Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Ours was wonderful. We spent two full action packed days traveling from one spot to another visiting with all of our family. By Thursday night everyone of us was exhausted. The kids got everything they could have hoped for and more. Although I often speak about them not appreciating the things they have because they have what seems like everything, they really did appreciate every gift they received. (even if the Grandma's and Grandpa's went overboard again this year) The excitement after opening each gift was extremely high and full of thank yous to those they received the gift from. Our Christmas Eve started out with church in Leopolis and was followed by dinner and presents at Grandma and Grandpa Schmidt's house. (Santa came while we were at church)

Lexi and Will

The presents from Santa. They included a High School Musical bike for Lexi and a Cars Lightening McQueen Bike for Will. I can't count the Disney Cars items Will received for Christmas. He got everything from boots to books to clothes to a talking chair. LOLMiley - doesn't she look happy to be wearing antlers?

Lexi's facial expression to seeing the bikes and presents from Santa. Will checking out his new bike from Santa.Lexi and Taylor. LexiTaylorLexi and Will opening their Lego table Dad Heather Jim and Mom. Miley was exhausted after playing with Lenny for a couple of hours.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day started at 6 a.m. with a shower, getting the kids up and heading out to Rick's mom and dad's house to open presents with them and Rick's sister and her family. It was followed by lunch at Rick's cousin Wendy and Kevin Johnson's house and ended at my sister and Jim's house for dinner with my mom's side of the family. (did you get all of that!)

The kids and I at Grandma and Grandpa Radies' house.

Grandma Joanne and Lexi. Rick, Kal and Will. Will playing with his new remote controlled Cars Mack semi. Kyle, Jackie, Rick,
Kal, Joanne, Will, Leighten, Lexi and RonMargie Schmidt and Wendy Johnson Will, Ella and Bryonnah. Will and Pete having pie.Pete and Lexi going for a snowmobile ride.Lexi at Heather and Jim's house playing their new Wii.

Me and my Grandma. Will and my uncle Mike doing a puzzle.Lenny

Day after Christmas

The day after Christmas it had snowed about 5 inches so the kids went out to help Grandpa plow the driveway.In the afternoon, Rick and I took Lexi and her friend Amara sledding on a hill near Shawano. We had a really nice time, although that walk back up the hill is a killer. Lexi and Amara singing karaoke at Grandma's house.

Slumber Party under the Tree...

Every year we try and spend at least one night before Christmas sleeping by the Christmas tree. Last night we did just that and I had to share these photos. I woke up around 12:30 to Will complaining that Miley was hogging his pillow again. When I looked over I saw that Miley had made herself right at home with the family. She is so darn cute. (when she isn't chewing everything!)

Fun in the snow...

Lexi and Miley went outside Friday after school for some fun in the fresh snow. Miley liked running "hot laps" in the snow as you can see below.

Christmas Concert

Tonight Lexi had her school holiday concert. I always enjoy going to them. My mom and dad came down to watch her, along with Rick, Will and I.Lexi and her friend Rouge.
Lexi and Will with Grandma and Grandpa after the concert.

Straight hair?

Tonight Lexi and I had hair appointments at the salon. We were telling my stylist Amy that although Lexi likes her naturally curly hair, she sometimes wishes it were straight. So Amy told Lexi that after her cut, she would straighten it. Lexi is SO proud of the straight hair. I think it makes her look much older.

Here comes Santa Claus...

Today we went and visited Santa Claus at the mall so the kids could tell him what they wanted for Christmas. I wasn't sure what Will would think of Santa, only being one last year and not remembering him, but he did just fine.

He ran up to him and said, "Hi Santa" and gave him a big hug.

Lexi and Will looking at some of the props while waiting in line to see Santa.

You could only take two photos of the kids with Santa to keep the line moving. The first I took Will wasn't smiling and the second was crooked. I have no idea if I was just trying to hurry or if I am just off balance today, but my goodness - what a bad picture.

Happy Birthday Rick...

Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday dear Rick...

Happy Birthday to you!

I love you!

The kids came and crawled in bed with us this morning. They both sang Happy Birthday to Rick and then gave him their cards and presents.

After seeing Santa at the mall today, we had lunch. Being the good father he is, he let the kids eat McDonald's at the mall instead of going to a real restaurant like he probably wanted to do for his birthday lunch.

Birthday Fun...

Happy Birthday Taylor!

We attended Taylor's birthday party this weekend. (My sister's boyfriend's daughter.)They had a party at the bowling alley for her and some of her friends. Lexi, after bowling her first strike of the day.My nephew Kal and Will.Our hosts for the day...Heather, Taylor and Jim.Although there wasn't a ball light enough for Will to bowl, he still seemed to have a good time dancing to the music.I had to post this picture of my friend Chad. I wanted to do a before and after shot of his new hair do because he looks so handsome after his hair cut. Please refer to my previous post for deer hunting and Thanksgiving. If any of you single ladies out there would like to date Chad, please dial...555-5555.