him because he thinks he is going too. Ayden will wave bye whenever he leaves. Ayden loved having the Christmas tree up this season. He would often hang up ornaments including some of his toys and Todd's socks too. Ayden has 4 teeth. Some of his favorite foods this month are pasta, yogurt and bananas. He still refuses to drink milk but loves iced tea. 

 

 

 

Breakfast with Santa 2014

I LOVE breakfast with Santa!!!  I have fond memories of having breakfast with Santa with my mom.  I hope to create those same fond memories with Allie and Ayden over the years.  Pancakes, sausage, grapes, and OJ was on the menu for this jolly 'ol breakfast.  Santa made his way around the dining room to say hello.  Allie was a bit shy and only managed to giggle and smile when Santa found her.  Allie made some reindeer food for Rudolph and his eight friends...and a reindeer ornament.



Mrs. Claus read a story and then it was time to see Santa.  Ms. Claus had a little chat with Allie about her elf.  Allie let Ms. Claus know that Belle (Allie's elf) has been staying at our house.  Ms. Claus said that the elves are tattle tales, haha!

 

Allie smiled so nice...and Ayden cried...again!  We are 0-3 on our Santa photos this year.  There's always next year...sorry Santa.  Maybe next year.

 

 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Downtown)

Allie has been looking forward to going to Daddy's work for some time now...she knew Santa would make his annual stop there.  Unfortunately, EVERYONE but me was sick!  Allie was at the end of her influenza A, Ayden got a cough, and Todd ended up with the stomach flu THAT MORNING.  He sucked it up for just long enough to make it in for his Christmas party with the kiddos and I.  By looking at the photos below, you would have never thought any of them were sick.  I'm really proud of Todd for toughing it out for these two.  Being sick an trying to function, is sometimes impossible.

 

Allie was as happy as ever to play at Todd's desk and write all over his paperwork, while Ayden RAN around and made himself right at home getting his hands into everything!  Allie made a sparkly pink snowflake (and a blue one for Ayden) and a Christmas tree ornament.  There was games to play too.

 



 

 

But the highlight of the morning was when Santa arrived.  Allie hopped right up on his lap.  We learned that Ayden STILL hates Santa.  Dear Santa...all I want for Christmas is two healthy kiddos.  It would be awesome if  they were unable to whine, ever again...if you want to throw in a little something extra.  It would be much appreciated.

 

 

 

Santa was sure to fill up his sleigh before he made the trip to the D.  Allie and Ayden each got a little pre-Christmas gift from the big jolly guy.  Allie received some accessories for her Bitty Baby.  Pouches, Goldfish and animal crackers filled up Ayden's bag...Santa sure does know Ayden well!

 

After our visit with Santa and piece of pizza, we hit the road.  Todd was happy to make it home and recoup in bed for the rest of the day...while the littles and I were left to spend some quality momma and me time.  Hope you liked Detroit, Santa!

Happy 4th Birthday Party, Allie!

Not only did Allie celebrate her birthday today with her friends...but she also celebrated turning 4 with the COOLEST snow queen ever...ELSA!  Allie's FROZEN birthday was at the TINY TOWN of Arendelle. 

 

 

There were sooooo many snowflakes, blue and turquoise, and FROZEN things everywhere!  Lot's of goodies were spread about...snowball doughnuts, frozen heart chocolate covered strawberries, melted snow water, Olaf noses and arms (carrots and pretzels), snowflake cookies, true love kisses and Kristof's ice candy!  The dessert table was SNOW COOL!

 

As a thank you for coming to Allie's special Frozen birthday, Allie and I made glitter Frozen playdough in the shape of a snowflake for all her friends. 



Each guest received a magic snowflake wand, Sven antlers for the boys and snow tiaras for the girls.  The kids LOVED wearing the antlers and tiaras!

Just as we all gathered in the party room to enjoy some tasty treats...LOOK who BLEW through the door!!!  Allie was soooo excited!  "ELSA!" she giggled!  Elsa went right over to Allie and invited her and her friends to sing a few familiar songs...all of which Allie knew the words to...Let It Go! ...and Do You Want to Build a Snowman?  The girls LOVED it!!!  They sang and twirled.  It was the cutest!  The boys on the other hand watched from afar.  I think they may have had a secret crush on the beautiful Elsa.

