Busy, busy

I know I have been doing a lot of picture posts so I thought I should update on the family status here for those that care. We have been pretty busy with Christmas approaching so quickly. After I got back from the MeRa conference I got sick with some nasty cough. Still trying to kick it and sounds like maybe a couple of the kids might be picking it up! Yuck! My mom graciously entertained the kids the other night so Steve and I could go out Christmas shopping. The stores were pretty empty with the impending snow storm and freezing temps, so we were able to get what we wanted without to much hassle. This year we are trying to keep the presents to a minimum (although I think we try that every year). So they each got a few things, but they are all really cool things! I cant wait for them to open their gifts! We will be pushing Christmas day for the kids up to Christmas Eve day, because we only have Davis on Christmas Eve's, and we want to make sure he gets to experience what Christmas morning is like with us. Nothing like creating traditions! I love the excitement the kids have thinking that Santa will be coming that night and waking up in the morning running downstairs to see what Santa brought them. I always wake up a little early to listen to them. This year I think I will arm myself with the camera and get to the presents before the kids do to take pictures. But of course I don't want them to forget the real reason for the season! Which I now segway into our church Christmas program.... That was last Sunday night. The program was insanely cute and also moving. My "little" Dane and all the preschool kids walked and up on stage. He shook his little bells and sang all the words to jingle bells and then sung Away in the Manger with all the adorable little hand motions. I couldn't have been more proud. Steve and I were the parents standing and waving and getting in peoples way trying to take pictures. People may have been laughing at us because I was so excited. Then Gage and Maia got up on stage to sing. Maia takes her singing and performing very seriously so she of course new all the words and movements but she furrows her brow when she concentrates so it was pretty cute. And of course Gage always goes with the flow and likes to be on stage. They did a great job and Steve and I were very proud of them.

Now last night, we had Bunco and our white elephant gift exchange. I didn't win any Bunco, but I did score on the white elephant gift...not! haha. check it out.

Dane modeling the new cups