december daily {12.25.11}

The twenty fifth has arrived! The kids slept until 8:00 and the it was time to check out Santa's loot. Aiden got a Wii (for the second time- long story) and Amelia got a Barbie doll house! Amelia had a plan that we would open stockings, have breakfast and then open gifts. That lasted for about 20 minutes and then the kids were too impatient to wait to eat. We opened gifts and everyone was spoilt... again. Dale took the kids shopping and they each picked out their own gift for me. Aiden chose a very cool turquoise kettle that looks fabulous on the stove top. Amelia chose a bright neon green water bottle (because I like to drink water and my favorite color is green) and a new cutting board (because you're always cutting up my food Mom!). I loved the thinking behind those sweet gifts and then Dale surprised me with a very nice diamond necklace. My sister and her sweet family arrived in the afternoon and everyone had fun fussing over Linden.

december daily {12.24.11}

The twenty fourth day of December was spent preparing food! The kids opened a surprise gift from the east coast. The Smurf Movie! That helped pass the day away. My parents and grandma arrived and we all went to the candlelight service at church. Afterwards, we came home for appetizer dinner (my favorite kind) and opened gifts from the Aune side of the family. Cookies were set out for Santa and Twas the night before Christmas read. Our favorite version is narrated by Grandma Judy! The kids were asleep by 9:30 and the adults weren't far behind.

december daily {12.22.11}

The twenty second day of December we had a family dinner and cousin gift exchange. Aiden got a pair of stilts!!!!

december daily {12.21.11}

The twenty first day of December I found my top secret hiding spot for our Disneyland ornament!

december daily {12.20.11}

The twentieth day December I'll tell the story of the firetruck Santa. The firetruck Santa has been coming to our neighborhhod since 2004. The firefighters collect food and toys and the kids get their picture with Santa. It used to be Aiden's favorite type of Santa because he arrived in a firetruck with the sirens wailing and lights flashing. This year Aiden was acting like a punk and wanted to stay home while the rest of the family went to greet the firetrucks. He did eventually come around but there was no sitting on Santa's lap. In fact, Amelia could only be talked into a picture if she sat with her friend Paige.

december daily {12.19.11}

The nineteenth day of December we went skating as a family.  Aiden is really starting to get the hang of this skating thing. Amelia really struggled tonight, as long as she could use the little walker she skated great.  When she went without it she was slipping and sliding all over the place and getting very mad. A few tears were shed that night but she is determined to become a skater!

december daily {12.18.11}

The eighteenth day of December we had our book club's cookie exchange. Twelve dozen delicious cookies, yes please!

december daily {12.17.11}

The seventeenth day of December was Amelia's Christmas dance recital. She was a Townskid and did a wonderful performance on stage. She loves the stage and added a few extra twirls for our benefit!

december daily {12.16.11}

The sixteenth day of December Amelia had her preschool pageant. Unfortnately, it was at the same time as her dance dress rehersal and Aiden and Dale's basketball game. There was some major juggling, swapping and race car type driving but we made it !Grams and Grandma and Grandpa made it to the pageant and Dale and Aiden joined us for cookies afterwards. The preschool program was adorable! Amelia was the 'lead'  angel. When I asked her what the lead angel did she told me "she tells the plain angels what to do!" That girl cracks me up.

december daily {12.15.11}

The fifteenth day of December brought a huge to do list. Shopping for books and breakfast can be crossed of the list!

december daily {12.14.11}

The fourteenth day of December we baked cookies for my book club's cookie exchange! The kids helped me unwrap dozens of rolo's and color sort m&m's. While the cookies were cooling on the deck we blew some bubbles.
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december daily {12.13.11}

The thirteenth day of December Amelia and Amanda decorated her dollhouse for Christmas. I love the adorable miniature paper chain.

december daily {12.12.11}

The twelfth day of December we put the kids new ornaments on the trees in their rooms. We let the kids each pick an ornament from our Seattle holiday week end. Aiden found one with his name spelled correctly and Amelia chose a figure skater to remember our fun time ice skating as a family.

december daily {12.11.11}

The eleventh day of December was all about our annual holiday brunch. Close to 50 friends joined us to celebrate the holiday season. I never seem to take any pictures because it's a bit chaotic! The menu has never changed so that's what I'll record for my book:
Cinnamon buns
Yogurt parfait
Cheesy brunch roll ups
French toast casserole
Mini quiches
Fresh fruit
Ham
Hash browns
Champagne and orange juice
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december daily {12.10.11}

The tenth day of December was the Jingle Bell run! My first 5k and all the girls I've been training with finished under 30 minutes! It was definitely a fun run seeing everyone's costumes and I could always pick out my fellow team mates with our fluffy red tutus. Crossing the finish line and high fiving the total stranger just because we finished the run at the same time was such a cool moment.

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December daily {12.9.11}

The tenth day of December we went for red mani and pedi's in preparation for tomorrow's run!

december daily {12.8.11}

The eighth day of December Aiden had his first home basketball game!

december daily {12.7.11}

The seventh day of December was early release Wednesday from Aiden's school. Grandma and Grandpa were down visiting for the day and we decided to break out the gingerbread house kit. Aiden lost interest fairly quickly but Amelia didn't stop until every piece of candy had been placed. Another gingerbread masterpiece!