December!

What a month!

Here is a run-down of the month that literally seemed to flash before our eyes...

Brandon's 2nd Grade Christmas ProgramBrandon had been waiting for this moment since his preschool days. He LIVES for these things. All during the performance, he took bows, mouthed the words "thank you...thank you", and shot the peace sign multiple times. What?? Quite a switch from his older brother who, during each & every one of his school programs, looked as if he was going to vomit at any minute. Brandon's the one holding the microphone, by the way...waiting to say his line. And he's standing next to Hannah, who he claims is just a friend... but on a daily basis comes home talking about her! ;)

Swim Meet
Ryan competed in another swim meet. He is really getting good!! They do the Individual Medley, then each stroke by themselves. His favorite is Freestyle. He kicks some serious butt! He came in 2nd for most of the races (out of 6), and 3rd for one. Not to bad! (sorry, mom has to brag!)
Ryan is the diver on the right.

Beyers Family Christmas
Well, funny story... the family Christmas was to be at our house. However, the afternoon before, I went down with the flu! So, after some calls were made, my brother & wife graciously (thank you again!!) offered up their house for the festivities. Fun was had by all, and I received text messages every so often. So it was sort-of like I was there. However, since I wasn't there, I don't have any pictures to share. Boo!

My mom flew back to Indiana for the holidays, and I couldn't wait to see her!! She had only been gone for a month, but who doesn't miss their mommy? I was really happy that she was staying with us. Our extra bedroom has been dubbed "Grandma's room", and she's okay with that. :)

Christmas Eve
We usually attend the 5:00 service at church. It's brief & very kid-friendly. This year, Mike was asked to be part of the live Nativity Scene during this service. He was a shepherd. The boys were also asked to be part of it as well! So, Mike had a costume & everything. I don't know if you know this, but, he's kind of a big deal... ;) (that's one of our favorite lines from the movie "Anchorman") Anyway, all 3 boys walked down the aisle. The boys took figurines to the altar & came back. Mike stayed up & played his part of the silent shepherd very well. ;) My mom went with us to church, and after church, we all headed to my Aunt Alice's for her annual Christmas Eve dinner.
Aunt Alice's dinners are always wonderful and elegant. It's our chance to get dolled up & enjoy being with family.Myself, my mom, and my sister.

After we left her house, it was a mad dash to the finish line to get everything ready for Christmas morning...and we were behind. I mean waaaaaaaaaay behind. But, we got it done, thanks to an extra set of elf hands, otherwise known as Grandma. :)

Christmas Morning
We have a standing rule in our house. No matter HOW early you wake up, you cannot go downstairs or into mommy & daddy's room until 7 a.m. Mike poked my arm. I thought I had just fallen asleep. Nope. It was 7:00 a.m., on. the. dot. Did we sleep at all??! (it certainly didn't feel like it.) We had 2 children standing at the end of our bed. And when I say standing, I mean jumping up and down, not able to control themselves. So as tradition would have it, I'm always the first to go downstairs, y'know, to make sure the big guy actually CAME. I get the lights ready, turn the "yule log" tv station on, turn on our fireplace (who doesn't love TWO yule logs?!), and get all cameras ready. I look like a pack mule by the time anyone makes it down the stairs.The boys, I swear, jumped 4 steps at a time coming down the stairs!
The dog was even left in the dust! Well, the big guy came. And there was lots of loot to look through!

I think both boys were very happy with their findings.
If you look at the pictures above, you'll notice Brandon's gifts are all over the place; whereas Ryan's are together neatly. Just another little reminder that my children couldn't be more opposite if they tried.

Ryan got the big ticket item on his list...an iTouch.
Brandon got his big ticket item...RoboRover.All was well with the world. ;)

After we open gifts, another tradition is to have cinnamon rolls. So, we had regular & an orange variety this year. Yummmmy!

After breakfast & lounging around for a bit, we got ready & went to my sister's house for her fabulous Christmas Day meal. Did I mention that we go into food detox after all of these wonderful meals?! ;)

We had a great holiday season and hope that you all did as well.

Love,
Jenni