A visit with the REAL Santa

This last weekend we went to "the party of all Christmas parties!" We had the best time at Grandma Jeannie and Papa Jake's (Max's great-grandparents) house and it just so happens that they are friends with "THE BIG GUY." The one and only, real Santa.

All the kids waited at the door with great anticipation.
Then, Santa came in and read them all a book . Later, they even got signed copies!

Sam got a great gift and his picture taken with Santa.Maddie looked so pretty with Santa.Here's Max's first photo with Santa. Then, we continued onto a tasty breakfast with Santa.Santa even had time to answer important questions like "Where is Mrs. Claus today?" and did you talk to my Elf-on-the-Shelf about yesterday?
Sam seemed a little worried...Santa was not the only one who was the center of attention at the party.There was even a band!But, alas, even the little ones get all tired out so it was time to go home and hope that Santa saw only our best behavior this year. I hope you are enjoying your holidays as much as we are. This year, they are so meaningful! We feel so blessed.

Cheers!
Christy

Joy and happiness!

Brace yourself for a photo-heavy post! December has been such a happy, happening month so far that we just must share. Every December is full of parties for us but none is as important as the Adoption Center's Christmas party. This year, we got to be at the party with Jordan and Max. It just seemed so complete knowing that we have completed our family with our third baby. It also seemed so complete with Jordan with us--she just fits right in and Maddie and Sam ADORE her!Can you believe she had a baby 7 weeks ago? She looks awesome!Check out Max's face in this photo below! He looks like something is really funny!
Did you see that? We're getting real smiles from Max. And he is quite generous with them but they are quick and sometime I am so close that I don't get a great photo but anything will do for now. My chubby baby....16 pounds and counting!With Sam dressed in his fire fighter outfit half the time, Max cannot resist smiling at him!Here are my three babies snuggled up watching a Christmas movie.
It will be a great Christmas! Thanks for visiting!
Cheers!
Christy

Snow play

We just got back from a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend in Big Bear (San Jacinto Mountains) with our friends and snow. Lots of snow! There was only a 10% chance that we'd get any but sure enough, about 6 inches fell the morning we were supposed to leave.

Our So-Cal kiddos had a great time exploring in this stuff they only see once a year, if they are lucky. Having grown up in Minnesota, I think its funny that they think this stuff is great.
This is one of my favorite pictures from the weekend. Sam is such a ham for the camera!

Ok, so snow is fun to play in. But when you actually have to go somewhere...not so much fun. (Unfortunately, we missed a lunch date with Jordan on Saturday.) We were happy that we threw the chains in for the van. It was slow getting going but we made it back Saturday night.

Here are a couple other shots from the weekend. I wish the lighting were better on this picture, but I just had to show you Max in his turkey bib on Thanksgiving Day. So cute! He was such a good baby this weekend in a cabin with 8 adults, 9 kids, and 3 dogs. Crazy, happy times!Thanks for checking in. I hope your Thanksgiving was a good one too. Can you believe tomorrow is December 1st? Bring on Christmas!
Cheers,
Christy

Chubby is cute....?

Only once in your life is it cute to be chubby. This is it:
Max is really filling out and is about 12 pounds already. He's developed a second chin and adorable thunder thighs. I have chunky thighs too but somehow, they are not so charming. ;)He's losing a lot of his hair and he's balding on top. With the hairline and the occasional scowl, he looks just like a little old man.
Here's a quick glimpse of the smiles that are starting. It's not the infant gassy smiles anymore. They are deliberate, but quick. They are a little hard to photograph but here's a first.Grandma and Grandpa Bill were visiting last week and had a great time with all their grandkids. And lastly, I try not to overlook these everyday, simple moments. I love to see my boys snuggled up for a nap. These are the moments I want to engrave in my memory. Thanks for visiting! Have a safe, and Happy Thanksgiving!

So blessed

Until now, I've never felt as complete and whole as a family and a person. I am truly pleased with this stage of my life and I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Here are some more pictures from our recent photo session.

I hope that you are able to whole-heartedly be thankful for all your blessings this holiday, and every day. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Christy

Max's Birth announcement

I'm so excited about the way Max's birth announcements turned out. (Compliments of Roxter Designs--thanks!) I just wanted to share this right away. Life is busy--It will probably take me a while to get these printed and mailed.

Take care,
Christy

Some new pictures..

When Max was 9 days old, we had professional pictures taken of him, all 3 kids, and the family. Stefanie from Joie de Vivre photography did it and she did great! Here's the first sneak peak: Look how he has changed! Here are a couple pictures I took of him on Saturday. Almost one month old. wow!
I was working on some Christmas crafts so I thought he looked so cute in a little Christmas outfit. Check out his little smirk--adorable!
Thanks for checking in!
Christy

Speed Post

Holy cow--November already?!?!? SERIOUSLY? How did that happen!?!

Panic. Stress. I don't have much time to write but I wanted to make sure I posted a few pictures from Halloween.

Doesn't Max look adorable in his pumpkin costume? He has been growing so quickly, he almost didn't fit in it!
I made the family pose for this picture right before we went out to trick-or-treat. That was the best bribe to get Maddie and Sam to cooperate!Here are the kids' pumpkins. We carved them as "self portaits." Of course, Maddie's pumpkin is all glammed-out, Sam's has a scary face, and you can't miss Max's pumpkin. This was so fun! I hope your Halloween was fun too!
Cheers!
Christy

P.S. ONLY 50 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS! Boy, do I have a lot to do!