Christmas in Chicago

Hey everyone.  We are home for Christmas and having so much fun with our family. Family parties, snow, presents, birthdays, and much more. Celebrating life and love together this year. I have so many pictures and videos to post when i get home but wanted to share a few with you now. I think one of my New Years Resolutions will be to make more blog posts. (Hehe) Some family members I saw this week (Bobbi :)) reminded me how they read my blog. I am so grateful for each one of you and how much you care about our family. I feel so loved!!

Micah got to play in the snow today and loved it...Noelle didnt enjoy it as much since she fell face first in the snow right away. Whoops!!

Much more to come...but here's to hold you over.

Christmas Concert

Hey Everyone. I can't believe my little boy had his first music concert. He was amazing. I was one proud mama. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to be there and see him perform. It was a whole new experience for me. This is a great age. I just love how independent he is. He saw us while he was standing up there and did NOT lose eye contact with us. He just loved that we were there watching him. Even with all the distractions around him he stayed focus and kept on singing and doing the motions.

 Yes, Craig put Noelle in the manger!!

After the show we all came home and took naps. Both kids fell asleep in the car and then we went to see Santa in Richardson. It was a free little event called Santa's village. They give you a picture and all for residents and they had so many cute little houses to go in. It was called Hometown Thursdays. How cool that we got to take a pic with Santa for free? At the mall its like 25 bucks and that's not even for a digital copy. The main problem was I didn't have heavy enough coats for the kids and we couldn't stay very long. It was the coldest night so far!

Noelle and I met Ashley at the mall yesterday so her little baby could take a pic with Santa. Noelle got to play with some fake snow that we learned was rice paper. Thankful for that since Noelle was trying to eat it.

I look a little creepy here, but I got to hold baby lily!!

 Noelle with her new hat from Auntie Hannah!!

Last night I got to get out for a bit with some ladies and guess who wanted a photo with us??? Santa. HAHA

Craig put together a cute Ball house Auntie Tammi got for Noelle's birthday. I took a video of her seeing it this morning. Brother was so excited to show her.

Also wanted to share this cute video of Noelle jamming out to some music. She loves to shake her head and dance to the music.

Love you all!!

Santa!!

Saturday morning we had fun going to the 45th Annual Richardson Christmas Parade right down the street from our house. We actually walked because it was so close. We got to meet our friend there and Micah and Samuel had a blast getting all the candy canes from the people passing in the parade. Noelle was still in her PJs because I wasn't sure how cold it was going to be. It turned out to be way warmer than I imagined. I was in my beanie hat and all and could have worn my sandals. haha I was so hot and sweaty after walking almost 2 miles from it all, but I got my steps in for the day!!

 This is real life right here!!!

 Micah waving to Santa. He is so cute about it. I didn't realize how much fun 3 year olds are during Christmas. This will definitely be a year to remember.

I got to go to my first Christmas party and see my Instacrush Ryan Roberts. She is so sweet and crazy part is that our husbands work together. It's such a small world. I bought something cute for a present and snapped a pic with her before leaving!

Today we went over a friends to decorate Christmas cookies. I was surprised how brave she was to have so many kids over to decorate and destroy her house. Life is messy, but in this case it was a little too messy for me!! hah I'm so glad there's women out there like this that can handle all the chaos so we can get together and enjoy these little people.

And yes Noelle got around to having a cookie, some sprinkles and grabbed some icing. This girl... no wonder she won't eat regular food. GRR. She is so picky. Still her favorites are Ritz crackers and frozen blueberries. She will eat squeezes every now and then. I know Micah is such a great eater that Noelle has to be a bit more pickier. 

Can I just brag a bit? Micah is only 3 and a half, but this boy is going on 6. He is so smart and so lovable. He understands emotions and picks up on little things. His communication skills are amazing and has mastered the playground, "Hello my name is Micah, What's your name?" He is waking up at 3 a.m. to tell me he needs to go pee and keeping dry all night. The thing is I don't even care if he pees in his pull up. It's just happening. He's just growing up and I can't stop it. He practically begged for more salmon last night, and as a mom I was like.. this is crazy!! He is like a dream child. So calm and collective. He has his moments, but very rarely now. I love hanging out with him and talking to him. He has such a great imagination and shows leadership skills daily. 

Phew!! I love how Noelle can look up to her big brother, because he is such a great example. He loves her so much and wants every person we meet to know he's a big brother. He is so proud. Lately he's been asking me, "Mom, do you love me with your whole heart?" Oh Micah, I love you with every thing I have. You are my heart, son. If you only knew. 

Goodnight!