It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

We've been busy enjoying the Christmas Season....

Andrew LOVED the tractor at our annual visit to Shadybrook Farms Light Show.

Mama and her special girls had a Girls Date to see the new Disney movie, Moana. I have no pictures, but I hosted my first Cookie Swap with my girlfriends and we had a blast! I think it might become a new tradition ;)

Andrew and Maddie did their fair share of shopping with Mama... Thank goodness for Car Baskets!

We decorated my old tree from my apartment (way back when!) in the playroom/den. We used the Hallmark ornaments from my childhood (thanks Papa for mailing them to us) and the girls had a blast going through them and hearing all the stories.

We celebrated our *12* anniversary with our babes at PF Changs after church... This picture is a perfect example of what its like eating with kids. LOL. We are planning a more romantic Mama-Daddy get away to NYC for a night when Nonna and Grandpa come after Christmas! Happy Anniversary Love! xo

In early December Madison's preschool had a "Breakfast with Santa" and we had fun seeing old friends and meeting new ones, plus getting to see all of Madison's school work!

Teacher told me Madison was adamant that her angel had brown hair in a side braid. Haha!

Our Christmas Cuties

Andrew had fun coloring at the party....

Well, at least he didn't scream when he sat on Santa's lap...

A couple weekends ago we visited a Living Nativity in Hamilton. It's been a couple years since we've taken the girls, but they remembered the animals and really enjoyed seeing the Christmas Story come to life.

And of course, we made a TON of sugar cookies with my helpers....

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours!

Ready, Set, GO!

Andrew Brooks is walking!! 

Or at least when he wants to. Haha!! Go Buddy Go!! 

Thanksgiving 2016

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! We had a wonderfully relaxing day feasting, enjoying each other's company and remembering all we are thankful for!

The Fam (minus Daddy holding the camera)

It was just us this year, and we didn't have any company over like we've had the past few years. We really kicked back as in, stayed in our jammies all day. LOL.

Yum!

Since it was just us, I was really wanting to try out a few new recipes and techniques. I tried out brining our turkey with a Williams Sonoma kit... it was super yummy! I think I might start doing it every year. I was worried about the gravy turning out too salty from the drippings, but it was even better and so full of flavor.

Instead of pumpkin pie, I made this beauty: Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecake. Go big or go home!

Little Man loved eating first, second and third Thanksgiving. His favorites were the turkey, stuffing and sweet potatoes, and of course, the pumpkin oreo cheesecake.

We enjoyed skyping with family later in the day, and had some nice visits with our family in California. It was Nonna's 60th birthday and we crashed her party via skype to sing to her and watch her open gifts. We are looking forward to Nonna and Grandpa's visit after Christmas!!

Madison's Preschool Thanksgiving Performance

Jarrett, Andrew and I went to Madison's Thanksgiving Feast and Songs a couple days before the real Thanksgiving. Four years olds dressed in pilgrim hats... how can it not be adorable?! 

Sassy girl struts in with her hands on her hips...LOL.

Singing, "Thank You Father for making me Me"

Singing, "This Little Light of Mine"

Prettiest Pilgrim we've ever seen!

Madison Grace, 4.5 years old

She was so proud, and did such a great job singing and reciting poems.

Daddy and Maddie Gracie

Mama and Me

We missed our Lulu, but she got to see the video and relived her own Thanksgiving show a couple years ago. 

After the show it was time to FEAST! There was a huge turkey cold cut plate with cheese, sandwich stuff and a ton of desserts and juice. Maddie and Andrew went straight for the sweets, no surprise there.

Preschool has been so wonderful for Madison this year... It has been a joy watching her bloom!

So proud of our Baby Girl and the smart, kind and beautiful girl inside and out you are becoming!