Christmas Day

Okay, I know the date is April 8 but I wanted to update the blog since it is our current way to document our history. So...

For Christmas Santa brought to Ben Mario bedding, Bears hat and pennant, and fishing gear. For Mia he brought Mini American Girl Dolls, Calico Critters, and Potholder Looms. For Joe he brought Mario bedding, animal mosaics, and some t-shirts. For Charlotte he brought a Snap color activity, Calico Critters, and a picnic table. For Henry he brought a LeapFrog Zoo, a book, and a picnic table.

We had a good Christmas and the best present was having daddy home and a new baby.

Christmas Eve

After Mass on Christmas Eve we take a dressed up photo. Then we enjoy dinner (this yearturkey). After dinner we sing happy birthday to Jesus. We jump into our pjs and open our presents to each other.

a little silly

much better!

From the family Mia received a watch, an outfit for her American girl doll, and a utensil tool. She also received new ballet clothes earlier in the week.


Charlotte received some new books and a baby Jesus to start her manger scene. She loved opening presents this year. It was a good thing Henry was so little, she opened all his presents as well.


Ben received a headlight, utensil tool, Sonic toys, and a video camera. This was his big surprise. He loved it even though it is totally cheap. But it is perfect for his outdoor filming with friends and if he shows he can care for it we will upgrade it in the future.

Joe was last to open presents (he had some behavior problems all day). But he wait patiently, and received several look and find books, a headlight, a utensil tool, and Sonic toys.


Henry did not enjoy opening Christmas presents at all. He just wanted his evening supper.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

An Arizona Christmas

We celebrated our Arizona Christmas the weekend before Christmas. This way we spread out the Christmas joy. The girls loved their Madame Alexander dolls. The boys loved their flashlights and Wii game. The books and the movie were a hit as well. I also included the video of them opening their Happy Nappers from Aunt Ann and Uncle Pat. I think they liked them.

The Girls

This was the night of the All Women's Christmas Party. I remember the first time I took Mia there. We are going to miss that when we move. Aren't they cute?!

Christmas at Grandma and Papa's

We went to my mom and dad's for Christmas day. Before everyone arrive we opened gifts from my parents. Here are some snapshots and videos of the gifts.

Christmas Morning

Santa arrived bringing lots of great presents.

Ben received a street hockey set, a stomp rocket, and a cardboard spaceship.

Mia received a Felicity doll and accessories, and a cardboard house.

Joe received a Sid the Science Kid microphone, dinosaur train toys, and a cardboard castle.

Charlotte received a stroller, a bath fountain, and a name puzzle stool.

The three older kids received a cardboard playset.

Merry Christmas!

Opening Presents Christmas Eve

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Charlotte's First Present

Well, we have had presents under the tree for several weeks and Charlotte has up until now just looked and touched them. Today, as we were cleaning she started tearing the wrapping paper off of her present from us. Oh no, she now knows what to do with presents. Not a present under the tree will be safe. Hopefully this gift will entertain her for a while and luckily Christmas Eve is tomorrow.

Building Gingerbread Houses

Grandma had us over for gingerbread house decorating. She invited her neighbor, Davey, as well. He is pictured with Ben. Then when the Konieczkas came to visit we demolished them with a hammer and had an extreme home make-over.

Charlotte and the Christmas Tree

Presents at Grandma and Papa's House

The Stockings

The stockings were quite full with stuff this year. Ben got Batman gloves, a Scooby-Doo activity book, a Mater and Lightening McQueen ornament, a cobra to paint, a slinky, a water bottle and lots of candy. Mia got a ton of Little Kitty stuff, a water bottle, a unicorn to color and lots of candy. Joe got an Elmo ornament, a slinky, a crocodile to paint, a water bottle, a train night light, and lots of candy.

Presents from Santa

Joe got from Santa a Sesame Street Playset with characters and a Wonder Pets Movie and Sticker book.

Mia got from Santa My Little Pony Gumball House and Hair Spa, a Bear's sweatshirt, and a My Little Pony Movie.

Ben got from Santa a skeleton kit, a Spiderman skateboard, and a pogo stick.