A Very Merry Christmas: Part Two.

On Christmas morning, we awoke to hear Elijah playing with the kid sized drums that were supposed to be gifted to him and Berlin. Eli was not so happy on the other present giving occasions due to the giving and then the taking away. For our at home Christmas giving, we allowed him to check out his presents and things went a lot nicer. I had to wake up Berlin and she took a little coaxing until she heard Eli banging on the drums...then a very excited and inquisitive Berlin sat up "ummm, WHAT is Elijah playing with?!". Berlin was our christmas elf handing out gifts. Now that she knows letters and what our names start with she was proud of herself to have the ability to "read". She is such a helpful sweetie. Christmas morning is so wonderful to experience with children. I feel so lucky to have my family.

After a slow morning, James and I had my family over for dinner. My mom made yummy prime rib after much discussion over what would be the Christmas meat. I'm not a huge fan of pork--especially ham, so I was very happy with her surprising me with taking over the meat cooking AND not making me eat ham. We had a great dinner and then spent some time visiting. My mom's dad, my Grandpa Ken, came for dinner. It was momentous as my mom had not spent a Christmas with my grandpa in 30 years. Let us just say he likes to stay in. It was a nice gift to have him spend some time with everyone. After visiting, we exchanged gifts and then relaxed for the rest of the day. This was my first Christmas at home in 7 years and I have to say that I really liked it.


Elijah drumming. *Note: The drums broke on the 3rd day. He bangs a little too excitedly.

Izzie and her stocking.

Is this for me?





Checking out his bubble mower.

We got Izzie this owl bank. I was excited when I found it because it matches some of her bedding and decor. And I've had a fondness for owls since I was little.

**little tidbit** my grandma betty gave me a charm bracelet when I was little. she died before adding a lot of charms on it, but the one i remember her giving me was an owl. she told me that the owl was for wisdom. i've always felt like her giving me that charm was like her gifting me wisdom or something. and every time i see an owl, i think of her. it depresses me greatly that i don't have that charm bracelet anymore. something happened to my jewelry box in one of our moves and it is gone. :(

Berlin and her newest Olivia book... Olivia's personality reminds me of Berlin.

Eli opening his play food cookie set.



Mr. Potato Head.

Berlin opening her register for playing store.

Berlin checking out Eli's toys.

Eli checking out Berlin's toys.

Izzie.

Mr. Potato head glasses.

Berlin trying on her new robe.

James and his Chelsea FC mug.

Sarah and Lucas.

Mom and Steve opening their gift from us kids. BluRay player to jazz up their new tv!

Roger and Sarah. First Christmas as married couple!

Grandpa Ken. The looking over the glasses means he doesn't like his picture taken.

I think this is a pretty perfect photo representation of uncle chuck. i swear that i can hear him saying "hi there" from the picture.

Aunt Chrissy was a superstar gift giver with this Hannah Montana doll for Berlin. She then decked herself out with the Hannah Montana outfit, microphone, and doll....and put on shows for us all. It was a delight.

A Very Merry Christmas: Part One.

So there is a big lack in christmas photos this year. James took some with his camera and recorded some video that I have yet to go through...so maybe there will be additions to this later...but not likely. But with my arm/back thing I couldn't lift my camera much....nor did it put me in a caring about pictures mood. Anyway, we celebrated Christmas the Sunday before at Bob & Judy's with all the kiddos. And then celebrated with extended Mattila family at the traditional Christmas Eve dinner at Grandma Mattila's condo. We had a great time. The kids got along very well...which was really nice. We were blessed with a show from the older kids doing music which I am sure is the first of many. It brought back memories of my cousin and siblings doing shows for my grandma. She was put through some very interesting skits and song performances.

The kids gifts were awesome. Berlin is now really into her dolls and dressing them up into different outfits (usually they are going to a wedding she says). They got a ton of art supplies which were seriously depleting from all the painting projects, so there has been some new painting excitement with new colors and brushes. BOOKS, books... so happy for some new reads. I'm surprised we fit all the gifties in the car to take home! Erin made some hats for the girls and shark mittens for Elijah. They are so awesome! I need to take a picture of them to show you! Anyway, Christmas was great.... here are a few pics.

Bah Humbug! :) Isadora's first XMAS!

some beautiful ladies.

Berlin was very excited to wear her sparkle shoes and shirt.

Opening stockings.

Elijah got a snake in his stocking... and he LOVES snakes. Or rather LOVES pretending to be scared of them and comes up with ways to destroy the snake. :)

oooh....

Presents! Berlin and Eva.

James, Isadora, and Timmy.

Kiddos and Judy.

This photo will work much better when they are all out of diapers.... Hopefully.

Some of them cooperating for a minute. :) Kaylee, Grace, Eva, Berlin, Owen, Egan.

Lucas Steven {newborn}

My step-sister Sarah and her fiance' Ryan welcomed their baby boy in December. He is now a little over a month old but when he was 11 days old, I photographed him at their condo. Here are a few!













i personally like this grunge edit...

feeties!

Isadora 4 months old.

More pre-christmas pictures.... Izzie turns 4 months old! She rolled back to front on Dec 13th and quickly became a pro at rolling. She is trying to push herself up but mainly spins around to reach different things. I started her on baby food on Dec 28th. So far as of today she has had cereal, peas, and sweet potatoes. She does pretty good with the food. Although, since she has had sweet potatoes she isn't as fond of peas. She babbles a TON. She wants to talk so bad. Her 4 month check up was before christmas and she weighs in at 14 lbs 7 oz. 24 1/2 inches. She is 75th percentile for height and weight and right at 50 percent for head size. Doing real well and healthy. :)












This was right after I cut Berlin's bangs... they are growing to a better length now, she didn't hold still and i cut it a bit too short.

Isadora wearing a poncho made by my great aunt Judy.