December 2015

December was a busy month, but we loved every minute of it! The kids were so excited for Christmas this year. They sang carols constantly, loved having all the lights on in the house, and made numerous lists for Santa. We enjoyed lots of parties, time with friends and Christmas events on post. Earlier in the month, Cameron got to go to DC with his team for the week. They did a lot of cool things on their trip, but the neatest was to go to the room where the US declared war on Japan on the actual D-Day anniversary.  

While he was gone, Grandmom came in town to join us for Presley's school Christmas program. We decorated gingerbread houses, 

read books,

went out for cupcakes and yogurt before the big show,

posed for pictures, 

and got dressed up for the big performance!

Presley did a great job! And considering, it went till 9pm, Anna and David did great, too! 

Anna and I continued our exercises with our stroller group. It's such a nice group of women and kids and we really enjoy going to the workouts.

She's a big helper!

David loves one of his new birthday presents- Ramone's Paint and Body Shop. You get to watch the color of the cars change as you wash them through the shop. 

He's a little gamer these days. Starting to play the Wii and he treats his leappad like a nintendo.

Marching along

David loved helping me dip chocolate treats. We made peanut butter Ritz, chocolate covered pretzels and some other goodies. He was a great helper and loved licking the chocolate off his hands... and belly.

We went out one night to the Tower Lighting on post. Santa was there and lit up one of the giant towers and some soldiers from the Ranger Bat parachuted down. It was very neat, David and Anna loved it.

It was very cool, one of my favorite Army Christmas traditions we have made.

These sweet Army brats- stop playing and put their hands over their hearts to listen to Retreat. 

Buddy, the Elf, returned. David would run downstairs each morning to find him. He got so into Christmas this year and was so cute to watch enjoy the holiday. I was also really proud of all the kids as we spent a lot of time discussing the real meaning of Christmas and celebrating Jesus. It was awesome to hear them all understand and be excited for Jesus' birthday.

Someone was very excited to get mail from her penpal, Aunt Mel.

I took David and Presley to her Girl Scout Christmas party one afternoon while Cameron stayed home with Anna while she napped. It was a very cute party and they both had a great time.

Doing the Girl Scout Turnout

Hand over heart... love it

Playing with his new ball outside with Daddy.

These two get along so well and can be so crazy funny together.

David had his Christmas program the week after Presley's. He sang NINE songs and did a great job! 

Not in the mood for pictures afterward... ready to get his presents and jet!

Oh, these children make me laugh

I took Presley and Anna to the Fancy Nancy Splendiforous Christmas Play. We had a great time!! We went out to dinner then headed over to the theater. It was a really nice time with my two girls. So thankful to be able to treat them to a special night. 

They even got to meet Santa before the show. They both acted so big and sat still and watched the entire play. I was really proud of Anna for behaving so well and being such a big girl. Presley loved doing such a big activity and having a girls night.

I don't think the boys missed us too badly... they had their own Boys night at Chuck E Cheese. David had a great time, won lots of tickets and played his heart out!

Presley reading the Grinch to DAvid and Anna. Anna was obsessed with the Grinch movie and cartoon this year. She loved seeing him in outdoor decorations and singing the Grinch song. There is truly nothing better than seeing Christmas through the eyes of your children! It's awesome!

Anna cracks me up exercising with me. These are her lunges.. she's a pro!

Tricep dips

Push-ups

Jumping jacks

And burpees. She is so precious and I'm so thankful she joins me to exercise almost every day. She never complains, actually gets mad when we don't go to our stroller class. She's a trooper joining me and I will miss her one day when I'm exercising all alone.

David had a great Christmas party at his school. He came home with this awesome Elf hat that he wore every waking hour after getting it. He was Mr. Christmas this year and I loved it!! He sang his heart out to every Christmas carol we heard and made me laugh so hard at his commentary while we drove around looking at lights. 

Before we left for Alabama, we met our friends at IHOP. It was a great time!

Quick stop in Auburn on our way to Birmingham to kick off Christmas...