Christmas Eve

Day 30:  Fred wanted to be part of the Nativity scene that Madi is always talking about. 

Everyone met at our house Christmas Eve day after going out to breakfast. 

 The kids colored and we played a little dominos too.

 Maci's hair is getting longer . . .

 We made yummy tacos for lunch then opened gifts with my sister's family before they had to leave.

This fort maker was a great gift for Madison.

She's built many forts since Christmas.

 She told everyone who would ask what she wanted for Christmas "a fishing pole!"

Not sure why since we don't have any water around here but Aunt Shelle listened and now Madi has a Barbie fishing pole.

Matt taught her how to cast and said she's pretty good for a 5 year old.

 Uncle Rod bought Aunt Shelle a gun.  He thinks she needs one for times when Uncle Cody travels.

 Earmuffs!

 Madi decorated a mug with a picture of her and her Daddy and some of her drawings.

 My Dad thought we needed a shield for when I give the guys haircuts.  I guess someone (ahem! Uncle Rod) has been complaining about me not having a cape. This one was quite interesting and got many laughs!  But it does work!



Roswell Christmas

 Day 28:  Fred hid somewhere easy so we'd be sure and pack him as we headed to Roswell for Christmas.

The second Madi gets to Roswell she's in heaven.  She loves her cousins and Grandparents!

This picture sums up the chaos perfectly!

 Madison and Owen have become even closer lately.

They are two peas in a pod and Ethan plays so well with the dynamic duo!

 The cousins were so excited to open gifts this year.

Uncle Jacob knows Madi well!  She loves her Curious George.

 Henry's personality cracks us up!  He loved his new backpack.

 I love how we always try and take family pictures when we're at Matt's parents' house. It's great for documenting!

Grandpa and Grandma with Madison, Henry, Owen & Ethan

 Madi & Owen

 The original Heiders!

 Group shot of all the "kids"!

 We even had some time to throw in a little bowling!

 Day 29:  Fred tagged along and hung on the lamp in Roswell.

Sunday morning we went to church with Matt's family.  Donuts and milk are the kids' favorite after the church service.

We had a yummy brunch (had to explain what that was many times to the kids!) at Grandma & Grandpa's house before heading home.  We were blessed with such great family time! 

Cupcakes with Cousins

 Tuesday was Madi's last day of school so she brought home a bunch of Christmas goodies.

I can't keep them all so I decided to take a picture to remember them by.  The above card was my favorite.  She drew her Daddy the tallest with brown hair and herself taller than me!  Matt said it was because soon enough she'll outgrow me.  :) 

 Day 25:  Fred noticed how much Madi likes to wrap gifts so he was tricky and wrapped himself. 

 Up close . . .

Madi thought it was pretty neat that she could carry Fred around since she wasn't technically touching him.  We have our hands full if she can already think like that at age 5! 

Then she made a sleigh for him out of wrapping paper and ribbon so she could take him for a ride.

We invited over Aunt Shelle, Tucker and Maci to bake cupcakes for the first day of Christmas break.

Me with the group . . .  

 Aunt Shelle and the group . . .

 Just the kids . . .

 They were not excited at all!

 After we made cupcakes we headed to Madi's last dance class until January.  They performed a little Christmas dance so we got to go in and watch.

 Day 26:  Fred needed to work out and lift weights after all the Christmas goodies!  

 Thursday afternoon we were invited over to a friend's house for cookie baking.

 Madi had so much fun rolling out the dough and then decorating the finished cookies.

 Day 27:  Fred got into some of Madi's stickers!

Friday night was our last night in town before heading to Roswell and even though I didn't feel well we had promised to take Madi on the carriage ride so she could see the horses. 

 Seeing how happy these two were made it so fun!

More Christmas celebrations to come! 

School's out for . . .

 CHRISTMAS!!!

 

Monday morning, Madi read her shirt to me.  I was so proud and said "That's right.  Mommy's little present."  She said "No, mom.  It's lil not little!"  Oh boy!

Day 23:  Fred sees Madi create all sorts of fun art so he decided to join in the fun too!

 Tuesday

Madi wasn't too happy when I told her today was her last day of school for a while.  So I told her we have something fun planned for tomorrow so that lifted her spirits a little!

 Day 24:  Fred made a bunch of snowflakes!  He left one ready for Madi to make too.

More Christmas fun coming soon! 

Candy Party

 We had our annual candy party with my side of the family today!

Madi couldn't wait for church to be over because it was then time to start the PARTY! 

 Anything to do with a party . . . She's in!

 The workers were busy making chocolate pretzels and almonds and wrapping carmel.  We added peppermint candy this year.  Everyone went home with a HUGE bag of Christmas candy to enjoy.

 Quick pic of Grandma and Grandpa with the Grands (minus Maci who was napping!).

 Day 21:  Fred made the potty water green!  Instead of just being surprised (like most kids would be) Madi explained what colors he must have used to get the green water!  Ha!

Day 22:  Fred roasted some marshmellows for a little evening snack!

Madi made a marshmellow mustache with the leftover marshmellows from Fred's adventure.  She ran to show me!

 She was so proud of herself!