Christmas 2012

 This Christmas was a very difficult Christmas for all of us.  It marked the 1 year anniversary of losing Grandpa.  It was a very bittersweet day - we were overwhelmed with sadness for the loss 

of Grandpa, but the kids were so excited for Christmas, that we had to smile.  Lita, Auntie April, and I, spent some time alone on Christmas Eve just hanging out and talking (and crying a lot) as we talked about Grandpa.  We miss him more than words can ever describe - it just doesn't seem real that he is actually gone from our lives.  It is a very hard reality to accept - that our lives don't have this amazing man in them anymore.  Our lives, our routines, and our traditions as a family, have forever changed.  We know he is with us in spirit - watching everything that we do.  We miss you, Grandpa:)

These pictures are not in any particular order:)  Above is a picture of Lita and Sarah on her very first Christmas!  And, below, is a picture of Kellen opening his rainbow maker (and surrounded by lots of presents!).

 My babies on Christmas morning.....Sarah was a bit stunned by the flash - try not to laugh too much at her:)

 Another picture of Lita and Sarah (I told you that the pictures were not in any particular order!)

Sarah loving her new Christmas toy.

 Checking out what other people got for Christmas.

 "Merry Christmas, Daddy!"

 I have no idea what is happening here.

 Parker and Uncle Garrett having fun with the stockings!

 Uncle Garrett and Lita watching the kiddies opening their gifts.

 Christmas morning.  Grandpa would have been proud (and already shaking and feeling all of the gifts, trying to figure out what they were!)

 Love you, Lita.  Not to be too creepy, but notice the orb beside her.....maybe Grandpa was with us:)

 Kellen and Mommy opening his stocking presents.

 The presents.

 My beautiful boy.

 On Christmas Eve, the kids did a movie night - while wearing their Christmas pj's that Lita got for all of the grandkids!  Here is Parker in his pj's and new housecoat while enjoying his snacks!

 ...and Lauren and Kellen enjoying their treats!

 We decided to start a new Christmas tradition this year, in honour of Grandpa.  As many of you know, Grandpa loved to put out his Christmas village - he was so proud of his village, and put so much care and work into making it look so beautiful each year.  So, we decided that each Christmas Eve, each grandchild would choose their favourite part of Grandpa's village, and we would put it out on a table....just like Grandpa would have done.  

 We miss you, Grandpa.

 The grandkids - all in their Christmas pj's.  It was impossible to get all of them to look at the camera at the same time...so, here are a couple of my many, many attempts!

 Merry Christmas, everyone!!!  Here is Kellen getting ready to head outside to play  (Yes, a totally random picture that has nothing to do with these pictures....I'm not sure why blogger put the pictures in a different order!)

 ...and back to my attempt to get a good shot of the kids!

 Merry Christmas!  We hope everyone had a happy and healthy Christmas!!

Kellen's First School Christmas Concert!

 The week before Christmas, Kellen's school (JK, SK, and grade 1 students only) had their first Christmas concert.  They did two shows that day - and we went to the 2nd show (so that Shawn could attend).  The look on Kellen's face when he saw us was priceless.  He was so proud and excited to see us there watching his concert.  I have a video (but it won't download) of Kellen - the moment he sees us, he spends about 3/4 of the first song waving and smiling at us - so adorable!  I spoke to parents the next day, and they said all of their pictures of the class were of Kellen waving and smiling at us - how sweet!  They sang "Ordinary Miracle" and a really cool song about "When I grow up" - there is a part that says "Maybe I'll work for NASA, and maybe I'll see you on the Mooooooooonnnn!"  All the kids stand up and shake their hands - it was fun to watch!

Sarah was loving the concert!

 Looking for Mommy.

 Too much to drink:)

 Found Mommy in the crowd.

 Getting into the action.

Kellen Singing his School Song

Here is a video of Kellen singing his school's song.  He practiced so much -and was (is) so proud when he sings it!

Preparing for Christmas

 My two beautiful babies - sitting in front on the stockings and Christmas tree.....but, by the 2nd picture, they were obviously bored:)

 Okay, so I put the pictures in the wrong order :)   Here is Kellen helping decorate the tree (while Sarah picked up every single ornament and tried to eat it!).  Kellen did almost all of the decorating - he loved preparing the tree!

 So proud of his final product!

 Sarah - still curious about this whole Christmas tree thing.

 Watching Daddy try to figure out how to put the tree together.

Randoms

 I haven't updated their blog in a long time - But, I finally downloaded a bunch of pictures, so I can play catch up!  Here are some random pictures of Shawn with the kids.  I love the picture of him and Kellen!  These pictures were taken right before we started setting up the Christmas tree, and all of the Christmas decorations around the house!

 Ooops, forgot to rotate the picture!

 Kellen LOVES to make picnics for us to all enjoy.   Here is a picnic he made us!

Sillies

 Here is a quick picture of Sarah on her change table - she was making lots of silly noises, and blowing bubbles.  

Here are Kellen and Sarah hanging out on the couch together - man, is Kellen patient with his silly sister!  She loves touching (grabbing) his face!

 Getting lots of cuddles from Daddy - she was having such a good time just lying on Shawn's lap while he rubbed her back - it was so sweet.

 Another attempt at grabbing Kellen's head!

 Smiles for her brother.

 Sarah loves to be pushed around in Kellen's old little car - doesn't she look cute?!?!!