A December to Remember

December was a truly crazy month for us! Not only did we have all our regular holiday activities, but Ben and I went on a kid-free vacation to Mexico for a week! We have been busy, busy, busy to say the least but it has slowed down now and I can't wait to share with everyone some of the pictures from our December to Remember!

Cutting down the Christmas Tree:

We went to a local tree farm at the beginning of December to cut down our Christmas tree. This has been a tradition now for just about 5 years. We did skip the year I was pregnant with Brayden because it was snowing and I didn't feel like walking my big butt around to cut down a stupid tree!...but I did walk me even bigger butt around the farm last year when I was pregnant with Cami so I have redeemed myself in the eyes of St. Nick!

It was a nice day and Brayden had a great time riding the train, picking the tree and watching Daddy cut it down. Cami was her usual pleasant self and we all (well maybe just Mommy) enjoyed some hot cocoa afterwards...but not cookies as I promised Brayden. I guess the free cookies got the cut when the economy tanked this year...once again, Mommy makes promises she can't keep!

Daddy and Brayden on the train

Cami and Mommy riding the train

We found our tree!

Daddy and his special helper cutting the tree down Cami watching the madness of the Christmas tree experience from the comforts of her stroller

The Big Trip to Mexico:

Ben and I escaped to Playa del Carmen, Mexico for a whole week! It was glorious to say the least. The hotel was beautiful, the room was great, the food was good and the drinks were a plenty...maybe too plenty at times! We went with a large group of people which included Tyler (Ben's brother), Lauren (Tyler's wife), Bill (Ben's brother), Sandra (Bill's girlfriend) and lots of Sandra's family members.

It was so much fun but I did miss my kiddos so much. They got to spend the week with their Mum and Papa (my parent's) and I know they had a great time. We were so happy to see the kids when we got home and I know that Mum and Papa were so excited to see us! It's been a long time since they had to care for an infant and toddler...I guess we have exhausted our babysitters for awhile.

This was our beautiful room

The view from our third floor room

Ben and I at our favorite spot at the pool

The swim-up bar and waterfall at the pool

Posing on the steps of the French restaurant
A very relaxed Ben floating in the pool
A view of the pool from my chair

The very windy beach, which is why we spend our time at the pool

Another milestone for Cami:

When we returned from vacation, Cami reached another milestone...she pulled to standing all by herself! I was talking on the phone to Ben and I rounded the corner into the family room and found her standing at her activity table playing. I snapped a quick pic, which I love because she just looks so darn proud of herself! What a cutie pie! I can't believe that she will soon be a year old...time sure has flown.

Christmas Eve:

On Christmas Eve, we all put on are best outfits and headed out to meet my parent's and Chip for a fancy schmancy dinner. This year we were fortunate enough to get a private room with a private waiting area and bathroom, which was not only great for us but everyone else at the restaurant too! The kids had room to move and we didn't disturb anyone with the banging and throwing of toys. Brayden and Cami each got to open a present, just like my parent's used to do with Chip and I. Brayden didn't eat any dinner because he couldn't put down his new Mack and Lightning McQueen cars!

It was a fun night and when we got home, we put out milk and cookies for Santa and sprinkled special reindeer food (oats and green sprinkles) on the lawn. The kids went to bed and Santa came with all his special goodies.

Brayden and Cami in their Christmas outfits

My handsome little man and his taggie...we don't leave home without it!My lovely princess

Cami opening her first Christmas presentBrayden was so excited about his Cars present

Mum and Papa pose with CamiCami and Mommy
Papa, Brayden and Mack from the movie Cars

Christmas Day:

Santa was so generous this year and dropped off many, many gifts for the kids. Our tree looked like it threw up Christmas presents! Mum, Papa and Uncle Chip came over early Christmas morning and we opened presents for at least two hours!

Brayden was so excited to come downstairs and see what Santa had brought him. It was so much fun to experience Christmas through his eyes! He played with almost every toy that day. He truly had a great Christmas...in fact, he stills says every day "Today will be the best Christmas ever!"

Cami got lots of big girl toys from Santa. Santa knew that we needed some girly toys in the house and he delivered. She even got her very own Cabbage Patch Newborn...just like her Mommy had so many years ago. I can't wait for Christmas next year when she will be walking and talking away...just like her brother.

The tree after Santa came

The tree after Mum, Papa and Uncle Chip came

Santa's big present to the kids
Brayden immediately came down stairs and played with the kitchen
Cami loved opening gifts
Brayden ripping into his present from Mum and Papa...a new Thomas set!Uncle Chip carrying Brayden in his new duffel bag

Cami is truly one of the best presents we have ever received!