Christmas 2012

Its the last few hours of 2012 so I figured while I was waiting for the ball to drop I would update my blog.  We have truly had a blessed year.  To think that one year ago we hadn't even met our sweet Grace.  Amazing how I cannot remember a time without her.  I went into get her after her nap today and there she was standing up.  She got so excited to see me she fell over clapping her hands.  So proud of her new accomplishment.
 

But it has been a funfilled Christmas vacation.  I have tried to pack in as much "fun stuff" as possible.  We started our 3 (yes THREE) weeks off with a playdate at Catch Air with lots of Jake's panda and Julianna's bunny friends.  Then the weekend before Christmas hit us and we were last minute shopping and I was a wrapping idiot!  Christmas Eve we dressed up and went to the children's service...which was exactly 35 minutes long and I was sooo thankful, not sure I could have lasted much longer.  Can they not just sing Jingle Bells?

After church we rushed home to put cookies, carrots and milk out for Santa and off to bed the little ones went.  Julianna made a final appearance about 8:00 and after she was asleep we started to bring up the gifts.  Once again I went overboard but who doesn't?  I really don't think anyone was more excited than I was for Christmas morning.

Thankfully Jake slept until 7:00 and was very patient while Brian went down to set up the video camera.  They ran in and the fun began!  They got all kinds of stuff and were so overwhelmed.  Luckily we had a little break and ate some breakfast then skyped with Grandma and Poppy while they opened those presents.  Technology is awesome!  We spent the day putting toys together and playing.  Then we continued our sinful tradition of going out to dinner.  I know it goes against all the rules but seriously, no cooking, no dishes, no stress!

The day after Christmas we went to the Aquarium.  We have annual passes and we have taken advantage every chance we get.  Julianna is in love with the Sea Otters.  I really think if they gave her a chair she would sit there for an hour watching them.  The dolphins are also a big hit.  They put on a show and its so fun to watch.

The weekend after Christmas (I told you we have packed in a ton of fun!) Brian's family came to visit.  And there were people everywhere, which made it so fun.  Kids were in sleeping bags in the basement adults were everywhere but it was great family fun.  Brian's sisters and their families stayed an extra night and we got two babysitters and went out to dinner.  So much fun to have a night to ourselves!  Hopefully everyone will come back again next year!

Julianna went to Sandersville for a couple days of Nana/Papa Chuck time.  I have heard a good report so far.  But Jake misses his partner in crime.  He has talked about her since she left and he is moping around the house.  "Mommy, it sure is quiet without Julianna."  "Don't you think its about time we call and check on Julianna."  Poor kid, as much as she aggravates him he is like a little lost puppy without her.

It has been a wonderful year.  I look forward to what 2013 has in store for us.  Next up on the McNeely calendar of fun is DisneyWorld.  22 days and counting!

Julianna is smack in the middle and is the voice you so sweetly hear shouting every word.  I loved every moment of it!

Party time!

We started the month off by getting Grace's very first Christmas tree.  She was not very impressed but Jake and Julianna were very excited to start the Christmas season. 

The past few weeks I have been focused on our first annual Christmas party.  It was Saturday and we had a great turn out and caught up with lots of friends.  The kids were upstairs and slept through the entire event so that was wonderful!  Here's a picture of some of my very favorite people!

The next day we took the kids to see Disney Live.  All Julianna wanted was to see "Apunzel" (Rapunzel from Tangled) but she was a no show.  However Jasmine and Ariel were there and it was a good show and she forgot by the end.  She and Jake were singing and dancing.  Such fun to watch!

Today was the last day of school for the year.  I am actually looking forward to a break from rushing out the door every morning.  So the kids had their Christmas parties this morning.  I was in charge of the sweet treat for Jake's party but it was a cowboy theme...which is just not in my wheelhouse.  Pinterest to the rescue...not to mention Brian who went to 3 different stores to get just the right gumdrops.

After setting up for the cowboy Panda party I rushed down the hall to the Bunny party.  Oh my gosh tears are coming to my eyes as I type.  To see little Julianna walk in and stand on her spot on the carpet so excited to sing her little heart out.  And sing she did with all kinds of joy.  I will post the video of each song next.  It's awesome.

After the bunny party we rushed back to the panda room to catch the end of that party.  Jake was playing musical chairs and made it to the final two but lost in a tight race to Alex.  But he lost gracefully (a definite accomlishment for Jake) andran off to do his craft.  Julianna made herself at home with the girls and had a great time.   Needless to say I am going to bed early tonight!

But with days until Christmas I may need to start wrapping a few presents! 

November Fun

The past two weeks have been jam packed!  First we drove to Sandersville for some family pictures.  Seven kids under the age of 6.  I am sure you can imagine how much "fun" it was for the adults.  But the kids hung in there and I think she got some good shots.  Not sure when we will do that again...maybe when the kids are in college.  But it was nice to be together if only for an afternoon.  Nana cooked tons of food but Julianna just went for the sweet tea that Nana always has on hand!  She is definitely a southern girl!

We traveled to Nashville for Thanksgiving.  Grandma & Poppy, Aunt Lyndsay and the McNeely's invaded Uncle Johnny and Aunt Shana's house.  The kids ran around and had a great time in the bunk bed Uncle Johnny MADE!  When we were leaving Jake said he was so sad to be leaving his bed and wanted to take it with us.  But we had a good time with friends and family and ate some wonderful food!

After Thanksgiving Grandma spent the next week with us.  She was in the door about 30 minutes before they started asking to bake cookies...with M&M's.  They had her up at the crack of dawn every morning and wanted to play non stop.   I think next time she may need to take an extra day or two off when she gets home to recover!

She was here for Jake's singing debut.  His school sang at the Christmas tree lighting in Smyrna.  We were all very excited to hear him sing.  He said he was singing Rudolf and Frosty the Snowman.  I figured we needed to practice a little bit, so we would sing in the car.  When he got up there and they started singing he knew all the words and motions.  Then they sang song after song.  I think they sang 6 songs and those little 4 and 5 year olds knew them all!  The girls were a little tired and cranky so Brian was holding Julianna so she could see.  I looked back and there she was singing along.  It was great fun!

Now we are ready for Christmas.  We got our tree last night and it smells sooo good!  I love this time of year!