good morning!

I have said it before and I will say it again, this momma is TIRED! As I woke up this morning I was asking myself how I would be able to make it through the day but as soon as I saw this smiling face I had new found energy. Happy Monday everyone!

christmas fun

This week, Little Miss L. hosted a Christmas party for some of her friends. She absolutely loves spending time with them and there never seems to be a dull moment when they are all together. The morning was filled with Christmas fun, and by the afternoon, they were all fast asleep...

Baby J and Baby D hanging out.

Baby E looking cute as always.

Miss T. loved making her Christmas trees and snowmen with the play dough I made the day before. I will post the recipe for the play dough soon.

Time for lunch.

We thought it would be nice to get all of the kids together for a group photo. Wow, what were we thinking...

Not one of the kids wanted to cooperate...

Little Miss L. was telling Baby E to stop crying and smile for the camera...

This is how Baby D felt about the whole thing...

This ended up being the best photo of all of them.

Time to decorate our Christmas trees.

The kids loved this activity... I think more icing and candy went in their mouth than on the tree.

Our beautifully decorated tree.

Little Miss L. working hard.

Miss T. was so proud of the finished product.

Someone has a little something on her face.

I love love love this time of year!

ho...ho...ho...pictures with santa

The time had come, it was time to see the big guy dressed in red. The hubby and I have been reading stories about Santa for several months to Little Miss L. in hopes she would better understand who the jolly man in the red suit was. We woke up bright and early Sunday morning, got dressed in our winter best and headed to the mall to meet Santa Claus. We have learned over the years that if you don't want to wait in line for hours, then you must be there 30 minutes before Santa's arrival.

As soon as we arrived, Little Miss L. lit up with excitement as she saw Santa's workshop all set up. As we were walking around to keep the little miss occupied, Santa made his grand entrance. It just so happened that Little Miss L. caught his eye and Santa made his way over to talk to her. Santa asked if he could have a high-five and Little Miss L. obliged. He continued on to his big chair and Little Miss L. got in line so she could have her picture taken.

Little Miss L.'s turn finally arrived - as she slowly walked up to meet Santa, her emotions got the better of her... she decided that she did not like Santa anymore and did not want to sit on his lap. After mommy and daddy told her everything was going to be okay and that Baby D was going to sit on Santa's lap as well, the mood changed. I guess Baby D was a comfort because as soon as he joined the party, Little Miss L. was ready to tell Santa all about anything and everything. Little Miss L. informed Santa she would be leaving him treats which consisted of cookies and milk. Santa than gave the kids a little gift and we were on our way. I have to say we are improving each year (you can look back at the last two years here) Even though it has been days since we met up with the big guy, Little Miss L. is still telling everyone about seeing Santa and giving him a high-five.

All dressed-up and ready to see Santa.

Look, there he is!

Where? Over there mom!

Umm, maybe I don't want to sit on your lap.

30 seconds before the crying started.

Look, Baby D is coming to join me.

I guess it isn't as bad as I thought.

Well Santa, do you have all day because I have a lot to talk about.

Please smile for the camera... no way!

Baby D meets Santa for the first time.

"Look, Santa gave me a prize" as Little Miss L. puts it.

weekend catch-up

Tis' the season to be busy... fa la la la la... la la, la la. This weekend was go, go, go but I loved every minute of it. Little Miss L. had been patiently waiting for Saturday to arrive in anticipation for her friend's 3rd birthday party. The birthday party was held at a great facility where the children were able to run free on the gigantic play structure, run through the obstacle courses, and to end the party off right, they filled their bellies with pizza and ice cream cake. It must have been a good party because as soon as Little Miss L.'s seat-belt was buckled up, she was fast asleep. The rest of the day we spent making some goodies we plan on giving out to our friends and family over the holiday season.

Sunday morning, we woke up bright and early for a special day - Little Miss L. and Baby D were going to visit Santa. More to come tomorrow about our visit with Santa. The rest of the day consisted of shopping, shopping, and more shopping. To end the day, we had a great dinner at the in-laws. I can't believe Christmas is only two weeks away!

My kiddies were full of energy this weekend. Little Miss L. loves spending time with her brother.

I love love love this smile. Baby D, I love the way you giggle at mommy now.

Little Miss L. has no fear. She wanted to show mommy what a big girl she is by going over bridges and through tunnels all by herself.

Baby E, I love love love your hair.

Baby E and Little Miss L. were having a blast in the ball pit.

Little Miss L. covered Baby E with all the colourful balls...Baby E thought it was the funniest thing ever.

My handsome nephew.

Baby J getting so big.

Fun time with the parachute.

The children's faces lit up when they saw the trampoline. 

Happy Birthday Miss T. 

Time to help mommy make one of daddy's favourite things...

that's right, chocolate-covered pretzels.

Baby D meets the big guy for the first time and for once, Little Miss L. didn't have a break down.

outtakes of our christmas shoot

If you checked out my post yesterday, you would have read how my little photo shoot went with the kids. I received many comments from readers saying the photos turned out nice and they didn't understand what I was complaining about. Well, you were able to see a handful of pictures I was able to salvage but this is how the remaining 98% of our shoot went down...