Merry Christmas!

Enormous falling snowflakes, hot cocoa, and tons of family gathering together made the perfect most Christmas this year.  The sweet squeals of my children after opening "just what they wanted".  Oh what a joy.  Finally settling down and enjoying the holiday time with my family was amazing.  

A little back story of Leah's "best gift ever"... The day before Christmas Eve my mom and I trucked the kids out on the ice filled roads.  Ten stores later we were at the much anticipated toy store.  Literally, the second she stepped her pretty little toes into that store she saw the cutest little stuffed Pug, ever.  She wouldn't put it down the entire time we were in the store.  I felt the biggest Mom guilt ever when I made her put it back.  She tried so hard to be a big girl and hold back the tears.  "I am going to put her right here, and I promise Puggie, I will be back.".  Oh boy.... Ok Grandma... Distract her please.  I quickly scooped up this epic Pug and had the cashier exchange my gift for her (because obviously I didn't pick out the right one!).  She carefully wrapped it behind the counter with the cutest wrapping paper.  Just then, Leah came back around the store with Grandma... "Oh no!  Where is the Puggie?  I really remember setting her. right. here.  All I wanted to do is hold her one last time."  Now this is where the tears quietly and softly started trickling down her face.  The lady at the register said, "I am sorry honey, someone just bought it."  She sadly grabbed my hand and was ready to go home.  Oh how I wish I could have given it to her right then and there.  

Once Christmas morning came along I made sure the Pug was the last present she opened, and let me tell you, it was EPIC!  She was floored and the first thing she said was, "MOM!  Did you get this?  You got this when I walked away!".  Oh such a good feeling!  She is in love with Rosie!

Brayden is at the tail end of a yucky sickness.  He had a quiet Christmas but he's starting to feel better finally. He has been having a lot of fun with his Nabi2  he received from Granmo and Papa.  I want to say the highlight of his Christmas morning was sledding with Daddy.  Oh. My. Goodness.  It was the cutest thing.  I think his smile was the biggest I've ever seen it.  Daddy has been really enjoying building little ramps for Brayden to ride over, it's quite funny.

All in all, our first Christmas in Michigan was a huge success and so much fun. Enjoy the pictures!