First Grade Concert

Adorable, sweet and too cute.  First grade winter concert was a hit.  Allie sang and danced to HOT, HOT, HOT, HOT CHOCOLATE from the Polar Express.  One of our favorite winter movies and songs...and her favorite morning beverage, or course.  It was the perfect song for our Allie Girl.

Tip Up Town

Michigan winters are not complete without ice, snow and Tip Up Town.  All four kiddos loved the fair at Houghton Lake and the parents spent lots of relaxing time catching up.  Too bad we had to leave Saturday night in order to make a 9:00 am cheer practice on Sunday...sacrifices.

Love you, Aders!

 

 

Another NEW Year!

2017 wasn't too bad...looking forward to a happy new year in 2018.  My wish for myself is to JUST SAY NO!  Todd comments all the time about how I do too much. 

My goal for myself is to soak up more quality time with the four of us and with my close friends.  It might not look like I'm slowing down any...but, by the end of the year there will be plenty I said NO to.

Allie's new years resolution is to get better at playing the ukulele and to not complain when it's time to practice...Todd and I will be very thankful for that.

Ayden want's to begin to learn how to read this year.  It's going to be a very educational summer getting ready for 2YK!

Todd is hoping to be a little more patient...

 

New Year traditions continue...

Santa Came!

Allie was the first to awake bright and early on Christmas morning at around 7:00. She came into our room and got us up. While Ayden was still asleep, we tiptoed downstairs to checked out all the goodies that were placed at the base of our Christmas tree. The cookies were eaten and the milk was drank. The cards, sacks and elves were no where in sight. Santa came!

Allie found the Lego Friends cruise liner she has been wanting since last Christmas. She also saw a complete set of Harry Potter books and a new smart watch. In her stocking were looms, hair spray and some other small goodies.

When Ayden RAN downstairs...he yelled, "WOW!" when he saw a new telehandler truck with ma-tachments. He also recieved a police accessory set and Mickey puzzles too. In his stocking he fround bubble bath, truck lights and some candy.

This should keep them busy for the few short hours we have until our flight to FLORIDA!

Merry Christmas Eve.

I love Christmas Eve. Everything about the day seems so magical and special. Having family come together, enjoying homemade traditional food, opening gifts and getting ready for SANTA! I'm feeling very blessed this Christmas.

 

Auntie Linda, Aunt Jess, Whitney and Ethan came over to enjoy some Christmas Eve festivities. Nana, Papa, Papa Ray and Barb joined us too. Auntie made her homemade Kentucky green beans...my FAVORITE! I have to make my mom's Christmas green punch and Papa Ray made my mom's Christmas Rock cookies. My mom is here with us today.

Allie received the remaining Barbies I had from my childhood, a Hatchimal, a Vera Bradly purse and a music stand. Ayden was THRILED to open a snowplow! He also received a marble race, construction set, flannel sheets, tractors and a helicopter drone. Both kiddos also received some Disney themed gifts and gift cards too.

After all the gifts were opened and the cookies were eaten...we got ready for Santa! Ayden made sure to sprinkle his reindeer food in every knnok and cranny on our driveway, sidewalk and porch so the reindeer wouldn't miss our house!

We've been waiting ALL month for the big moment when we FINALLY get to touch Jingle and Belle. How special is it to give your elf a hug and kiss goodbye before they leave for the North Pole. We gave our squeezes and kisses...and placed these two little guys next to the cookies we left for Santa...along with our sacks filled with old toys for other boys and girls. Now we wait....

 

We're Going to DisneyWorld!

It's been soooooo hard keeping this a secret...WE'RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!

Todd and I have been planning this Christmas surprise for about 4 months! It's been a learning experience...so manytips and tricks to planning the perfect Disney experience.

We gave the littles their Disney present on Christmas Eve. before all the family came over. Allie found her letter from Minnie first that told her where her parents were taking them! Ayden unwraped his autograph book and said, "What is this?" Neither were screaming or jumping up and down like we thought they would...but after it all sunk in, Allie started to get excited.

They don't fully understand what they are in for quite yet! But next week they will be having their MAGICAL day at Disney's Magic Kingdom.

Jingle & Belle

The excitement I hear in my Ayden's voice every morning as he looks for and finds these two sneaky elves, makes having them as houseguest worth it.  Ayden has LOVED having Jingle and Belle hang out at the Hammerick's...seeing the Christmas silliness.

Double Trouble decorated our tree with the kid's undies, drew Minions on our bananas, made a construction site with Ayden's trucks, cheered for Allie for her competition, and roasted s'mores at our candles just to name a few.

 

Thank you little elves for making such fun memories for my littles loves.  It's been super fun...and exhausting!