December In Pictures

We were fortunate enough this month to be able to visit two theme parks. We were given tickets to both parks and only had to buy at total of three tickets between the two visits which is pretty great for a family of 7. It was the girls first time to visit a theme park and Caroline and Colton were too young the last time we went, so it was really fun to see them all enjoying everything.

The carousel had five horses in a row-perfect for us!

Meeting Buzz

The girls were nearly speechless when they met the princesses-such a fun experience for them.

First 3D show


The night took a toll and by the end, our stroller looked like this. Even during the fireworks, Caroline and Meron couldn't keep their eyes open.


Uncle Nathan braved Sea World with us along with my cousin, her little boy and my mother-in-law took the troops.

A new baby killer whale.


In the wild artic.

Caleb and Hermela got to be in our church's Christmas play. Caleb was Joseph and Hermela was the Angel (she was super thrilled with her costume).

We made gingerbread houses for the first time this year. It was lot of fun (and very messy). I found a kit that had 5 little houses, which was perfect (for this year anyway-next year, we'll have to add on more house for "R").

The kids also took turns making (and tasting) cookies and yummy treats with me.

This is a picture of the girls on their first Christmas Eve. Hermela was so, so excited and she said, "mom, you have to teach me how to go to sleep on Christmas Eve."

The crew just before bed the night before Christmas. They all slept in the girls room together (the boys slept in "R"'s bed).

Caroline opening up her stocking. I love how excited the kids get over simple things like new toothpaste, markers, and batteries.

This is one of my favorite videos-"The Letter Factory" by Leap Frog. It teaches all the letters and sounds. After struggling for 3 months to teach Meron the letters and sounds, we rented this video from the library and within a week or two (no kidding), she was singing, "The A says ahhh, the B says buh..." Colton likes it too.

The girls are going to play soccer in the Spring and after three seasons of watching Caleb play baseball, the girls (especially Hermela) are really excited to try out a sport of their own. I think she's really looking forward to having a cheering section (instead of being the cheering section:)

Caleb got catching gear this year (his request). He played catcher the last few games of the Fall season and loved it. Nick also played catcher, so he loves that Caleb loves that position.

I love this picture of Meron. She is so excited to recieve her first Christmas present ever-her stoking-and couldn't have been more thrilled with her two candy canes. She reminds me of Cindy Lou Who from "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas."

Happy New Year. What a year 2010 has been. Can't wait to see what 2011 brings!

Don't worry, it's sparkling cider:)

n