Home For Christmas

Yesterday it was so nice to just be home for Christmas, no running around, just hanging out in our pjs all day, playing and snuggling! It was great. I found it funny that Grace was the first one up, then Ethan, then Zach and we almost had to go wake up Faith! 

Because we did a homemade Christmas, it was really fun to see everyone's expressions, I wish I was quicker with taking pictures, it really was great. The maker of the gift and the receiver, both so excited.

In addition, everyone got their traditional books and clothing and stocking filled to overflowing.

And maybe a Taylor Swift CD!

Ethan loves those Ripley's books!

Super Zach!

The sandbox that Daddy made for Faith.

The race track Rob made! Ready for graffiti!

He already had a notebook full of designs that he's drawn, so he got right to work!

A sweet little Faith!

Playing Donkey Kong (or King Kong as Zach keeps calling it!)

Mugs that Grace and I went to Potwin Pottery to make for Christmas, I think they turned out perfect and we had a wonderful time together, it was like twice the gift!

 

The checkers set that Rob made Zach has already seen some intense games! Zach LOVES to play checkers!

Faith showing off her new pjs that Mommy and Nana made.

Zach showing off his super hero costume that I made him.

Silly Faith!

Faith wanted to take pictures with my camera, so this is one she took, she's holding the camera out as far as she can.

Taking her own picture! She may want to try her hand at photography!

Getting ready to watch a movie and snuggle after Grace and Ethan left for their dad's house.

Everyone had a great day, full of playing and fun, laughter and cuddles, it was a wonderful Christmas.

Baby girl didn't quite make it through the whole movie though!

Christmas With The Kempers

This year there was another Kemper joining us and Simon was a lot more mobile, so this year was definitely a bit more exciting than last year. Every year is so much fun, but the more little ones, the better, I think! Instead of writing lots and lots, I'm just going to post lots of pictures. My brother Nick and his wife, Stacey hosted this year in their beautiful, big, old house, it was wonderful! And my youngest sister, Jada even joined us this year!

Monkey-see, monkey-do! 

Faith and Eliza texting and talking on their play phones.

Joy, Ethan, Bailey and Grace

Snuggles for Papa 

from Faith

Snuggles for Nana
from Eliza and Levi

Simon's new favorite game to play-ride on Zach! He couldn't quite stay on, so Bailey helped. Simon was all smiles for this!

Story time with Papa, will snuggles, of course!

Eliza wearing her skirt and tutu she got.

Simon attempting to drill his head, while wearing his new Doctor's coat, he looks like a mad scientist! Too cute!

Kisses for Levi from Faith
And next year there will be a new baby to kiss, I'm sure my sister is happy that there is just a few more weeks will he's here!

Ugga-Mugga

Do you remember that phrase?  "Ugga mugga, ugga mugga", it was usually accompanied by a sweet little nose to nose rub.  Still no?  How about this guy, remember him?

Mister Rogers and his little friend, Daniel Tiger.  For me, this is a very fond memory of growing up and I still to this day remember his songs.  So you can imagine my excitement when Faith was sitting on my lap humming this song-

And then I was almost giddy when she gently rubbed noses with me and said in a quiet little voice, "Ugga mugga, ugga mugga", it was so precious, like revisiting a little bit of my childhood. Not too long ago we discovered a new show on PBS called, "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood", and Faith loves to watch it.

I'm really enjoying hearing the lessons and songs I learned from Mister Rogers coming from my little one's mouth.  And I especially enjoy her little nose rubbing mine and her sweet little voice, "Ugga mugga, ugga mugga".  Little moments like that are why I wanted to be a mommy when I grew up.