Spent Christmas morning at home and then headed to my parents' house for the rest of the day.

The kids had a great Christmas! And we had a blast hanging out with family.

Adding more people (and animals) to our traditional 'top of the stairs' photo every year!!
Sorry, Phil. You're head was cut off -- blame Dad for that one :)

Christmas at Sorbel's :)

Christmas cuties

Reading the Christmas story with Uncle Aaron

Macy's display and visit with Santa. A fun day with girl friends!!

Christmas at Great-Grandma and Great Grandpa's house... best reaction to a gift EVER!

Kier and Eli

My girls and their first competition at MG last Saturday!

LOVE them!!

Counting down the days til Christmas!

Been horrible at updating. Brandt reminded me to update yesterday. I told him he hasn't updated in over a year, so it was his turn. But who's writing?? It's me again :)
Addie's quote from yesterday-
I told her I was starting to get a cold. She said, "How do you get a cold?" I tried to explain a bit, but she interrupted and said, "No, Mom. You are getting a cold because you drink too much pop." Yikes!! Ok... so my New Year's Resolution... no more pop. Or maybe some every once in awhile... but no more being addicted to the caffeine. No, I'm not starting it now... I'll start it in January. If my mom could do it, so can I ;)
Coaching is going well. First competition is a week from Saturday. We're not ready yet, but we will be. Love competition season!
Brandt is enjoying his new job. Had orientation this week and attended meetings. Not really sure what else he does, but he's loving the company. The kids and I met him for lunch this week, which was super great! A really fun working environment-- I found myself slightly jealous.
Counting down the days until Christmas. I love Christmas. I love giving gifts. And I can't wait to hang out with my family on Christmas Day :) Missing the sibs this week.
Tomorrow we head to Breezy Point with friends. A weekend away that we have been looking forward to for some time. No kids, just relaxing, game playing, maybe some tubing, and sleeping in! YEAH :)

Elias James is 15 months old! Where does the time go?? Here are his 15 month stats -
Height: 31 1/2 inches (50th percentile)
Weight: 23 lb. 12 oz. (25th-50th percentile)
Head: 49 (97th percentile)
That's right folks! My little man is short and skinny!! Just carries it all in his cheeks :)

This was Addie at 15 months -- she was 5 inches taller and 3 pounds heavier! Crazy!!

Thanksgiving week was a blast! We did lots of things and the week actually went slow (which was a good thing!) Sledding...

Mall of America

Turkey day!

And today Brandt starts his new job! Exciting! We loved having him home for a week. Now we'll adjust back into a normal routine :) Happy Monday!

Yes, we decorated for Christmas the day BEFORE Thanksgiving!! And the kids had a blast :) Tomorrow we celebrate 'Turkey Day' with the Sorbels and Friday with my family. Loving having Brandt home this week. I've had some good alone time too. The kids are loving their daddy. It's great!

Today was one of those days!! Kids were CRAZY! And we were ready for 7:30 PM to arrive :) Is that horrible to say?! Brandt has this week off before starting his new job next week, so we have a couple fun outings planned. Mall of America tomorrow. Looking forward to the week ahead!
Random pics below...

First Snowfall!!

Life is good! So thankful for my kids and my husband :)

A couple Addie quotes for your enjoyment--
"Can I tell you something Mom? When you share popcorn with me, I don't get any popcorn."

"Tuck me in nice and snuggle!"

"Mama, I want Eli to go back in your tummy."

I dropped her off at preschool last week and said, "Addie, give me a kiss before you go in." She replied, "No Mom!" So, I of course planted one on her and she then looked up at her teacher and said (in a sassy voice), "My mom is so silly."
I'm not ready to give up those kisses yet!!!!

Finally, yesterday in the car we were talking about belly buttons. Addie said, "That's where Eli came out of your tummy, right Mom?" I took a deep breath and replied, "No, Addie. Babies come out of your butt." :) She started giggling, and asked, "Did I come out of your butt too?" I of course said, "Yes, Addie." She giggled again, and then said, "That is hard to understand, Mom." I left it at that!

Best Birthday EVER! Date night with my hubby last night, breakfast at Denny's today, trip to Target (by myself!!), dinner with my family, and the best news ... Brandt got a new job! At the end of the month, B will be working at Best Buy Corporate Headquarters. The job seems perfect for him. The Lord had a plan!! We are feeling blessed and excited for his new opportunity. Best part-- no travel :) I may have to start cooking real dinners at night ;)

My memory card on my camera failed after taking Halloween pics, but my mom had a few! I may dress the kids up again and snap a few more -- for the scrapbook, of course :) We had a blast trick-or-treating! Grammy and Grandpa came dressed up as well!! Both kids were exhausted and slept in til after 8:00 this morning.
Brandt is in NY again this week. Missing him today. That's about it! Have a great week ya'll :)

Hi-- Not much to report. I love Halloween. Addie is going as a bunny and Eli as a frog. Addie assumes and expects the adults to dress up as well, so we will be joining in the festivities on Sunday night. I love trick-or-treating :)
My brother, Jeff, just landed his first commercial for State Farm Insurance. Yes, he will be singing, "Like a good neighbor..." :) I couldn't be more excited for him! What an opportunity and a huge foot in the door to 'making it big'!!!
I carved my first intricate/challenging/detailed/cool-looking-pumpkin this morning. It was supposed to be a family affair, but it ended up B and the kids downstairs and me carving in the kitchen. I think I was taking too much time. Pics to come!
Dance started this week for me-- I have 24 girls on the team this year, and I absolutely love it! Feeling like I have a purpose again (besides raising my kids, yes, I know... ). ;)

Went to MN Zoo yesterday with friends. A beautiful day and the kids were great! Today we drove to Duluth and got to meet baby Georgia-- she is so tiny and so perfect. Addie and the girls had a great day together. The drive home was long :( My friend, Ali, is in labor as I write this... looking forward to meeting her little girl. Finally, and most importantly, B comes home tomorrow and him and I get to go on a date this Friday!! Dinner and a movie- I CAN'T WAIT!!! (the little joys in life!)

We've had an eventful week! My coaching position starts a week from Monday, so I am trying to do some fun outings this week and next. This week we went out for ice cream, visited a park every day, jumped in leaves, and took a trip to Como Zoo. A fun-filled week!! B comes home tonight :) Yeah!