Christmas fun- Part 2!

First of all...

Happy New Year!!!!!

I plan on doing a 2013 recap of my favorite moments, but that will have to wait until after I finish wrapping up our Christmas fun.  The day after Christmas, we waited for my sister and her family to head over.  Caleb couldn't wait to build his new castle Lego. 

 Madeline couldn't wait for me to finish making Jesus's birthday cake.

 After crumb coating it, I realized I forgot to add peppermint extract to the frosting.  Oops.  I used a frosting recipe that called for a larger batch because the last chocolate peppermint cake was too skimpy on the frosting.  Unfortunately, I forgot to look back at the original recipe.  So chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream was what it was.

My sister and crew finally made it over late in the afternoon because she had been nauseous and vomiting all morning.  No fun.  She promptly made it into the house and went to sleep.  That was all we saw of her all day. :(

After a delicious dinner of short ribs and sides sans sister, it was time to open presents.

 Books, roller skates, camping gear, shoes all made the gift giving list. Then it was time to sing happy birthday to Jesus.  We put 5 candles on the cake for all 5 kids to blow out, but somehow, Madeline managed to "help" her siblings and cousins out with their share of candle blowing responsibilities.  Sneaky girl.

 Well, the next day my sister was pretty much back to herself. So we piled all 5 kids in my minivan and headed down to South Florida for a little Winter Carnival fun with my cousins Ed and Eileen.  

Face painting and airbrush tattoos were a huge hit.  So was the slide.  I was so happy that my sister and her kids finally had the chance to attend the carnival (my BIL Andy had to work.)  After the carnival, we hung out a bit, ate pizza, and just enjoyed each other's company.  We stayed late and as soon as we hit the road, all 5 kids passed out in the car.  Having that much fun sure is exhausting!

Oh, the one thing I really enjoyed about the carnival was using my new Fujifilm point and shoot.  I kept it in my hand all day, just like I would my phone.  It was so convenient to shoot with, and I can't get over the quality.  Lisa, I will share more about it when I get the chance. ;)

Anyway, hope you all are looking forward to a new year and reflecting back on all that 2013 was for you with joy in your hearts.

Happy New Year friends!

Christmas Day fun

Well, I was going to do my best to create some photo collages because I have so many photos to share from our Christmas celebration/s.  But unfortunately, time is not my friend.  So I appreciate your patience in advance for the onslaught of images heading your way the next few days.

It all started Christmas Eve.  We were planning to attend dinner with my sister's in-laws and extended family.  But unfortunately, it was going to make the night too late, especially for Havi. So we opted for church in the afternoon and a quiet family dinner of Lobster Newberg.  Well, mama and baba had lobster newberg.  Patrick made lobster with butter for the dumplings.  He's a good man. Then we let them open one present each, read a bible story, and put them to bed.

Christmas morning I was the last one out of bed... at 6:15am.  But there was no racing to rip open presents.  Not this year, nor every year here on out.  Nope.  We decided that we would read the story of Jesus's birth and say what we're thankful for before opening presents.  

Caleb really wanted a Florida Gator pillow pet, like his cousin Josh.

Madeline and Caleb both wanted remote controlled helicopters.

 Havi got a cute little dollhouse (and some legos).

Madeline got a ballerina doll from Aunt Shell, Uncle John and Lydia.

Madeline also wanted Legos, specifically the Friends horse trailer.  And Caleb scored Grand Slam Tennis for the Wii.

And precious Havi had her portrait made by her wonderful Bammy, Patrick's mom.  What is so amzing about the image she chose to use for the portrait is that Havi is playing with my camera lens cap. And the image she used to paint Madeline's portrait 3 years ago had Madeline also playing with my lens cap while still in China with her!  I guess you could say lens caps make good props. lol

So I opened my gifts last and made out big time.  You see, since bringing Havi home, I have had lots more stuff to tote around every day.  That means my awesome 2 Sues camera bag/purse from Kelly Moore holds more kids stuff than camera stuff.  Often that has meant leaving my DSLR at home because diapers and wipes are kinda important with a non-potty trained toddler.  That left me with just my phone camera for photos.  And well, that was starting to drive me batty.  So I did a little research on good quality point and shoots and found a few little Fujifilm X series gems.  I passed that knowledge on to my better half, and he came through in a big way at Christmas.  So I spent the rest of the morning and day fumbling my way through a new camera set up. The rest of the photos I took that day were with my Fujifilm.  I am in love!!!!

...okay, back to Christmas day and photos...

Madeline was also given a Sophia the First dress and amulet.  But you wouldn't know it. Havi made sure that she had ample time to play with that amulet.  Oh my!  She really acted as if it were hers. Poor girl. lol

Madeline was thrilled with decorating her little wooden vanity.

Some tennis on the tube for everyone's viewing pleasure...

Caleb got a fun little stomp rocket.  It made Havi giggle and stomp uncontrollably.  She loved his gift!

After lounging around all morning and the early part of the afternoon, Patrick suggested we go to the tennis courts for a father/son match.

I thought I'd take a few videos with my new camera.  

I love Caleb's expression at the end of the play in the first video, and in the second one, I captured a quick smash.

Well, normally my sister and her family come on Christmas Day.  However, since we were planning on traveling together to visit family in South Florida on Friday, she opted to come over on the 26th. I'll share those photos along with the ones from our trip in another post because this one's already seen enough. lol

I hope you all had a wonderful, merry, joy-filled Christmas!