 

Allie was as willing as ever to pose for a few photos with Elsa...she even wanted Ayden to come in the pictures too!  However, I think Ayden was a little star struck.

Unfortunately Elsa had to be getting back to Anna and Arendelle.  She gave Allie a birthday card and princess ring to remember her by.  Elsa didn't leave without a big WARM hug from Allie. 

Time for lunch, cupcakes and desserts!

Happy, happy birthday to the sweetest four-year-old I know.  Allie, I hope your Frozen birthday was the best ever! 

 

 

Lots of time for fun with friends!  Allie really enjoyed playing with her friends and family.  She is so blessed to have all of you in her life to share wonderful memories with.  We hope you enjoyed Elsa just as much as Allie did!

 

 

Light Up the Night 2014

This year we ALL made it out to the Novi tree lighting ceremony...last year the temperatures were in the NEGATIVES and Todd stayed home with Ayden. The weather this season was not too bad.  First we stopped and had our picture taken with "the Tree" that was lit up that night.  There was lots of fun things to do.  Animal petting, crafts, s'more roasting, food tasting...and tons, tons more.

Allie and Ayden made a craft...Christmas stamps and snowflake frames.  Ayden tried to eat the stamps, over and over again. 

We met up with Aunt Jess, Whitney and Ethan for the fun.  Austin, Aunt Kat and Uncle Mark were there too! 

I think the highlight of the evening was the TRAIN!  Ayden even loved it!  After the first time around, Allie wanted to ride with Austin...so on we went again.  Chooo-chooo!

 

 

The library had their usually cookies and popcorn...AND ELSA AND ANNA!!!  What a surprise!  Allie was in awww of them.  She was so excited to tell them about her frozen birthday party tomorrow. 

 



So glad we could bring Ayden along this year to the tree lighting...and to have our friends and family join us too!  It's all these events and holiday outings that make Christmas so exciting, special and FUN!  I love that there are so many fun events offered for us to attend...but it sure does make us BUSY!!!

Hammerick Christmas Card 2014

Have yourself a merry LITTLE Christmas!  These two little Christmas cuties made our family Christmas card the cutest ever!!!  They cooperated so well for the perfect shot.  Merry Christmas from the Hammerick's!

 



 

Dear Family & Friends,

We hope your 2014 has been as fun-filled as ours. Even though this year ended wonderfully, it didn’t start off so great for the Hammerick’s. Monica and Ayden were in a head on collision in January. Luckily the only major damage was to the car. We are all very thankful for our health. Our family enjoyed traveling to visit family in PA in the summer. We also took our first cruise to Bermuda as a family of four. Allie loved the beaches and Ayden loved the food. We stayed in the Big Apple for a few days and toured NY. Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square were some of the highlights. Our year was filled with many firsts as we watched Ayden grow. We celebrated his baptism in early winter. Ayden went from a sleepy little baby to an on-the-go little boy. Ayden turned ONE and learned to walk, talk and climb. He loves to bang on everything. Ayden is growing into a sweet, smiley, and hungry little guy! Ayden was chosen for his first modeling gig in the spring. He is featured on the Sticky Bellies advertisements and packaging. Allie started pre-school in the fall and is learning so much. She continues to take swim lessons and is so proud of her swimming accomplishments. She jumps in off of the side and will even go underwater now! Allie loves going to cheerleading practice too and continues to work on her cartwheel. The summer was spent riding her bike, playing at the park while mom attended stroller fitness classes, and driving her Power Wheels Mini Cooper Santa brought her last Christmas. Allie traded in her toddler bed for a big FULL size bed. Some of Allie’s favorite toys are My Little Pony’s, Barbie’s and her baby dolls. Monica moved schools and started teaching third grade this fall. She loves her new school, coworkers and students. Monica’s Etsy shop is still open for business. She is creating all sorts of crafty party decorations for kids around the United States. Todd has been busy working and taking care of our two cutie pies. This Christmas we will spend some much needed family time at home with relatives, opening gifts and baking cookies for Santa. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

                                                           Love, Todd, Monica, Allie & Ayden