Merry Christmas!!

This holiday season has been so much fun, with all the snow and Madelyn being so into Christmas, it has truly made this year magical! We spent Christmas Eve at Grandpa and Grandma Schutte's house with the whole family, then on Christmas Day we spent the morning at home with Daddy before he had to leave for work :(... then off to Grandpa and Grandma Pugh's house for more Christmas cheer! Later that day we drove over to Oak Harbor to celebrate Christmas with my dad's side of the family, it was great to see everyone and spend time together. Last but definately not least we celebrated Christmas with Grandpa and Grandma Harris on Saturday at our house. We had a nice dinner, great fondue dessert, and had fun watching the kids play with their grandparents!

We appreciate all the thoughtful gifts, the well wishes and the love from all our family and friends. I am a little sad to see my favorite time of year come to a close, but I have to say I am excited to see what 2009 has in store for the Harris family!

Grandma's Projects

As many of you know my mother retired last year which now allows more "Grandma Time" and more "Grandma-Maddy" projects..... here are some pictures of their Christmas projects (did I mention how much I LOVE that my mom is retired?). Madelyn and Ayden are so lucky to have such a creative and dedicated grandma! We love you Grandma Pam!!

Grandma's Christmas Projects




Little Elf Ayden

Little Elf Madelyn




Maddy's Hand Christmas Tree

Sibling Reindeers!

Thank you Grandma!

Cold play and warm treats!

The snow has continued to fall... which has led to more snow play! Once Madelyn had decided that she was too cold and ready to go inside, mommy made some hot cocoa complete with mini marshmellows, yum! yum! Here are some more pictures of our frosty fun....

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

We woke up this morning to a beautiful snowy winter wonderland and Madelyn could not be more excited, so we layered up and went outside to play in the snow. Madelyn made her first snow angel and had lots of fun just running around. It was really cold and the snow was so dry it made it a little hard to build a big snowman so Daddy and Maddy made a little snowman :). Madelyn and her neighbor friend Chloe had a great time stacking snowballs and exploring the white covered neighborhood. Ayden even came out for a little bit to experience the snow and to watch Maddy play. Here are some pictures of our fun morning....

Our Annual Christmas Tree Chopping

As we do every year we bundled up and headed to Big Lake Tree Farm to choose the perfect Christmas tree. Aunt Carly, Uncle Brian and Cousin Zoe ;) came as well to help out and take some pictures. While the kids watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas we decorated the tree and the house, making it feel and smell like Christmas!

A Day of Thanks....

This year Grandpa and Grandma Pugh hosted Thanksgiving in their new beautiful home. It was such a nice day to get together with family, eat yummy food, have good conversation and even manage to play a few family games (much to Madelyn's enjoyment)! :) We have alot to be thankful for in our lives, we are so blessed to have faith, family and friends who all mean so much to us. Bryan and I are so proud of our family and love that we get to share it will all of you! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Snotty Nose November

Well.... this week both babies got colds! This was Ayden's first cold and on top of it he is teething! :( His bottom 2 teeth have both come in and I think a few more may show before too long! We have spent alot of time indoors but the kids are on the mend and we actually managed to get outside today to enjoy the crisp sunny fall day. Madelyn helped Daddy "lawn-vac" the backyard (aka picking up all the tree debris) and I introduced Ayden to leaves. I am glad the week is coming to an end and hopefully we won't have to endure too many more illnesses this season! Here are some pictures of our week....