2011 In Review

Learn About Mixbook Photo Books
Create your own Photo Book

Christmas Eve 2011

After attending one of the most beautiful Christmas Eve candelight services ever, which put me more into the Christmas spirit than any of the decorations, carols or treats, we headed to Gigi's for a barbeque dinner. The boys got to open a few presents from Gigi, which they thought was pretty fantastic. The best part of the night was Ethan's impromptu performance of all the Christmas songs he knew. And that adorable little guy didn't forget "Happy Birthday to You!"

Then it was bathtime and bedtime to get ready for Santa's visit. Both boys were extremely excited and giddy at bedtime. Before sleeping though, Aden put the presents that he bought for loved ones under the tree. My sweet little Santa Aden.



We left cookies for Santa with a cute little note, and then tucked into bed. Aden was out pretty quickly, but I noticed it took Ethan a while. Poor little thing just laid in bed smiling. (Thank goodness for video monitors so I could see his adorable face).

When they finally fell asleep....

Santa came.

Happy birthday Jesus!



Oh goodness, what have we been up to?

Here at the Elwell House, we're all working on trying to get on and stay on the "nice list." It has been a challenge lately. I guess we're at that perfect age and time of year when all senses go out the window. The boys have been CRAZY lately! A whole lot of complaining, crying, begging for things, talking over each other - and mix in seasonal excitement, discovering noise-making, volume competition and general mess-making. I'm pretty exhausted!

But how could I be mad at that sweet face? Really, I'm just as excited for Christmas as the boys. They are really enjoying the traditions this year. Both are fully aware of Santa and his genorosity, both are appreciative of the holiday treats and drinks, both adore the Christmas lights and decorations, and both just love the music. We have Christmas songs playing constantly. Ethan can sing most of Jingle Bells and it's pretty adorable.

A couple of weeks ago, we went to the Gaylord Texan with my mom and met up with Lola, Gigi, Papa and Lindsey. This place is spectacular during Christmas. Once you get past the parking that is. (Next year I'm taking a tip from Lola and parking illegally.) The boys got to make their own gingerbread cookies and guess what Ethan asks for almost daily now? Yes, he's a big fan of the gingerbread cookies.

Not a fan of red hots.

Also, we took a little break in taekwondo and ended up joining POP at church (Path of Praise). Every Wednesday for several weeks, Aden met with a class and did crafts, ate snacks, talked about reading the bible and sang songs. I volunteered and this was a pretty big adjustment for me. I'm really only used to dealing with my own kids on a regular basis, but I certainly grew to love these kids and now that it's over I miss them.

They practiced a sweet little Christmas song and sang it before Sunday service a couple of weeks ago. C-U-T-E.

Like last year, we had to make a run through the Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie. It was so pretty this year! Ethan is now a huge fan of driving through Christmas light displays. He oooohs and ahhhhs over every last light, and squeals with excitement - you can't help but feel it too.

About midway through, they have a cute little area where you can ride rides and walk through a forest lit with festive light displays.

And for the grand finale - the technicolor tunnel - the boys got to stick their head through the sunroof. Amazing time!

I do have some photos of Aden's first school party - which I hosted! - but not uploaded yet. Here's a sneak peek. It was a "Winter Wonderland" themed party, so we had snowflakes and a looping presentation of winter scenes with animals. We ate reindeer food, and "snow" and did a little gingerbread man craft. The kids had a ball.

I'm currently off work now until a few days after Christmas. Other than a few errands to run tomorrow morning, I'm all set for the big day. I love that I can celebrate the birth of our Lord with my husband and boys, and I can't wait to see their happy little faces this weekend. Merry Christmas!

No snow - but we do have rain! That's what I call a Texas winter!



Happy Thanksgiving 2011

I am certainly thankful for a lot of things this year. My boys (all three), a wonderful family, great friends, a new job this year that I am having a great time at (and it's SO close to home!).

One of Aden's assignments from school was for the family to decorate a turkey picture and bring it to school. I thought ours turned out first class. Gobble gobble!

Ravenna is HOW OLD?

My sweet niece Venna turned one year old this month, and we celebrated in Austin at her Tiger Ninja party. Fabulous time! It was so fun to give her some birthday snuggles and spend time with Trish and Dennis. The boys had a blast playing with all the kids at the party, and the weather was really nice. Good times!



Ethan got wet in the crossfire of a water balloon fight and was pretty upset about it. Silly little thing.

Can't wait to celebrate again next year sweet girl!



It's Twins!

We have added to the family - a set of Robo hamsters for the boys. Aden has named them Fasty and Fluffy. We are all a little jittery about handling rodents, especially me, but they are super adorable, low maintenance and give the boys an up-close look at animal life and responsibility. And we have a ball. An actual ball in which we put the hamster in and it rolls through the house amidst squeals of joy and laughter.

That's Fluffy with the brown face, and Fasty has more white on her face.
(Both girls).

In other news, we've been getting more involved with our church and I've even joined a study group on this book. I've also joined the PTA as the Reflections Program Chair, which means I'm heading up an art program within the school. So far it's been hectic, as I'm discovering that you really can't be a working mom and be a part of the PTA board. Now I know for next year.

We recently had our family pictures taken as well. Here's a sneak peek. Oh how I love how snuggly Ethan was during this session!