Happy New Year!

We're in LOVE!

with the Peppermint Joe Joe's from Trader Joe's that is.

My mom sent me a lovely Christmas care package filled with all kinds of lovelies from Trader Joe's and the overwhelming favorite was most definitely the Peppermint Joe Joe's! They are basically a cousin to the classic Thin Mint - all dressed up in a dark chocolate coating and sprinkled with bits of candy cane.
TO.DIE.FOR!!!!!

Here's Jaeger Ray indulging in our new found holiday treat!*

*Notice the flashlight in the other hand - we were reading stories and indulging in yet another Joe Joe in our fort in Dane's room. I figured if we were doing something somewhat educational (reading a book) we could be rewarded with another Joe Joe! ;)

Happy Birthday Grandpapa!

I'm a few days late on this one, but we wanted to let Grandpapa know we love him very much and we hope he had a fabulous birthday!

Sometimes I feel like I have it all together (well, actually not that often!), but lately I've been behind the ball on everything. Maybe it's because I'm constantly chasing after Jaeger Ray as he's into EVERYTHING that is NOT a toy or maybe it's because my days are spent putting together Legos and fighting fires or maybe it's because Dan's been flying like crazy and when he's not flying he's trying to end the duck season with a few ducks for our freezer or maybe it's just because it's been snowing like mad here and sometimes I just feel like drinking my chai tea and gazing out the window. Hopefully, I'll get back to my A game in 2011!
In the meantime, let's just look at those adorable faces above and all take a minute to smile.
Happy Birthday Grandpapa!
We love you!

The anticipation...

is driving these little ones crazy!

Thankfully, there seems to be at least one gift they get to open as each package is dropped off on our doorstep! Grandparents and Aunties sure know how to win the hearts of my children. ;)

Above they are opening these adorable light up snow globes from Grandma & Grandpa.

Here's Dane adding a new ornament that came all the way from Chile! Thanks to Guy & Nannie for this bell. It's been doubling as Dane's fire department alarm too! He runs over to ring it whenever there is a fire in the house. ;)

Here are the boys playing with some toys that Auntie Mary sent. Dane absolutely LOVES these fire fighter figures! We were really only given clearance to open the Christmas jammies in Auntie Mary's box, but somehow these got opened up too.

Movie Monday

Dane's buddy, Kellen, spent the morning with us a few days ago and we had a blast! We made cookies, played planes & helicopters, made Christmas ornaments and of course, danced to the Glee Christmas album! I had no idea the boys would dance down the hallway and back.

They were too cute - I'm so bummed the hall light wasn't on. I love Kellen's bopping head coming down the hallway. I know this video will haunt them in high school!

HO HO HO!!!

Look who's getting ready for Santa!

Movie Monday

Have you elfed yourself yet?

Happy Birthday Grandma Heidi!

Happy Birthday Moom! We love you! Here's a little birthday wish from Dane. :)



We wouldn't want anyone to think we ever get these birthday messages on the first try! Here's one of our MANY tries this morning. (And you may have noticed that one of the supporting roles is absent from the final product! ;) )

Movie Monday

Santa Claus has arrived!!!

Sneak Peek - Day 3

This one's a little obvious, but it wouldn't be Christmas around here if we didn't make Cranberry Hootycreeks. In fact, people have already begun to request them!

Sneak Peek - Day 2

Here's a little teaser to our Christmas card this year. Don't you just LOVE the little belly button poking out?

And if you look closely you can see our bribe of white chocolate chips in his mouth. ;)

ps - That adorable outfit Jaeger Ray is wearing was Dan's when he was about Jaeger's age. Still in awe that Nannie kept many of Dan's outfits all these years, but I'm so glad she did. They make adorable pictures!

Sneak Peek Week!

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!
And living in this winter wonderland makes it even sweeter!

*This picture was taken from my backyard just a few minutes ago! Isn't it incredible? Sometimes I am truly in awe of the beauty that surrounds us.

We've been busy little elves working on all kinds of handmade gifts and sweet treats for the holidays. I love being crafty and I especially love that Dane enjoys helping me. I thought it would be fun give you a little sneak peek without exposing too much so we won't spoil the surprise. ;) After the holidays, I'll be sure to post pictures of the final products so everyone can see.

Here's a little something for the Grandparents. Hmmmm....I wonder what it could be?!?!