Vacation Fun

Okay - so it doesn't look like much fun since we aren't going anywhere or doing anything particularly exciting but I always forgot how nice the mundane things are - pajama days, baking cookies, doing craft projects, playing with new Christmas games, making puzzles, appetizers for lunch, watching movies by the fire that Bob makes before he leaves for work - I love vacation! The kids have been wonderful and the time I am getting with them makes me feel blessed that Elizabeth's birth was timed in a way that allowed me to be home during these weeks. We have also had lots of visitors over to see the kids....and me! Kk and Auntie Beth were each here bonding with the kids yesterday, Auntie Meg came over later in the day and we even saw Grammy and Papa and Auntie Lisa. Molly went out with Auntie Beth for a while and Peter had a friend over to play while I took poor Annie to the doctor - AGAIN! She has a blistering ear infection which validates my theory about what a trooper that kid is - she was up the night before crying but other than that you would never know that she was in so much pain over the last week - including Christmas! My poor girl.

Peter and Molly hanging with Lizzie!
The big kids hanging with Lizzie - they love holding her and loving her! They are also incredibly helpful and love being in charge. I let Molly be in charge while I gave Annie a tubby yesterday and she did a great job holding her and keeping the binkie in. When I came back into the living room she was singing to her.

Daddy was playing with Lizzie and she was so cute - cooing and smiling!

I love that gorgeous face - what a happy girl!

Auntie Beth hanging with lizzie and looking like she loves it!

Kisses from Auntie Beth!

They looked so sweet together that I just kept snapping away!

When Annie needed some attention Auntie Beth decided to help her learn how to use her new paint set - they created a masterpiece and Annie had a blast!

Creative auntie and baby!

I'm off to bathe 4 kids and attempt to clean before we throw a movie in and relax on the couch! We had an exciting week in the family this week with my cousin Kara giving birth to Reilynn yesterday and my cousin Emily finding out that she is having a girl in May - Life is good!

GNM - ILY!

Happy Happy Happy Holidays!

What a busy few days! Another First Christmas for a Harding - Wheeler baby and I love nothing more. Lizzie looked beautiful in all of her red Christmas gear and she got lots of hugs, kisses and attention from family and friends (especially her siblings!) as she experienced her first Christmas. Annie LOVED opening Christmas presents and playing with new toys - she squealed with delight on many occasions and willingly showered everyone in kisses - she was also incredibly entertaining with her very specific dance styling! Peter and Molly were so excited about giving their own presents that they almost forgot about getting presents .......... I said almost! They were both incredibly gracious about all of their gifts and were as excited that Santa REALLY did watch them and know what they wanted as they were with the actual gifts. Adding Lizzie to the bunch made it harder to get out of the house on Christmas morning but what a beautiful morning it was. As Bob and I looked around our disaster of a living room after presents were opened we acknowledged how easy it is to remember the true meaning of Christmas when you see the face of God in the beaming faces of your children and we said a prayer with the kids for all of those people who are not fortunate enough to be surrounded by family this season. We are so blessed!

Lizzie spent much of Christmas Eve night helping Santa wrap presents.


Our Christmas angel.



Annie wore the pajamas that Molly wore on her 2nd Christmas and could not wait to dig into her stocking!

Molly - Girl ready for her stocking.

The kids dig in!

A sleepy Daddy and our newest addition watch the festivities from the couch - nice hair, Bob.

I love those smiling faces!

Annie loved her Dora sunglasses that Santa brought in her stocking.

Molly with her giant Bratz doll - how did Santa know that she LOVES Bratz.

Molly with her Wizards of Waverly Place slippers.

Annie playing with her Ark - she, of course, has her accessories on!

Molly got her HSM dolls - the prom ones - how does Santa know all of this?

Peter opening his present from Santa.

I'm embarrassed to admit Peter's first reaction but want to remember my precious son and his impeccable language as he received his much desired DS - "Holy Crap!"

We call this the DS Dance.

Annie with her triplets - this girl loves her babies!

When we got to Grammy and Papa's on Christmas morning we were met at the door by two very cute reindeer with blinking noses.

Lizzie looked so cozy in her seat that we stuck her in front of the fireplace and let her sleep while we dug in to a terrific brunch and tons of presents. We are so spoiled!

Our two beautiful girls all dressed up for Christmas!

Our best effort at a picture of all of the girls in their Christmas clothes - once again, we opted not to wake Elizabeth.

Katherine Shannon looking adorable!

Katie looking like a little angel.

Patrick and Tyler ready for some Christmas fun!

Showing Papa the new DS!

I love this picture of Katie and her godfather - she is all smiles when she is with him and he can not get enough of her!

The kids brunch!

Annie opening one of her favorite presents - a doll that talks!

Loving her presents....and Grammy's attention.

Hugging her new baby!

Kk finally got Annie up for a Christmas morning hug!

Bob showing off his presents!

Grammy somehow knew that Santa might bring a DS and bought Peter the newest and coolest Skate game for it.

Abby still loves her Polly's!

So does Molly!

The girls can not wait to play with their new toys.

Annie got an inchworm - she loves it!

Tyler got a guitar from Grammy and Papa.

Molly and Annie opening presents.

Abby looked beautiful in her Christmas dress.

Our little sweetie pie looking gorgeous.

The Harding kids posing for a Christmas picture!

My beautiful girl - she takes my breath away!

More Annie.

Annie got the cutest hat from her godfather and willingly posed for us with it on.

Annie and 2 of her favorite guys!

Grandma dancing with Annie.

Molly got a Hannah Montana game from Auntie Meg - she couldn't wait to play it!

I love how Peter is sitting like a grown up and has his tie on even late in the day - how cute is he?

Tim finally holds Lizzie - he looks like he is really enjoying it doesn't he?

Molly and Auntie Beth dancing.

Annie dancing, as usual!

Auntie Kate and Lizzie!

Not a great picture but I LOVE Molly's cute little smile!

Annie's favorite present was a shopping cart and fruit from Uncle B - she wheels it around the house all day!

Tyler and uncle Bob!

Auntie Beth and Katie!

Uncle Pat hanging with Lizzie on Christmas night!

Tyler playing his video game on Christmas night!

Bonding with Katie!

Then Annie got in on the action!

I have lots more pictures from Christmas Eve and the Mack Christmas but it takes SO long to uoload all the pictures that I am going to set up a link at some point. The kids had a great Christmas. Peter's favorite toys were his DS and his RipStick but he also loved the wrestlers that Grammy got him and the Football players that he has set up everyday since. Molly was so excited about her Bratz stuff that Grammy got her and the Girlz Stylin Studio. Annie loved everything but defintely goes for the shopping cart and the little talking doll. Lizzie could care less but made our Christmas with several toothless grins to close out the night.

Is it really over already?

GNM - ILY!