Pictures with Santa

Tonight Josh and I decided to take Logan to the mall and get a picture with Santa.  Last year Logan was amazing for the picture.  This year, however, was quite a different story.  Just look at the progression of tears and emotions.  I know it's awful of me, but I couldn't help but share these pictures.  I promise you, Logan was his bright and smiley-self the second we took him off Santa's lap!

This was the one we decided on--the only one where he's not crying!

Christmas Party

Saturday night we headed to the Nesselroad's house for our annual Christmas Party.  We always have such a great time at this party because it's a time for all of us friends to get together, eat, and be merry!  This year was even more fun because there were eight kiddos running around.  It's funny how quickly this group of friends is growing and changing.  Next year this group has three weddings and five babies on the way, which means that our Christmas party next year will have at least 13 kids!  This year the food was amazing.  Seriously, I didn't have enough room on my plate to try everything.  After dinner, we participated in our White Elephant style gift exchange.  Josh and I wound up with a $25 gift card to Cheesecake Factory--thanks Sally and Bryan!  Afterwards, the kids opened up gifts and then we attempted to take a picture of them.  "Attempt" is the key word--it's difficult to get seven kids to sit straight, look at the camera, and smile!

The three of us.  It's so weird to think that last year Logan was 5 months old and was getting passed around from person-to-person, and this year he was running around on his own.

LoJo opening his present.

This picture is not the best one, but it certainly is my favorite!  Matthew is drooling, while Logan is squishing Lillie, who happens to be picking her nose, while Tyler is clapping--good times!

There were many attempts, but I believe this one was the best.  Although they're not all looking at the camera or smiling, at least they're all sitting--which is a huge success!  From left to right--Matthew, Ellie, Lillie, Logan, Tyler, Wyatt, Trever, and Quinton (not pictured).

Breakfast with Santa

This past Saturday we headed to Tri-City Park with many of the Stroller Strides families to have Breakfast with Santa.  It's so fun to see all of the kids playing, and it's nice to hang out with the Moms and Dads!  Everyone brought food, so there was an array of yummy treats to eat.  After we ate breakfast, Ali (the owner) read The Night Before Christmas to all of the kids.  When the story was finished, Santa showed up with his bag of goodies.  He sat down and called each kid up to receive his/her gift.  It was so fun to watch the kids' eyes light up when Santa showed up.  We had a great time celebrating with our Stroller Strides friends!

Ellie, Logan, and Lillie enjoying their yummy breakfast.

It's always so fun when Daddy gets to come to Stroller Strides events.  I love the kids and Moms in Stroller Strides, so it's nice for Josh to meet the people I spend so much time with.

Logan was very timid when Santa called his name to give him his gift.

Daddy showing Logan how to open a present.

Santa brought LoJo a fire truck with blocks.  He loved the gift!

Our Annual BridgMurAnda Christmas Party

One of my favorite things to do this season is to attend our annual BridgMurAnda (Bridgford-Murty-Penaranda) Christmas Party!  We've been doing it every year for the past nine years!  We take turns hosting each year, and this year it was the Bridgfords' turn.  The house was beautifully decorated, and the patio was set-up with lights, a grown-up table and a kids' table.  Ang went all out in the food department (see pictures below).  In fact, Josh told her it was the best meal he's ever eaten!  After dinner, we opened gifts.  This year the adults decided to participate in a couples' Groupon deal.  Ang and Mike got Josh and I dinner and a movie, and a 75-minute Couples Massage.  Thanks, guys, we can't wait to use them!  After gifts, we put the kiddos to bed, and the adults indulged in grown-up Root Beer Floats along with many fun games!  Thanks so much guys for all of the wonderful gifts and amazing memories!  We love you all so much.

This was the best picture we could get of all four kiddos.

Beef Wellington.  Ang even made mini ones for the kids!  Don't they look amazing--they were!

Asparagus wrapped in Pancetta and covered with a Citronette sauce--delicious!

The three amigos with sweet Kalea.

The Kids' Table

A picture of all of us together!

Logan and Lillie absolutely love each other so much!

Look at the adorable hat that Auntie Ang got Kalea.

Auntie Ang got Logan the cutest coat, hats, and Stride Rite shoes.  He's one stylin' boy!

The earmuffs that we got Ellie.

The beanie we got Lillie.  Look at that smile!

Auntie Jo got Logan a beautiful stocking from Pottery Barn...just what Mommy wanted!

Every year Ang makes Christmas pajamas for her family. This year she made matching ones for Logan and Kalea. Thanks, Ang, it's so sweet of you! This picture is so sweet because Logan is trying to kiss Kalea.

"Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!"

This year we headed to Home Depot to pick up our Christmas tree.  It was so much fun to watch Logan check out the place.  When we got home, we had a great time decorating the tree and listening to Christmas music.  I just love this time of year!

Since Logan is walking now, I had to get a picture of him and Daddy walking into the Tree Farm.

LoJo trying to decide which tree to get.

I love this picture because it looks like Logan's marching!

The winner!

Logan was very interested in the tree, lights, and ornaments this year.

Logan and I hanging up his 2011 Christmas ornament.

Logan really enjoyed playing with the bells!