Christmas in Mt Ayr

Saturday morning we woke up and celebrated Christmas. Boy, was it crazy, in years past we would make the kids take turns so we (adults) could what they got. Not this year. the older three ripped into them so fast, I barely caught them opening them. It was fun seeing them all so happy. Later in the morning the men and the girls went outside to play in the snow. Patrick being from the east coast was excited as the kids! They were probably out there for an hour or so. Ever since Hannah has been born mom and dad read the grandchildren "The Night Before Christmas" well this year with 5 kids it was alittle more difficult to get them to cooperate as you can see. We went to Joe and Julie Routh's last night for supper. It was one of the best meals I have ever had. Seriously, it was like going to a 5 star restaurant. Katie Routh was there cooking. It was fun to see so many people.

Vada

We got down to Mt Ayr Friday late afternoon. Mom and dad had a little get together at their house Friday night. Vada got dressed up in one of her many holiday dresses. She is cute!!

Christmas Program @ HTP

Hannah had her Christmas program today at Happy Time. They sang a few songs and then Santa made a surprise visit! Once Santa came in, Haydn made her way to Grandma Marcia's lap. Haydn still isn't a big fan of Santa! I also tried to get a few shots of the girls in front of the x-mas tree, but never got a good shot.

Vada Rose

I took this picture of Haydn because her hair was sticking straight out. Static!

Today we had the 5 grandkids picture taken today. We do this each year for my dad's b-day gift! Anna Leigh and Vada flew into KC yesterday. Mom, AL and Vada came to DM today. What a wonderful day to be in IA! FREEZING, windchill below zero! We weren't sure how the kids would do, Hannah being the oldest at 5 yr and Vada the baby, almost 6 months. There were no tears shed by anyone. It went great, better than expected!! Here are a few shots of Vada from today.

Gingerbread House

The girls spent the night with Marcia Friday night. Wes and I had our neighborhood Christmas party. They made a gingerbread house. Sounds like they enjoyed themselves. Wes and I enjoyed ourselves. We got home at 2:00 AM! We were able to sleep in Saturday morning. Was great waking up to a quiet house!!

Christmas Lights

We drove around tonight looking for some Clark Griswold houses but didn't see any that could compare. I did get a few shots of some blow ups. Wes didn't like stopping very well, but you get the picture. Still want to get the girls down to Jolly Holiday Lights. Hopefully next week.

Barbie Clothes Everywhere...

The girls have been playing non stop with barbies the past 3 days. The only thing I hate is the small shoes, purses, necklaces, etc. Neither one of them can dress the barbies by themselves so I have to do that. Sometimes they change their minds before I get the outfits on. They need to make a barbie that is bigger for toddler hands or bigger clothes.

Only Child continued...

Haydn went down to Winterset this morning with Marcia! I started in on laundry (why is it NEVER ending) and took a shower. Then started my grocery list (another task I hate, grocery shopping). Wes and I went to Hy-Vee kidless! Marcia did drop Haydn off while we were there though. Came home ate some lunch. Haydn ate well so she enjoyed an Oreo or two (photo below). She has been playing with Hannah's camera since Hannah has been gone. Loves it. Haydn wants a camera for x-mas. Hannah wants a Wii and American Girl doll. Both expensive! She won't be getting either one. Hope she won't be too disappointed!!

Only Child

Hannah is in Mt Ayr, I met mom 1/2 way yesterday. She will return on Monday. She was going to help mom do some x-mas cookie baking. Probably do whatever she pleases!! Mom is really good about taking Hannah, Stella and Haydn separately. Gives each girl one on one time with Nana and Papa and gives us parents one on one time with the other child. I truly do not think Haydn has missed her. She is playing with WHATEVER she wants, no big sister telling her no or bossing her around, etc. Haydn seems like a total different girl. Wes and I took her on some errands last night. We stopped at Petco. She LOVES going there. Loves to look at the mice (which I hate) and snakes (which Wes hates). Always has to find the Nemo fish. Petco has pint sized carts that she pushes around the store. We have never bought a thing in the store. We don't have pets. Should of took my camera to get a shot of her, for the shopping carts are funny. She asked to go back today!! We didn't! I will take some pictures of her tomorrow and post them. We do not have big plans tomorrow. It is just so cold here to get out and do anything!

Hannah

Hannah has been sick yesterday and today. She didn't go to school yesterday and we didn't go to the YMCA today. She has been horizontal the past two day. Either on the Dora or Nemo blanket. She hasn't eaten anything since Monday night. Well let me rephrase that, what she has eaten hasn't stayed down. She has been drinking water or Gatorade today to keep her hydrated! Here are some pictures of my baby!