Happy New Year!

A Smashing Good Time

On Christmas Eve we let the big boys open their present from Simon early, mostly because they were itching for something to do, and this fit the bill perfectly. They were totally stumped as to what could be in that box - it weighed 22 pounds!


Whoa, what is it, what is it??? A BIG box of rocks!?!


Look at the size of that one! These aren't just ordinary rocks, however, they're GEODES full of crystals!

Safety goggles on and SO excited to break open the first one.

Concentration is key. Take a few practice swings to line up your shot.

Crack! It's open!

Each one was different - some solid, some hollow, big crystals, tiny crystals, sparkly and glittery ones and ones that were more dull and multicolored.

They smashed and smashed until the entire box was emptied. Then they took old toothbrushes and soapy water and cleaned each one of all the loose debris and dirt until they sparkled.

This one was the biggest one, and it was packed full of the largest crystals.

We chose our favorite pieces to put on the nature table - since the sun went behind the rainclouds again soon after we broke the geodes open, these pictures don't even come close to showing show sparkly they really are. Great fun, educational, and the kids got to smash things with hammers...needless to say it was a fantastic family activity!

If you want to pick up geodes of your own, I highly recommend this Ebay Seller! He lets you choose the sizes or number of rocks that you need and then fills up a flat rate priority mail box for you. Definitely the most inexpensive BY FAR - other smash-your-own-geode kits go for around $6 each and only come with one tiny 2" rock!

Gingerbread Houses

I spent a good chunk of Saturday night making graham cracker houses for Sawyer and Sutton to decorate with their classmates at school. The boys were so excited to see all the houses laid out across the kitchen counter when they woke up on Sunday, and they waited patiently until today when their teachers finally set them out to be decorated. When I picked them up from school today they were both waiting by the door, jumping up and down with their gingerbread houses in hand. They were SO proud of their work that they didn't even mind when I told them I need to take pictures of them before they broke them apart and devoured them :)

Brunch With Santa

This morning we went to brunch with Santa at our community clubhouse. This was the first year that they've completely sold out the event, and it was packed! Luckily there was no waiting for breakfast, so after we had our fill of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage and cookies we got in line to see the Big Man in Red.


This guy was so excited to see Santa that he hardly ate any breakfast!


Sutton and I made a few crafts while Daddy waited in line for us. We made a picture frame for his Santa picture and a glittery stocking.


We waited...and waited...and waited some more. Mom made everyone stand by the big Christmas tree and take pictures.


Everyone say "Cheeeeeese!" I love that Simon has his arm up on Sutton's shoulder ♥


Finally it was our turn to see Santa! Sawyer hopped right on up into Santa's lap, and Sutton was pretty quick to join him. I was worried that they were going to be shy and scared, but they really weren't - yay!




The boys told Santa that they want Legos for Christmas (surprise, surprise!)


Santa's elves gave them candy canes and jingle bells.


Happy Holidays!

Cute Baby Fix

Here are your cute baby photos for the day! I finally managed to capture a couple of his goofy baby smiles :)






(I'm cute even when I'm serious) ♥

Sneak Peek

I finally got our holiday cards ordered! So, by the time we get them back and I get them mailed out, it'll probably be Christmas Eve lol. Oh well! I couldn't decide which layout to choose, so I made five different ones ;)

Love Hope Joy Christmas 5x7 folded card

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