Our Elf - Nerf!

We introduced a new Christmas tradition this year, Elf on the Shelf.  We started the fun by enjoying some popcorn and watching the Elf on the Shelf movie.  Afterwards, we all hopped in Ella's bed and read the book, introducing our elf that Santa had sent.  To give the elf his "magic" he needs a name, Ella decided that our Elf's name would be Nerf.  Every night, Nerf flies home to the North Pole to report to Santa the kids good, or bad, behavior.  As a result every morning he can be found in a new location.  These are some of the fun places we woke up to find Nerf in...













We look forward to his return next year! 

Santa 2012

Santa this year was a great success! Last year Santa was pretty traumatizing, ending with Jack having a seizure and three days in the hospital. We are so thankful that with the help of Dr. Gallegos, and medication, Jack has not had a seizure since.  (YA!!)  This year we procrastinated a bit on Santa and by the time we went, we had to wait an hour to see Old St. Nick.  The kids did well, and given the wait I'd say these smiles were perfect!  

Gingerbread House

Gingerbread house, known in this house as a candy free for all, was a huge success.  This year we took the easy route and bought the gingerbread house pre-assembled; it was so easy and totally worth it!   The kids had a lot of fun, and it made a fabulous center piece for our table.

Christmas Ballerina

Ella's ballet class had a cute Christmas Party. The whole month of December Ella wore this super cute Christmas tutu. The tutu with the Christmas tree head band was perfect for this celebration!

It started with a little dancing




and finished with a lot of treats.


Thank you Miss Alyssa!

Deck the Halls

Our house is filled with the smell of this beautiful tree...I love it.  We got up early to decorate the tree and both kids had fun hanging the ornaments.  Every year I love the holidays more, the kids make it so much fun! 

52 Week Project Week 45-48

Week #45
Sunday November 11th, 2012
Ella and Jack after their first official hair cut.  I have no explanation for why Jack looks so crazy.  He was saying cheese! lol


Week # 46
Saturday November  17th, 2012
Family Movie Night.  We introduced the kids to Elf on a Shelf.


Week #47
November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!



Week #48
December 1st, 2012
Apple Valley Tree Lighting

Tree Lighting

Excited to jump into holiday festivities, we headed over to the local tree lighting. Our town provided hot chocolate, Santa, jump houses, and "snow".  It was a fun, and free, family fun.