More Christmas Festivities

The boys had a great Grandparents Day Celebration, being able to chow Grandparents Goshorn their school and Christmas Nativity Play (no pics - could not find them at school). They all went out to lunch together and had a fun morning.

Next up was Brooke's Christmas Program. Grandparents Goshorn, Uncle Eric and the fam all went to All Aboard to cheer on Miss Brooke.

Brooke in her required "dress the twirls."

Proud Brothers

Hard to believe next year they will all be at IHM and in the Christmas Nativity Together. Can't wait!

Christmas Festivities

So many Christmas Festivities this month! Our first was the Annual Hammerstein Christmas (Mom's side) that was relocated to the Austin's Home this year. Nice to see family - some we had not seen in years! We also celebrated Aunt Helen and Uncle John's December birthdays.

3 Generations of Hammersteins!

Next up was our annual trek to Festival of Lights with the Markarians. This was our 6th year in a row for our annual freeze at the zoo. This year the only one that froze was Alan - I came prepared with 3 layers. We love our Markarian Family!

Traditional Pic in front of the huge tree

Our Besties!

Our Babes - Ages 8 thru 18 months

Silly kids

Backup pic in case we did not see Santa.

Kids Pics 2012

I am "that lady." The one that will not let anyone see my family/kid pics until my Christmas Cards are mailed out. I even ask the photographer to not post them online. I know. Anal.

Most of you saw my Christmas Card with our pics. Here are some of my other faves. We used a new photographer this year, my friend Holly Burkholder, from church. Love her, kids loved her, love the pics!

THIS is my kids. Love B's laugh.

LOVE.

Will - 7 and innocent. I hope he stays that way for a long time.

Jack - 8 and wise beyond his years.

Brooke - 4 and as sassy as her hair is long!

My fave - hence the reason for a double sided Christmas Card!

No face but still sassy!

Holy Boy

Tonight Jack (and his Daddy!) celebrated First Reconciliation. Jack was not nervous one bit and had his Act of Contrition memorized and ready to go for the big night! After a few short readings, a nice homily by Father Tom and everyone making an Act of Contrition together, over 130 2nd graders and their families split up throughout our church to have their confession heard by one of 10 priests. We offered to go first and let Jack follow, but he wanted to go first. After a quick confession and absolution, he was back in the pew for his penance. He did a great job. He is growing up so fast. Love this Holy Boy!

Jack in front of the Reconciliation Banner

I know this is WAY late....

But I never posted the kids at Halloween.
Jack wanted to be a "normal person." I informed him "normal people" do not get candy.
Thus, he went as a half-dressed football player (It was damn cold that night!)

God bless Will...he never requires me to buy anything. He just goes into the dress up bin in the basement and pulls something out. This year - Captain America.
Just might be the same thing he has been for 3 years.

Brooke kept changing her mind. Thanks to Grandma Jenny and her annual post-Halloween costume shopping at $1.50 per outfit, we always have options. She decided on a kitty cat and was super cute.

Just before the cold, rainy, wet, freezing trick-or-treating.

I know you can see her gum...but just loved this. MEOW!

CHAMPS!

We ended Football Season with 2 undefeated teams for the boys. Now we have moved on to basketball, with Jack and Will each being on their own team this year. How did we start the season in the Opening Tournament?

CHAMPS! Both boys won their tournaments! 4 games Friday, 1 game Saturday and 4 games today makes for one long weekend, one tired little (and Big!) cheerleader, 2 proud parents and 2 exhausted, happy boys!

Today...

I feel especially blessed.

Love you PoJo, WoJo and MoMo.