Ringing in 2015

We had a very fun New Year's Eve this year. The boys stayed up with us! It was just the four of us once Max went to bed. We ate fondue, watched movies, did puzzles and played games! So fun!

Max Turned 2

My baby is 2. It's so strange for me. I've never celebrated a 2nd birthday for one of my kids and not been pregnant. I think that's why I can't grasp the fact that he's two. He doesn't feel that old to me. Even though a lot has happened since he was born (moving a few times, etc.) it still seems like it was yesterday, that he was born. He has grown so much recently. Both physically and mentally. Both of which I am very grateful! He is starting to talk more. We are the only ones that understand him but he is communicating which makes everything a lot easier! This kid is a little spitfire. He already has "short guy" syndrome. He always seems to be trying to prove that he's just as tough/able/funny as his big brothers. He loves to make us laugh and the more tired he is the goofier he gets. Dinner time is always, laugh at Max time. And he knows it. 

He loves to give hugs and kisses. His smile is contagious. He loves playing outside, he's always trying to sneak out through the doggy door. He loves trucks and cars and really anything automotive. Building blocks keep him entertained for hours. He loves throwing trash in the garbage can (I hope that sticks with him forever!) He loves cleaning too. His attention span is does not exist when it comes to books. We love him to pieces and we are so lucky he is here with us. We love our little Maxwell. 

Max's birthday was on a Saturday this year so we spent the day together as a family. It was so nice! It was a very happy day, all day. I didn't even cry once. Ok, maybe once. We went bowling, at pizza (Max's favorite) and did some arcade games. I'll post some video later, but for now...

The boys were SO excited to help Max bowl. 

I haven't bowled such a bad game, since I was pregnant with Kade. It was bad. Really really bad. Max won. I have proof. 

Later that night, we did presents and cake. The poor kid will likely always have Christmas decorations up on his birthday. That's what happens when you're born on the 27th of December. 

Aaron and I were dying to give this Cozy Truck to Max. With how much he loves automotive-anything, we knew it would be a hit! Though you can't tell in pictures, he was very excited about it! He's not the kid to get really smiley when he's excited about something. He gets really intense!

Our Christmas

We had a very nice and relaxing Christmas this year. 

We spent Christmas Eve differently than we ever have. But I think it will be the way we spend Christmas Eve from here on out. We started the evening with reading the book The Night Tree. It's about a family that goes out into the darkness of the night on Christmas Eve to decorate a tree for the animals to enjoy on Christmas day. They decorate with birdseed and popcorn and they sing Christmas carols and just enjoy the stillness and quietness of the night. We then went out and decorated our own tree. This is something my family used to do when I was growing up and I loved getting away from the craziness of Christmas for a while and just enjoying the quiet. We invited our friends, the Lewis family, to go with us. The kids loved it!

After that we drove around a little and looked at lights.

Then we returned home, opened up our Christmas pjs, ate our traditional Chinese food and watched a Christmas movie. Next year we'll start earlier so we can get a nativity pageant in as well. 

We decorated Santa's cookies. 

We took pictures by the tree. 

Then finished the night with 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. 

The next morning, the boys woke us up and we read Luke 2 all snuggled in our bed. This is probably my favorite tradition we have. I love starting the day off with the the story of the birth of our Savior. 

Then it was time for presents. 

I love the excitement of Christmas morning. 

Most of Christmas morning was documented with video. But we had such a nice relaxing day together. I love my little family. 

Even though it was just the five of us, we still wanted to have a nice Christmas dinner. I absolutely loved it! We ate just by the light of the Christmas tree, other Christmas lights around the house and a few candles. No one was complaining, everyone was happy, it was perfect. 

It was such a wonderful day. I wish I could go back and live it all over again.