Xmas with the Van Nuland's

Sunday we celebrated Christmas with Steve's family. Lots of food, fun and laughter had by all.

Alex was so funny this year. Every gift he opened he was jumping up and down with pure delight and ran to that person and gave them a huge hug. So darn cute!

The kids all enjoyed their gifts and had a great time running around the house.

Holiday Parties

We had two Christmas parties this month already. It is crazy how fast this month has come and gone. Our first party was my volleyball team and the second party was the daycare party.

Both where a lot of fun and good times had by all!!

Lil' Stars Christmas Party

Volleyball Team Holiday Party

Great times of course had by all and how can you not when you are with friends. We had our annual vball party at Melissa's house this year. Lots of drinking, laughing and a little bit of Wii. And the night ended with someone doing snow angels in the backyard (next to dog doo doo)... of course we won't say by whom..... Sassy Melissa!!! :)

Bob and Julie

Ryan and Mindi

A little Guitar Hero

Drinking and talking

More GH

Amy and Harvey

Can't have a party without some drinking card games.

"Take that ya'll"... Melissa

Amy and Melissa

Santa at Dad's work

Tuesday night Santa had a party at Steve's work for all the Enzymatic Therapy employees and their families. The kids where beyond excited to see Santa once again and had a blast sitting on his lap, frosting cookies, coloring pictures and having some snacks.

G&G H's House

This past weekend we went to G&G H's house to get their xmas tree and put the lights on the house. Before we left the boys and I made red velvet cake and Steve made a "train" for them to play in with some leftover boxes we had.

Then the boys help put the ornaments on the tree. Yes I have quiet a few on the bottom part of the tree.

The train

Here we are getting the tree and riding the tractor. Jack had a blast as always!

The big tree

Jack being silly

St Nick found us at G&G's house and they boys were excited!

Alex acting like Santa and asking "what do you want for Christmas?"

and then there were 2

Then Steve took over.

Some family pics

Santa's Elf

Santa sent one of his Elves to live with us this Holiday season. He showed up the day after Thanksgiving along with a book (The Elf on the Shelf) which tells the boys what he is doing at our house. He finds a spot in our house and keeps an eye on the two of them and after they go to bed he "flies" to the North Pole to tell Santa if they have been good or bad and returns before they wake up in a new place.

Here are the places he chose to "hide".

Dec 24th -

Dec 23rd -

Dec 22nd - Riding the train under the tree

Dec 21st - Master Bathroom Shower

Dec 20th - Pantry

Dec 19th - In the Christmas Tree

Dec 18th - Living Room Ceiling Fan

Dec 17th - Living Room Watching Xmas Movies

Dec 16th - Master Bedroom Ceiling Fan

Dec 15th - Kitchen Clock

Dec 14th - Living Room on the TV


Dec 13th - In the Accord

Dec 12th - Refridgerator

Dec 11th - Laundry Room

Dec 10th - Fireplace mantel in a stocking


Dec 9th - Alex's closet hanging from his xmas lights


Dec 8th - Living Room windowsill eating candy


Dec 7th - Riding the camel on the nativity scene

Dec 6th - Back at home on the kitchen windowsill

Dec 6th in G&G H's tree

Dec 5th - Followed us to G&G H's house

Dec 5th - Kitchen glass vase


Dec 4th - Living room window

Dec 3rd - Kids bathroom light fixture

Dec 2nd - Kitchen wine rack

Dec 1st - Jack's room shelf

Nov 30th - Dining room light fixture


Nov 29th - Living room window valance

Nov 28th - Living room shelf

Polar Express

Sunday night Steve, the boys and I met our friend Mindi and Nathan at the National Railroad Museum to enjoy the Polar Express. This is our second year going (Alex's first) and as the previous year it was a blast. Jack has this wonderful memory (wonder where he gets that from?!) and for the past couple weeks he would tell Alex everything that happened last year when we went. FYI... you are suppose to wear your PJ's to the event.

When we got there and met up with the Pollens the boys wanted to get some Holiday Tattoos.



After the tattoos we walked around and inside some of the trains that were on the floor.


and of course took pictures in front of the xmas tree on one of the trains.

Nathan, Alex and Jack

The Van Nuland's

Then it was time for the Polar Express to be read to everyone. The boys sat in the front with a bunch of other kids.

The conductor came and talked the the kids before the story was read.

The first thing that happens when the event starts is that everyone gets a cup of Hot Chocolate. The boys were very excited about this part.

After the beverage the story began. The boys did a great job sitting and listening.

Then it was time to take a ride on the trains to the north pole. All three boys where scared that the train was going to leave without them and kept telling us to put their jackets on faster. So cute. :)

Once on the train we took a ten minute ride to the North Pole to see Santa! The boys wanted to sit next to each other so Mindi, Steve and myself had to SQUEEZED into our seat.

Alex is ready to hand his ticket to the conductor.

The conductor and Alex got along really well and kept joking around with each other. Very funny to watch.

Enjoying our ride.

Come on just look at dad and smile nicely.... geez!

Washing windows.

During the ride the everyone is handed a chocolate "Gold Coin" which they ate with delight.

Jack trying to open his very quickly.

Once we arrived at the North Pole we got into line to see SANTA! This is the first time Alex has seen Santa up close and personal and he loved it! Even went first.

"I want another fire truck, hungry hungry hippos and a leapster"

"Of course I have been an angel everyday... just don't ask my Mom or Dad."

"I want a real flying helicopter, leapster games and a TV in my room."

"Well Santa if I tell you "NO" does that mean you won't bring me presents??"

The night was a hit and I am 100% this will be a tradition for us as long as they continue the Polar Express.

Green Bay Holiday Parade

This past Saturday Steve took the boys to Green Bay's Holiday Parade. They had a blast and they were soooo good. They got to see a lot of floats, fire truck, ambulance, semi truck, large shopping cart, their cousin Theresa who was in the parade, some dogs (got to pet them) and most of all SANTA!!!!!!