It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

We had a wonderful Christmas.  This year it worked out that we were able to spend time with both immediate families.  Although it felt a little weird to not do extended family, it was very relaxing and enjoyable this year.  Last year we complained about having to go home three weekends in a row for the holidays plus an out of town trip, so it worked out in our favor this year!

Santa Train with the Marts

Singing (well, sort of) 'Here Comes Santa Clause' for our whole train car.  I was proud of his bravery although he mumbled through the whole song.  :)

And then Santa came!

Cousins Lyvie and Brenten

My goodness he's a cute little elf!

Our attempt at a cousin picture in matching pj's from Grandma and Grandpa Mart

A visit to see Great Grandma Schelle while we were in Carroll

And a trip to the mall to visit Santa

Christmas Eve in Omaha!

With my parents

Back home with all his loot!  Santa did find him in Omaha!

Happy 5th Birthday Brady!

My little boo turned 5 on December 10th.  I can't believe I have a 5 year old!  That's insane!!  When I quit my job when he was three months old, it felt like I had forever to spend with him - just hanging out every day.  Now he's five, will be in school full time next fall and is growing up way too fast!  I think he had a pretty awesome birthday though.  We always give him his presents before Chris goes to work, so he was pretty excited about that!  Then he requested chocolate chip cookies for his school treat and he was the special birthday boy that afternoon at school.  We topped off the day with Chuck E Cheese and Subway (his favorite restaurant).  He started to show signs of a cold that day and was hurting by that night, but he still enjoyed his birthday.  We had his party on Saturday with family at Warrior Lanes.  After a meltdown over not getting a friend party, another little meltdown over not getting all his presents on his birthday and then wanting his party at my parents house instead of the bowling alley, I think he was able to work through all his issues and enjoy being the center of attention.  I was able to work through two failed cake attempts and enjoyed a delicious Hy-Vee cake.  :)  He declared his name for the day was "Birthday Boy" and sang 'Happy Birthday' to himself a few times.  Here are some pictures from the bowling alley.  I love all his expressions!

Brady has grown up a lot from age 4 to 5.  Noticeable things.  He is no longer that into cars and Toy Story and is all about Ninja Turtles, Super Heroes and little Legos.  He has become more coordinated and has recently learned how to skip.  Swimming is still his favorite "sport".  He passed Eels this week and is headed to the Rays class next!  He does not want my kisses anymore and when I mentioned how cute he was in front of Colin one afternoon in the car, he told me that I cannot say that in front of his friends.  For real - already??  He watches You Tube videos of Batman and Ninja Turtles and will act out his own videos for me.  It's pretty cute!  He LOVES.HIS.DOG.  When Leo accidentally tramples or hurts him and he starts to cry, he still tries to tell Leo through his tears that "it's OK buddy, I still love you".  He randomly says "I love you Mom" and the other day he said "Mom, Merry Christmas!" as he was getting out of the car.  He also randomly breaks into Christmas songs.  He loves to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks and we always have to listen to their Christmas CD in our car.  He is a good singer!  Brady still gets up in the middle of the night and crawls into our bed.  So yes, that's three people and one dog in a bed......  He has this adorable thing he does with his mouth when he is imitating a voice (like Batman's).  The corner of his mouth goes up and it's too cute!  He is scared of things.  I have read it's an age thing.  He has to be on the same level as me all the time.  Sometimes I am tripping over him and Leo as they both try to follow me into our tiny laundry room!  It's frustrating!  Girls stuff and colors have become "gross" to him.  He likes to play house and puppy at school.  I love to see him interact with his friends at school and when we see them out and about at play places.  He points with his middle finger.  Weird.  He has grown so much since school has started.  He counts without skipping numbers, is great with patterns, is getting a lot better at writing his name and talks about what they are learning.  It's really cool!  And he's still so sweet - the other day he combed his hair to the side and said "Mom, do I look like a gentleman"?  He did.  :)  He's also good about helping me by bringing up his dishes, throwing wrappers away and sometimes making his bed.  We are working on his independence and although I really don't want him to grow up, it's cool to watch!  

Brady & I went to Waukee's Winter Fest last Friday night.  I really look forward to going to these events with him.  These times are special to me!

Santa lit the tree!

Ice Sculptures

He is starting to cheer for IA State too.  I think it's solely to get his dad's attention though. 

Tractor ride to the Art Gallery for a craft.  That he didn't want to go in and do. :)

Trolley ride to look at Christmas lights!

Weekend Fun in the Snow!

I had a blast with Brady in the snow this weekend!

First night of snow - building a snowman with some of the neighbors!  He was soooo excited to get out in the snow!

Sledding at the hill in Waukee!  Day 1!

We took our neighbor Kayleah with us!

Day 2 of sledding!   Less snow but still fun!

School Field Trip

I helped with Brady’s field trip to Price Chopper.  It wasn't too exciting but his expressions in the pictures are hilarious so I had to post.