BRACE Yourself....

This BIG boy....

got braces!

Jack's mouth needed a little widening so we have got a big 8 yr old boy in braces! He now looks 12. He has done a great job following all the orders, including giving up his beloved Tootsie Rolls. But 3 Musketeers have been a nice distraction. He will have them for about a year for "Phase 1." Just in time for little brother to get them (I assume). Can you hear my wallet crying??!!

Our New Lil Hoopstar

As much as I would love a petite, little ballerina or cheerleader being thrown in the air...let's be honest. My girl is tall. There is nothing "little" about her. So we let nature take it's course and signed Brooke up for BASKETBALL!

She had her first practice/game this past week. She tends to be shy in new situations so we had a long talk before we went about not needing to be shy, being a good listener and not hanging on Mommy.

We walked in, found her Coach, she shook his hand, changed into her "White Lightening" jersey and never looked back.

Andy even swore he saw her roll her eyes at him when he waved to her on the bench. Oh boy.
We are so proud of  our Lil Hoopstar!

Our Lil Lightening!

1st of many "games" I am sure!

Christmas at Home

Finally - Christmas at home. I must say - I was ultra proud of my kids this year. Whenever asked what they wanted for Christmas the answer was always "I will be happy with whatever I get." No pressure!! But knowing the boys were getting the ULTIMATE gift from Grandparents Goshorn - iPod Touch - no need to get anything else! HA!

Reading the classic before bed.

Love this, seeing my nativity in the background.

Santa always wraps in white tissue paper with black marker. All he has time for!

Jack (and Will) got new school gear, including a cool basketball bag!

Dad got some new gear too!

Brooke asked Santa for pink headphones and a Bengal Monkey (?). This little guy fit the bill!

The boys got an awesome race track from Uncle Mikey AND Grandparents Goshorn!

Great Grandpa Sawyer enjoyed the day with us too!

Brooke was spoiled - she got her Barbie Dream House from Grandparents Goshorn!

Of course the day would not be complete without singing and our "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake!

Christmas in Yoder

Our next Christmas festivity was in Yoder. We went up the weekend before and spent 4 nice days, playing cards and video games, watching sports, eating and seeing friends and family. It was so nice!

The Goshorn and Austin cousins

Brooke and her Grandpa Bill "Cheese!"

So happy to see Uncle Jon and Aunt Molly again!

Uncle Jon finally realized the boots did not fit!

Daddy and Will opening gifts.

Nice visit with our buddies the Smiths!

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!