Goodbye 2011, HELLO 2012!!!

This is my last post for 2011. Our family has had a fabulous year. Tonight as we ate dinner we talked about some of our favorite things we have done this year. Some of our favorites were going on a Disney cruise for the first time, our Disney trip in October, camping, the kids talked about the zoo, going to Nona and Papa's cabin, and of course the parade we saw today.

This year brought sadness as well we had to say goodbye to Justin's grandparents Nanny and Boppa within 10 days of each other. We miss them both very much, but know that they are in heaven together watching over us. We also said goodbye to our sweet dog Theo, we miss him everyday. He has definitely left a void in our family.

As I close on this year I am overwhelmed by how blessed I am. I feel so incredibly lucky to have a loving husband and partner of 8 1/2 years. Justin I love you so much! You are my true soul mate. You fill my life with so much happiness. THANK YOU for how hard you work for our family and the love you show us! I love being your wife!

I'm so proud of my sweet daughter Emma and my sweet boy Logan. Emma you have the kindest soul. You are thoughtful and creative and I love watching you just be YOU! Logan you are my cuddle bug, my sweet mommy's boy. You make me laugh and smile constantly. I love your spirit, the way you become friends with anyone. Both of you truly find joy in anything and that makes my heart so happy. I am so excited for what 2012 will bring!

Ringing in the New Year with my Love!

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE!!!!

New Year's Eve Fireworks

Last year was the first time we did fireworks with the kiddos. It was a little scary for them last year, but this year they were all for them. We did caps, sparklers, and a couple bigger ones like the Killer Bee. It was fun to watch the kids be so excited about them this year, they are getting so big!

A beautiful way to end the evening!

New Years Eve Fiesta Bowl Parade

Today we went to the Fiesta Bowl Parade. We bought tickets so we could sit in the stand and see the parade better. The kids had such a great time seeing the different marching bands, floats, and characters.

The kids got to watch the parade from the front row. They high-fived lots of people, got candy, and even a few prizes like necklaces and footballs.

There was a crew of men who dressed up like Star Wars and

Logan thought it was the greatest thing!!!!

Darth Vader

Storm Trooper right in front of Logan and Emma, too cool!

We had a great time hanging out together!

It was definitely a great way to spend New Years Eve Day!

Getting Ready for Santa...

We LOVE getting ready for Santa!!! We make sure that not only Santa gets a special treat, but his reindeers do too. Every year we make Reindeer Food, I do this activity with my preschoolers and Emma also wanted to do it. It is so fun and special and easy. I highly recommend any family starting this tradition.

Reindeer Food Recipe:

1/2 cup of oatmeal

sprinkles

(Told you, super easy!!!!)

Emma and Logan with their Reindeer Food.

I always put this poem with the reindeer food and read it to the kiddos so they know why the reindeer food is so special. The poem says...

My, oh my! I do declare here is special reindeer food to sprinkle through the air.

The oatmeal is for energy, the sprinkles are for flight, so sprinkle the reindeer food on Christmas Eve night.

All of Santa's reindeers will love this healthy snack and next year Santa and his reindeer surely will be back!

After sprinkling our reindeer food outside we got Santa's plate ready with fresh baked cookies and water, Emma thought water would be better for Santa than milk, hahaha.

Santa LOVED his water and cookies so much he ate them all gone!

Present Time!

Christmas Eve Service

We had a great time Christmas Eve with our family (Meme & Papa) and our Church family. Justin played the drums for Christmas Eve service and the kids loved seeing their daddy play. Here a few pictures of the kiddos before church being silly of course...

Logan giving the Sun Devils sign.

Now he is striking a serious pose.

Our super cute kiddos always posing.

Close Up!

With Daddy at Church after service.

Emma & Logan with their friends Abbie and Samantha.