Inauguration

Well, I can't honestly say that I'm super excited about the event that took place this morning, but it was a rather monumental day in United States History so I thought, for Bretton's sake, I would capture what he was doing when Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th, and first african american, President of the good ol' USA.

(P.S. This is his favorite "no no"- turning off the TV. In fact, he will often look at you, smile, shake his head "no" and then proceed with the crime. He loves the reaction he gets. Is he Chris's kid or what??)

How's About a Little Ketchup!

I mean... catch up!

I have been a horrible blogger this last month, so you are about to get my whole month of December in one post. Ready? Here goes!

The month started out with a fun trip up to North Scottsdale to see some good friends. Sadie (left) and Lulu (bottom right) are two of my loves. I became Sadie's nanny when she was only 16 months old, and she just turned 6! I got to spend about 3 months with Lulu after she was born before moving on to other adventures. Love you guys!

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Chris used our house as a set for a commercial shoot and renting a couple of Harley's was a "necessity." ;) I think it was just an excuse to rent a bike and have someone else pay for it!

Daddy's Dream... his boy on a bike!

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A couple of Bretton's newest "tricks"

Popcorn Popping

"UH-OH"

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Bretton got to meet Santa. Santa took time out of his busy holiday schedule and visited a neighbor's house and had cookies with some kids from the neighborhood. Bretton was the first to sit on his lap and just kindof checked him out, didn't really have much of a reaction.

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Ok, so one day I was in the kitchen and came around the corner to see this...

the mischief starts!!

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Gingerbread houses with Marc and Sammy...

and Nicci and Jack

Bretton had his eye on the prize!

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CHRISTMAS EVE

The family will understand these pictures better, but for a little explanation...

Every year with Chris's family we do a reading of "The Night Before Christmas" with added... drama... It is a tradition that stretches way beyond my time in the family, but I'm sure glad to be a part of the fun!

We then did our own rendition of "The Nutcracker"

Any of you that have seen it will slightly understand what these are. Oh I wish I could get the video on here for you. HILARIOUS!

Chinese

Russian

Mother Ginger

We were under the "skirt" of Mother Ginger as the Gingerettes

*A special "Thanks" to Jana Alexander for the use of her costumes!*

On to the opening of Christmas Jammies! They come in these boxes every year, and it just so happened that Bretton was just the right size to fit in there too!

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CHRISTMAS!!

Every year... without fail... this is the enthusiasm shown about Christmas by my husband...

How could you not love him??

And every year we have to wait in the hallway until the camera man is ready to catch our reactions as we enter the room where Santa has left all the presents.

This tradition spans beyond my years in the family as well, but I love it! I don't ever want to grow up!

Bretton's first box of Goldfish. LOVED THEM!

My beautiful peacoat from Santa. LOVE IT!

And Grandpa gave Bretton a swing. It is their new favorite thing to do together outside.