A New Tradition

This year I got Brandon and his cousins together,(minus sweet little Lily who couldn't make it) for a day of GINGERBREAD house making! What could be better?! It turned out to be such an awesome day that I have decided to make it a new tradition. Ready, set, decorate! All the goodies to decorate with.






I have no clue what this face is all about. He is so funny.
I love Becca's natural artistic way. Her finished house (that I failed to snap a picture of) was just beautiful.
What a fantastic job Parker did on his house and ginger man!
Brandon also did a great job. I love all that snow.
And just look at that little ginger man London decorated! I am in LOVE! I adore London's face here. She is so angelic.
This is the aftermath. WOW! What a mess...but it was soooo worth it! Can't wait to do it again next year!

SO MUCH TO CATCH UP ON!

We have been so very busy (like everyone else on the planet) that I have not yet been able to post all the fun things we have been doing. So now I will try! First things first. We visited two different Santa's this year. Yes, you heard me correctly, TWO! The first visit was at Victoria Garden's with Aunt Wendy, Uncle Eric and Brandon's cousins.

The other took place at the Montclair Plaza with Aunt Angie, Uncle Greg and cousin Lily. Both experiences were great. Brandon had a blast!

Last day before winter break!

Today was a super fun day at school! Brandon and his class participated in the winter sing, where each class sings a special song they have learned. All four of the kinder classes sang "Must Be Santa." They sounded awesome. "Where did you go mom?!"

Beautiful Mrs. K!
I love this picture. The two cutest Santa's EVER!
Christian, Jaylyn, Demaurea and Brandon. Great buddies!
A few days prior, each child got to make their own gingerbread shaped sugar cookie. I took them home and baked them, then brought them back for the party. While the other kids all piled on the m&m's and sprinkles, my Brandon kept it simple with two blue eyes.

The whole gang. I love the wall in the background- all the cute evergreen trees!
Oh no! Brandon's poor little gingerbread man.
Cousin Becca got out of school early and came to help out and have fun with the kiddos.
After they stuffed themselves silly with sweets, the class enjoyed a game of Christmas Bingo!
Brandon gave Mrs. K her class gift- a thermos with all of the students names written on it, as well as a class picture. Inside was a gift card to Starbucks. Each child donated money to help buy this fun gift. Mrs. K deserves much, much more, but this small token of our appreciation will have to do for now! :)
Brandon hanging out with his friends Jack and Sean Paul after school.

Merry Christmas Mrs. K! We love you!

Brandon's trip to the Nativity

Brandon had a great time walking up and down Euclid Avenue, drinking his fancy hot cocoa from Starbucks, and looking at the various scenes that depict the birth and life of Christ. Angie, Lily, Brandon and I all got bundled up and headed out for a fun, festive evening. We pass by the displays (that stretch over two blocks) every time we go up to church. Brandon asks me each Sunday when we are going to see the nativity. So yeah, we finally did it!
Brandon took this picture of the baby Jesus, all by himself. He is seriously quite the photographer.


It was definitely a great way to feel the holiday spirit.

You like my grill?

Aunt Destiny brought Brandon over some fun things the other night. She is so sweet! One of the items was a new set of diamond studded gold teeth. Wow Brandon, you got a nice grill!

A Wonderful Night

Brandon has a fantastic Grandpa. He recently took the whole family (minus a couple of kids) to see the Velveteen Rabbit for an early Christmas present. The show was at Victoria Gardens and dad took us all out to dinner before hand. Brandon enjoyed the performance and talked about it for the next couple of days! Thank you dad! It was a wonderful evening.Cute Cousins.

Wonderful Becca

Brandon is so lucky to have the most BEAUTIFUL , sweet, smart and selfless 15 year old cousin. Becca turned the big one-five on the 4th of December and we celebrated by enjoying a fun night together at the Old Spaghetti Factory. Thank you Becca for always being an amazing example to Brandon and everyone around you. You are simply the best. Happy Birthday!

One of her gifts...Fred and George's wands (from Harry Potter). Brandon was in love!

Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, loves Becca.