Christmas at Gigi's and Papa's

We had our Christmas with my parents one week early. We met my sisters and their families there as well. It was a fun weekend, especially for the kiddos. Gigi and Papa got them a surprise for Christmas, a pony! My parents got a surprise as well, apparently their pony was pregnant and so they got a 2 for 1 deal. The baby was so small, it was super cute! When Caleb first looked out the window he spotted the ponies. He said "Mom there's a little horse and an itty bitty horse outside!"

Gigi had bought all the kids western outfits, and the boys got chaps, a vest, and a cowboy hat. They even got a gun and holster with a sheriff's badge to finish off the outfit. Even Maegan put on a pair of chaps to fit the part!

It was super cold, but that didn't stop the kids from wanting to ride the pony.

Everyone got their turn, even Lexie.

The rest of the weekend went by too quickly, but it was nice to hang out with the fam.The traditional gift exchange was a success, Mom got the biggest gift this year. Lexie loved riding her little horse inside too. We ended the weekend with a very serious competition. The stick horse races!

Caleb and Logan started out the competition, then the "men" had a turn.But us girls were not to be undone by the boys.I think the best competitor was Gigi!!

Cowboy up!

My sisters and me!

My sweet baby girl.

Christmas/Family Pics

We wanted to get some family pictures done for Christmas cards. Jeaninie did a great job! The kids looked super cute all dressed up.

Sweet sugars for baby sister!

This is the look I usually get from our little Lexie when we don't do what she wants. It's like she's saying " Excuse me, I don't think so. You do what I say."

Little Gym/Cabela's

Today was my day off with the kids. I put Lex in Little Gym, so that was the first event of the day. Caleb comes with us and gets to draw and watch cartoons while Lex and I play. At her first class the teacher try to warn us that Lexie might be shy and not want to participate at first. I reassured her there wouldn't be a problem, and I was right. The child is not scared of anything. She was climbing over, under, and through all the equipment. She interacted with several different children, and wasn't even scared to ride the big blowup mat that most of the other children didn't want to get on. That's one of the reasons I signed her up, to teach her the proper way to get on and off things and to hopefully be more cautious. After Little Gym, we headed to Cabela's to do most of Daddy's Christmas shopping. It was crazy crowded and super busy. But we made an afternoon of it. Caleb enjoyed the shooting game they have as always, then we toured the different show rooms with exotic animals and the fish aquarium. We stopped for lunch upstairs, then resumed shopping while Lexie took a nap. When we got home, there was a surprise package from Grandma and Grandpa in California. Caleb was so excited by all the cookies and sweets in the package, but was most impressed by his present.

He jumped with joy when he realized it was the Bumble Bee Pillow Pet. He called Grandma and told her " thank you, thank you. I have been waiting my whole life for a Pillow Pet." It was too funny. He had been asking for one for several months, but he may have been a little dramatic.

Lexie liked her Lady Bug Pillow Pet too.

That night while I was helping Caleb get is pj's on I accidentally scratched him with my wedding ring. He quickly got mad and yelled "You hurt me Mommy." I apologized saying I didn't mean to, and he replied "It's ok. I'm sorry for yelling at you, but sometimes you just frustrate me." I responded "Ditto sweety."

Visiting Santa

We woke up to a cold Sunday, so thought it would be the perfect chance to go see Santa. We said goodbye to Papa and Gigi, then headed to the mall. Caleb was excited about the prospect of seeing Santa, Lexie hadn't a clue what we were getting her into. There was only a small line thankfully, so we were sitting with Santa in no time. Caleb got shy and couldn't recall what he wanted for Christmas, so Santa told him he could leave a letter on a table near the fireplace or send it in the mail. Lexie was not at all happy about meeting Santa. So we got the perfect picture, with the sweet innocent smiling boy and the screaming baby. Afterwards, we headed out for some early Christmas shopping. We stopped by the mall's play center so the kids could get some playtime.They enjoyed climbing in , over, and through the different centers.

And the trip to the mall would not be complete without Caleb Bungee jumping.

Then we ended the day with a late lunch and headed home for a much needed nap. It was a successful day!

Lexie's 1st birthday party

We had a busy Saturday. We had a party to celebrate Lexie's first birthday. It was nice and intimate with a few close friends and family.

Grandma Teri, Gigi, and Papa were present to spoil Lex with hugs and kisses.

Caleb was excited the neighbor boys and Dakota could come and play. Baby Mikah and Lex's BFF Ivy came to celebrate with Lex as well.

My poor mother's video skills were lacking on this occasion, so we had a few takes on the birthday song for Lex. Mom, I will never let that down. Haha!

Luckily my good friend Shae was present to help take pictures and capture the memorable moment. Lex loved being the center of attention.

Caleb helped her blow out the candle and make a wish. My friend Kristen did an awesome job making Lex's birthday cake. It was super cute! And Lexie loved devouring it on her own terms.

Presents were also a success, and she had a lot of helpers to open them.

The boys would tear open one present, shove it in her face, then move on to the next. She loved all her presents. Overall I think it was a successful first birthday!

Papa helped her break in her new presents later that night.

Before bedtime, Lex gave Monte goodnight hugs as well. She loves her Monte.

Lexie's First Professional Haircut

We finished putting the Christmas decorations up this week.

As is tradition, Daddy and Caleb and now Lexie put the tree topper on for the final touch.

I love this time of year. The lights, the songs, and the goodness. Now for consistently cold weather so we can enjoy hot cocoa and Christmas music by the fire.

We celebrated Lexie's official birthday yesterday with a spaghetti dinner. Caleb gave Lex her first present, a Kissing Elmo.

She loved her gift since she loves giving kisses. Now to get ready for her birthday party this weekend.

Lexie had her first professional haircut today at Cool Cuts 4 Kids where her big brother also goes. It was getting harder and harder to trim her bangs at home. Lexie enjoyed her "airplane" so didn't seem to mind her hair being cut by a perfect stranger.