Fletch and His New Buddies

It was an Elmo kind of Christmas for Fletcher; he now has 4 of them!

And, he LOVES every single one! ;-)

Happy 5th Birthday to Holden!!!

Today was a big day for Holden . . . his 5th birthday! We started the day with Krispy Kreme doughnuts and hats for his Sunday School class, followed by presents at home and a little rest time.

Then, we headed over to Raleighwood for a movie (Hotel Transylvania) and treats with friends. It was a fun day for our BIG guy!

The Second Half

I much prefer the second half of Christmas break, when all of the Christmas preparations, shopping and school activities are done. For us, the days between Christmas and the start of school in January mostly consist of lazy days at home enjoying our new toys, watching movies, and eating treats. Fun times!

Candlelight Service

We started a new Christmas tradition this year. After dinner at Mama Carol's house, Brant took Quinn (and Mama Carol and Aunt Brandi) to our church's Christmas Eve service. It was a special time for the four of them.

*I brought Holden and Fletcher home to go to bed. Holden should be able to join them next year. Once Fletch is able to stay up later (AND sit still and quiet for an hour), we'll be able to go as a family.

Fun Food

Thanks to Pinterest and lots of creative folks/pins, the boys had some fun holiday breakfast foods this year. Some of my Christmas "creations":

*With whipped cream and M&M's, how could these NOT be a hit . . . right? ;-)

Christmas 2012 in Pictures

Christmas Eve with Mama Carol and Aunt Brandi:

Christmas morning:

Christmas afternoon/evening with Papa and Mama Quinn:

***Merry Christmas from "My Boys and Me"!

Annual Christmas Party

It all started back in 2006 with a monthly playgroup. Here are the original 4 members (Quinn, Elizabeth, Landon and Aidan):

The group of 4 has become a gang of 8 (with the additions of Holden, Fletcher, Connor and Tyler). Because of school/work/life, we aren't able to get together monthly any more. But the Charlands host an annual Christmas party for our 4 families. It's always a lot of fun catching up with old friends and seeing how much the kids have grown. Here's some pictures from this year's party (both Landon and Tyler were home sick):

Cookie Exchange

I hosted our MOPS Christmas cookie exchange last Thursday night. Thanks to these ladies, it was a fun-filled evening with friends . . . that resulted in LOTS of delicious cookies!

My Pinterest-inspired cookie:

"Daddy and Me" Time

Holden and Daddy at an NC State basketball game:

Quinn and Daddy at Q's school Christmas party:

*I am very thankful that Brant is so involved with our boys; he plans regular "special" time with them. And, we are very fortunate that he has the flexibility with his work schedule to attend their school functions.

Cell Phone Photos

Picking out a Christmas tree:

Christmas parade fun with church friends (Wiley):

Meadow Lights:

Holden, aka "The Wrestler Man":

Q, on the church bus, going Christmas caroling for the first time ever (AND without us!):

Q was invited to a birthday party, and Fletcher tagged along. He LOVED every minute of it!

Nativity at church - our "angel":

and our "wise man":