New Year's Day & Clay's 8th Birthday 2011

Clay turned the big 8 on 1.1.11 (too bad he wasn't 11!).  We started off his birthday at Mike & Sandi's where Clay got to open some presents then we headed to a re-scheduled basketball game.  Yes, a basketball game on New Year's Day.  I was not crazy about that but Clay was in heaven getting to play basketball on his birthday! 

Clay really, really wanted a Walter Payton jersey for Christmas, little did he know that Chad and I had bought it for his birthday. 

I baked a cake for Clay's actual birthday. 

Then, I baked a cake for Clay's birthday party with his friends. 

Oh, Caleb, I love that you LOVED Brittany's new zebra chair and I love that you allowed me to take your picture in your super cute hat! 

Clay had friends over and some spent the night. 

Overall, the kids had several birthday celebrations.  This year they definitely can't say their birthdays got lost in the holidays!

Christmas Day & Brittany's 10th Birthday 2010

Miss Britt finding her new zebra room decor from Santa!   

A very WIDE-eyed Clay finding a few Bears gifts from Santa! 

Clay made me a special gift at school this year.  It was a beautiful plate!  What a great keepsake!

Jerry, Alicia, Alayna, Jared, and Jaden posing on Christmas morning.  It was so nice to have them home this year for the holidays! 

Clay got his football gloves from Papa and Mama 

We got Alicia this fabulous cookbook, one that I would love to have personally!

Chad, aka Surf Ken, playing with Alayna, aka Mermaid Barbie.

This is Jerry, actually a very happy Jerry, in his new Colts' gear. 

Chad, this is a very excited Chad, with his new light up Bears guy. 

Chad & Brittany playing Just Dance on the wii. 

Brittany got an IPOD for her birthday!  She was so excited! 

Look at these snow beauties! 

I seriously love this picture of Jaden!  I just want to eat him up!

Christmas Eve & Celebrating Brittany, Clay's birthdays at Papa's 12.24.10

Mary with Mr. Drew all dressed up in a Christmas vest 

a very joyful Kennedy decked out in red velvet! 

Clay & Drew

Morgan, Britt, & Madi in new sweatshirts from Aunt Pam & Uncle Jay

Lincoln ticking Drew

Kennedy, Kenny, Mary, Drew & Morgan

Uncle Roger with Drew 

We had a "mini" birthday party for Brittany & Clay at Dad's house on Christmas Eve.  The kids both wanted friend birthday parties this year.  Britt got a new Justice bikini from Papa. 

the big boy cousins

Brittany & Morgan opening birthday presents 

Aunt Deanna tickling Kennedy 

Papa with Drew and Daddy with Drew

Aunt Pam playing dominos with the nieces and nephews, this is so what my Grandma would have been doing if she were still alive.  We really, really miss her!  All my gaming skills came from my Mama!

Lincoln being very tempted by a BIG present 

helping Papa unwrap presents

these 2 look like I caught them with their hands in a cookie jar! 

Drew helping Papa with his new tennis shoes 

Chad got new Chicago Bears Footjoys (golf shoes).  He LOVED them!

Miss Madi got a Baby Alive Doll (yes, the doll that poops!) 

Look at all the kids huddled for the doll's 1st meal! 

Not sure what Lincoln is doing in his new jammies!  It almost looks like he is trying to snap his fingers.

Mr. Clay receiving his favorite game, Madden.  He was SOOOO happy!

We have such a great Christmas Eve!  The kids are all at such fun ages that the unwrapping is a little crazy but so much fun to watch.  Dad really enjoys us all being home.  Christmas Eve is one of the hardest days for me missing Mom.  She loved Christmas Eve.  We were all home together, all at the same time.  As a mother, I think I will be the same way one of these days.