Skippito

Okay, this had to be the funniest kids book that I have read in awhile.  The KEY is to do the accents while reading.  I couldn't get through each page because my kids, Nate, and I were laughing so hard (you know the deep down real good feel it in my gut laugh).  My kids LOVED this book.  Brekken received this as a Christmas present from his Grandma and Grandpa Abbott.  Thanks!!  Just remember that if you do read this book, you HAVE to do the accents with it, I promise it won't let you down and your kids will thank you:)

By the way, as I was searching for this image I found out that their are more books in the SkippyJon Jones series.  I will definitely be checking these out.  I hope that they are just as good.

Christmas Day

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Christmas Day!!! The kids actually slept in until about 8 (this is definitely a first!)  As soon as they had seen what Santa had brought them and just as we were sitting down to open the gifts from under the tree, Nate's phone rang.  Nate was on call so we knew that that could only mean that he was being called out.  It was a bummer and the kids were sad that Dad wouldn't be there to watch them open their gifts (I got video and plenty of pictures for him:)  We saved Nate's and my presents until we could open them up together.  After we opened up all the presents we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Graff's to open more at their house.  We played with the cousins and ate the traditional Christmas breakfast.  We stayed and waited until Nate could call us and let us know how long he would be.   A few hours later(just after twelve) we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Abbott's to meet Nate and to have our traditional Christmas breakfast/brunch with them.  Nate's family does Christmas crackers that you pop open before we eat to reveal a little gift and a crown to wear throughout breakfast.  The kids love "popping" open their crackers to see what they get and to put on their crowns!  I of course had left my camera in the van and so once again, no pictures :(  After staying for a couple of hours we decided to go home to open the rest of our gifts.  We were all spoiled this year and are very thankful that we could celebrate with family around! Can't wait 'til next year!!  

Decorations came down on the 26th.  I am one of those that loves to put it up a little early but when the holiday has come and gone then so do the decorations.  Now back to reality and a week of no school!! and to a whole New Year ahead of us!!!  Happy Holidays to all of you!!

Twas' the night before Christmas.......

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I love Christmas Eve!!  I love the traditions that we have in our family.  We are lucky that we live by both of our families so that time can be spent at both.  First, we stopped by Grandma and Grandpa Abbott's to visit and let the kids share all their excitement with them.  Then, onto Grandma and Grandpa Graff's house.  This year the whole family was here.  Chad and the kids drove up from Texas to celebrate Christmas.  Grandpa Pug was feeling well enough to join us for the night and we are grateful that he was there.  We always start off with my mom's traditional broccoli cheese soup and bread bowls.  Then while the adults are cleaning up, the grandkids go downstairs and start practicing for the Nativity Story.  When all the parts are picked and rehearsed then we all join together in reading the story of Christ's birth.  The kids love being a part of the story.  After that Makayla performed a flute solo and then we all learned about the story of the song, "Silent Night", which we all joined in singing.  The program was cute that was put together.  We ate cheesecake and then as always at the end Grandma and Grandpa give out the traditional Christmas PJs!  We love this tradition.  

After gathering the kids and taking them home, the real fun begins.  Nate and I usually watch a movie as we wait for all 5 kids to fall asleep (this can take awhile) before we begin doing our "Santa" duties.  I love this part!  This year it only took a couple of hours to finish it all.  We love this part just knowing that in a few short hours we will get to watch the kids excitement of it all.

Merry Christmas!!

Have a happy Christmas!! 

PIrate Island Pizza

Today we spent the afternoon at the new Pirate Island Pizza.  We went with most all of our cousins and Grandma Graff (and of course all the parents.) We missed Dad, he had to work (what a bummer) Inside it's built pretty cool, they  have a huge pirate ship, a real waterfall, and lots of other features.  The most exciting part for all the kids was the game room.  It's a big arcade with games, tickets, etc.  The kids had a blast using all their tokens and winning tickets.  We will definitely have to go back and take Dad!  Thanks Grandma for taking us we had so much fun being with everyone!

HB Kirby

Kirby is a WANTED man! Reward given if you can find him on his birthday!  No just kidding, we love ya Kirby!! Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you today!  Hope you had an kick-a** day!!  My kids love their Uncle Kirby tons!!  He is the greatest brother-in-law you could ask for.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Christmas Traditions

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Every year around Christmastime Grandma and Grandpa Abbott take the kids and make cookie trees with them.   They also get to sleepover and of course that involves eating pizza, watching movies, sleeping on the aero bed, playing video games, and having pancakes in the morning!  The kids LOVE this tradition and ask when it is going to happen as soon as the calendar turns to December 1st.  I am very grateful that they get to share this experience with their grandparents.  My children are so blessed to have such close relationships with their grandparents, they honestly cherish each moment spent with them.  Thank you so much for making this a lasting memory in my children's lives!! They love you and we love you, THANKS!!