Heine Family Christmas

Christmas was so wonderful, Its going to require a couple posts :)  It was long and spread out this year, just how I like it!  I always want the holidays to be last as long as possible. 

 Sunday we had the Heine Family over.  Since it wasn't Christmas yet, we went for a non-traditional meal of chili and potato soup. 

 and cookie dough dip.  It was amazing!  That could have been my meal, I'm looking forward to the next event so I can make it again.

 Then it was time for presents.

 Gavin liked the mouth approach to gift opening.

 Then finally, kinda, got the hang of it.

 Reegan had no problems this year.  She knew just what to do.

Forget the big gifts, give the girl chapstick, nail polish, and a toothbrush and she's happy.  Throw in a bracelet and she's gone to heaven.

 A new hat for our bald baby!

 My favorite part of Christmas...these expressions! 

Gavin went to sleep like a champ, while this one stayed up way past her bedtime "playing" apples to apples with everyone. 

This year has been my favorite Christmas!  All of the things that I loved as a kid, still love, and watching my family love all come together is magical.  

We had our first real snow in the last couple of years and the first snow which Reegan was able to play in.  I wondered how she would like it, she loved it.  I was hoping for a snowman on my front lawn, but was informed that it was not packing snow, too powdery. 

The best thing about this snow day is that Jason and I were off of work and we didn't have anywhere we needed to be!

 Yep, rain boots instead of snow shoes.  Slacker mom...my mom has since bought Reegan snow shoes, so she's covered for the next snow. 

And Gavin, he grew up overnight.  He can hold this all-4 position for a very long time.  No crawling yet, good thing because I am NOT ready to baby proof again.   

 Suprised with himself!

We're Ready

With one week left before Christmas, we are completely finished with our shopping and wrapping.  I did most of the shopping and Jason did most (Ok, all) of the wrapping.  We make a great pair.  

Reegan helped too.  She sometimes placed the tape on the gift, but was more happy eating her snack, playing doctor with Gavin, and watching a Charlie Brown Christmas

 Reegan also carried all of the presents to the tree and everyday since has rearranged them to her liking.

 Check out these thighs!  Cankles never looked so good!

 Crazy, awesome, amazing rolls. 

Next up cookie making and menu planning!  We're even supposed to get snow this week!  Neither Jason or I have to work that day, so bring it on!  I love a good snow day, any excuse to sit inside cuddling with my family, maybe I can convince Jason to build our first fire! 

Santa

There has been a lot of Christmas Carol singing and Christmas movie watching being done at our house, so Reegan is well aware of Santa and his role in this season.  We planned our second annual trip to Crown Center with our good friends Jana and Matt and there 2 kids, who just happen to be the same age as our 2 kids.  

Reegan was very excited to see Santa and all week told us how she wanted to see him but wouldn't sit on his lap.  No big shocker, so far she is not a fan of people in character.

Seriously, how handsome is he? 

 Gavin loved it.  He got to ride around in his stroller and he smiled so big when Santa talked to him.

This year we went on a Thursday evening and it was so much better then last year.  We only had to wait 20 minutes or so.  They have a great little area for the kids to play on to keep them entertained too. 

We hoped Reegan would follow in Cade's footsteps after she saw how great he did with Santa.

  It worked!  She was so excited to see Santa and kept whispering his name over and over while waving.  We placed Gavin on Santa's lap and Reegan followed.  Gavin loving Santa and kept smiling at him and Reegan did her typical shy reaction

My boys!

I didn't think we would get this great of a pic, so I'm very excited.  We had a great time and are so thankful for friendships we have and opportunities to make some memories! 

I think every few months we find a groove and stick.  No big adventures to tell of, just more of the same.  Our days look suprising similar and yet I'm always looking for that one activity we can do the next day, next week in order to keep ourselves from getting too comfortable, aka bored.  I'm not sure how it happened but the past week, couple of weeks I have noticed how Reegan is turning from a toddler into a full-fledge child.  She says things and does things that I had no idea she knew.  I've heard her sing along to the radio more than once which reminds me how intentional I need to be about what she hears.

The other day she came home from daycare a mess emotionally.  Instead of taking a nap, she decided to dance and do leg lifts in her bed/cot the teacher informed us.  She was exhausted and feel asleep the last miles before pulling into the driveway.  She was NOT happy with Jason for waking her up and insisting she walk upstairs by herself.  I was getting dinner ready and she stood there sobbing.  Finally she looked up at me and said, "I need some cuddles".  My heart melted, I dropped everything, went straight to the couch and gave my sleepy girl some cuddles. After a while she was done with me and asked her Daddy for some cuddles too. 

I am reminded all to often how big she is getting, I love that we still have these moments because I also need them. Maybe its the exhaustion that comes with not sleeping through the night for 5+ months (more if you count the pregnancy peeing every 2 hours), but I've been very reminiscent lately. I think about my little ones and get emotional.  They're getting so big so fast. 

So, as we find our grove (..or rut) we'redoing what we can to enjoy our everyday.  Some days are easier than others, but I know the day will come and the kids wont want this family time. 

In other news, Gavin went to the Doctor today, and he nows weighs 17 pounds, 13 ounces.  WOW.  Big boy is going to need a new carseat pretty soon.  He is 51/2 months.  And Reegan was just moved up a class in gymnastics (or nastics as she likes to call it) and is now with the 5 year olds.  Her teacher said she is freakishly coordinated!  Seriously, they're growing up too fast, but I love every minute of it.  

most wonderful time of the year

December is quickly passing us by.  Maybe its the beautiful "winter" weather, maybe its the colds that keep making their rounds between the kids and I (some how Jason always manages to slide by without catching it), maybe its just because we are so busy.  I have made mental note that this is going to change for 2013.  However, we keep trying to take a deep breath and remember the reason for the season.  I think I am more excited this year than I have been in a while. I love that Reegan is experiencing these memories that are so special to Jason and I.  That we get to pass down traditions from our families and watch her excitment.  Everything is exciting to her and it is amazing. 

Every day, multiple times a day, Reegan asks to turn on the tree and the garland on our banister.  Then she has a huge smile when we agree.   

Gavin has no idea whats coming, but I love that.  I love that he is his happiest when we sit and talk to him.  He is amazingly smiley and no one can get him to laugh like his sister.  They are amazing together! 

Getting the hang of it!

Setting up her nativity scene.  Carefully placing everyone where they "should" be.  Poor Mary and Joseph usually spend their time outside of the manager and instead of the angel on top of the manager, thats where the sheep has been spending his time.

Doing a little happy dance.

Now that we're completely decorated, hoping to squeeze in the time for some of our favorite Christmas movies!