Christmas 2009

Christmas was a busy one for us this year. Craig had the 23rd-28th off of work, which was awesome. Allison had school on the 23rd, so we decided to send her and run a few errands. We made cookies in the afternoon and prepared for Santa's arrival. After talking to Clyde, or elf, we were notified that Santa could come early to our house since we would be traveling to Grand Haven. Lucky us! So, we made cookies and set out milk and carrots too. In return, Santa left some great gifts for the kids. Connor was happy with his M&Ms and his match box cars. He really didn't want anything else at the moment. It could have been a really cheap Christmas for us:) Allison loved her new Samantha doll (a total surprise since it is retired. I have had it for a year) and bed. Ella just hung out with us and enjoyed the chaos.

Allison with the cookies for Santa

Letter for Santa, cookies, and carrots for the reindeer

Ella with her new gifts

Allison with Samantha

Connor with his new ball toy

After getting the house somewhat cleaned up we packed up and headed to Grand Haven. We drove right to Aunt Amy and Uncle John's house to decorate cookies and hang out. Then we went to Grandma and Grandpa Alguire's house for the night. We tried to go to church, but were stuck inside after some terrible ice formed and we were unable to get down the driveway. Christmas morning we opened gifts with grandma and grandpa Alguire and then were off to GG and Papa's house to open gifts. From there we went to my Grandma and Grandpa Constant's house for lunch and presents. Then at 4:00 we went to the Alguire Christmas at John and Amy's. The kids were exhausted, but it was a lot of fun and great food too!

Allison and grandma on Christmas morning

GG and Ella

Allison and Mama

GG and Allison

Connor shooting hoops

Connor and Allison decorating cookies

Sat. we headed to my parents house and stayed there for the afternoon and overnight. Allison and I went to Alivn and the Chipmunks, the Squeakquil with her cousins and then to Clover Bar with GG and Papa for dinner. Yummy!

Sunday we had one more Christmas party and a birthday party. We celebrated with the Jonas's at Nunica Hall. Then we were back to Grandma and Grandpa Alguire's for Uncle Jim's 70th birthday party. More gifts for the kids, might I add!

Monday we stopped in Rockford on our way back home to see Courtney, Max, Ryan and their new house!

Courtney, Ella, Ryan and Staci

Finally, we arrived home around 5:00 on Monday night. We had more "stuff" then I can describe and it took me the rest of the night and the entire next day to put everything away. We had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. We are very thankful for all of the wonderful people in our lives. When we asked Allison what her favorite part of Christmas was, she said,"Decorating cookies with my cousins". That just warms my heart:)

Allison is 5

It is hard to believe that Allison is 5 years old. It seems like just yesterday we took her home from the hospital. We were so proud of our little bundle of joy. The last year has been a big one. We have seen some major growing up over the last year. First of all, she is growing like a weed. None of her size 4s fit anymore and even some of her 5s are too small. Secondly, she became a big sister for the second time. She is a great one too. Some of the things that come to mind are how much of a help she has become with Connor. She holds his hand going into young 5's and coming out. She helps him all time, whether it is getting into the car, getting into a chair (which he likes to do himself), or climbing at the local indoor play spaces. Allison constantly impresses my friends with how good she is to Connor. Yes, she has her moments, but overall I couldn't ask for a better little girl. Allison loves to hold Ella and when she talks to her a HUGE smile appears. She loves her big sis. She is really into doing crafts. Pretty much anything that she can cut, color, glue, or paint and she is a happy girl. She LOVES ballet and has become quite good at it. One of her favorite things to do is to play the Wii with her dad and they spend a lot of time reading books together too. This year has been the animal year. For several months all she wanted to check out from the library were animal books. We all learned a lot about animals. Allison started young 5's in September and made a very easy transition to it. She made friends easily and loves her teachers, Alisa and Courtney. We are so proud of the progress she has made this year and we are really looking forward to the coming year. Being a 5 year old means starting kindergarten and start of the rest of her life. We love you, Allison!

Allison with her new American Girl Doll, Julie

Allison with Owen, Charlotte and Madeline

Allison turns 5!

Allison with her new Liv doll

Clyde arrives

As December 1st grew closer, Allison started getting more and more excited to welcome back Clyde, our elf. Clyde joined our family two years ago and has been a source of great fun and entertainment for Allison. This year Connor is even joining in on the fun. Clyde hangs around the house all day and then flies off at night to visit Santa Claus and report on good and bad behavior. He returns each morning to a new spot in the house and the kids have to find him. Allison usually finds him first and then Connor yells "YEA Clyde!" Very fun!

Allison and Connor with their new little people Nativity set from Clyde the elf

Clyde hiding on top of the window