Nick's Celebration of Life!

Nick had his 3rd Celebration of Life at the Montessori he attends!

He was so excited to be the center of attention. Again, he walked around the candle (representing the sun) for each year of his life...stopped at Dec. to show pictures to his classmates and hear from him mom what exciting things he did each of his five years.

Nick's 5th Birthday Party!

He really, really wanted an Angry Bird party. Did you know they make NOTHING Angry Birds for parties that I could find short notice (because admittedly, I don't plan way in advance for these things...I wish I was more organized)? Lots of late nights this week, but this mom delivered. Thanks to the help from my cousin, Ariel (and Todd) for helping with the cupcakes! This was the special birthday for my little Nick where he could hardly contain his excitment for the few weeks leading up to this party!

Montessori "Program"

Another informal Holiday program at the Montessori...love how preschoolers prefer SHOUTING as opposed to singing. :) They did their traditional book exchange as well.

Boy Scout Christmas Party

Our big Boy Scout and his brother attended the Boy Scout Christmas party with daddy...while the ladies of the family were out shopping. Nick now can't wait to be a boy scout!

Jingle Bells!

Kate did a very informal dance for her dance class this past Wednesday night. She was constantly turning around giving me the BIGGEST grins and many "thumbs up". :)

Girls Christmas Shopping Weekend

It's a tradition and Kate joined in this year! Mom, Katie, myself and two of the cutest girls in the family, Kate and Emma, shopped from Friday night until Sunday afternoon last weekend. Kate loves time with just mommy and the girls without "da broder's"
We even got a few Christmas pics of baby Emma. Love this baby girl!

....December fun!

Love these kids!

Helping to make cookies! We even made Charlie, our shelf elf, a tiny one.

This boy has been my Holiday helper....wrapping presents, helping bake, and even with the shopping. :)

Visiting Grandpa Mac at Villa. We saw Santa, again. Nick was sure to YELL to Santa that he wanted a trash truck for Christmas.

Yes, a trash truck.

Looking good!

Always finding a way to entertain!

Seeing Santa!

Our post-Thanksgiving tradition is to go to the Clinton Square for the lighting ceremony, see the lighted Christmas parade and then see Santa (for the first time of the season)

Oh my, he looks big...and a little weirded out.

Ah Nick, he realized after he never told Santa what he wanted. Never fear, he had other opportunities.

....she just couldn't do it alone. This was a little embarassing for me.

We always end the weekend celebrating Gaga's birthday. Happy Birthday, Gaga!!!

Gobbler Grind 1/2 Marathon

(1:33-3rd Place)
In an effort to burn a few calories a week beforeThanksgiving, I ran Gobbler Grind 1/2 Marathon then helped one of my running partners, Melanie finish the last six miles of the marathon. It was cold and a little tough two weeks after New York. Melanie fell while running a few weeks before and shattered her finger...needing emergency surgery and four pins to repair it. She amazingly toughed it out and finished!

Holiday Card...