More FL Fun!

This just might be the last post about 2011!

Along with Christmas celebrations, we also had some other fun :)  

We went to Bayside's Christmas Eve celebration (not on Christmas Eve). It was super fun! Not only was the family there but the Lourceys, Yellow GiGi, The Grahams, and the Allen's came!

After a short sermon and some worship, we were off to the kid fextivities. including face painting, art projects, petting zoo, train ride, and snow mound to sled down!  

Cadence is hard at work :)

She liked the pony

Creed, not so much :(

Caleb also enjoyed the pony!

Everybody getting in on some petting action

Xander and Cadence took some time to make sure they got to speak with the Claus'

and to see Mary and Joseph :)

on the train!

and the main event for the big kids, sledding!  They were bummed that we wouldn't let them do the big hill in the background, but the line was too long and we were afraid they'd get to the top and choke. So , we stuck with the smaller - but still fun - hill. 

We got to spend time with several friends while we were in FL and while there aren't many pictures of it, we had lots of fun. This day we met the Natalie and Josh at the Fun Center. 

On one of our "wauchula" days we went to the library and park with Aunt Lizzie and uncle Shannon (which I have no pictures of because Chris had his phone at the laundry mat washing our clothes while they played). But we do have pictures of lunch with Yellow GiGi!  We were so thankful for the chance to warm up and thaw out while in FL :)

Christmas Part 2

Christmas Day this year was a little different than Christmas Days in the past. Mostly because it took place at Gran and Pop's instead of at Mom and Dad's house like normal. Mom and Dad's house was under construction so a change of location was needed. I'm so glad that Christmas isn't about the place but instead the people who you spend it with, because this year we were reminded that as long as we're together, it's all good. :)

 Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue!  Who knew that this phrase - along with "To infinity and beyond!" would become part of what we hear out of Caleb on a daily basis :)  

 Chris got a Star Wars backpack to match the boys. He was pretty excited about it :)

 and Buzz, Woody and a Mr. Potato Head without Rex just seems absurd...

 Christmas Tree Cakes - quite possibly the favorite present of the year by our children :)

 I love Uncle Luke in this picture!

Cadence literally wears a belt every day - just because she loves them!

 Birthday Party for Jesus- complete with amazing chocolate cake - just like Jesus would have had, 

I'm sure. 

Since the Andersen Parents don't do presents for the Andersen children at Christmas, we instead headed over to downtown Disney to be together as a family. We ate at Rainforest Cafe and had lots of fun - except for Caleb....he was terrified!

 That baby loves a lemon - and the attention it gets him!

Our "no technology" Christmas :)

Can you go to downtown Disney without riding the train?  We think not!

All the kids got to pick out a present to have to remember the day. THe boys didn't get these hats but they were still super cute in them :)  Cadence picked out clothes for her new baby, Kate, who Yellow GiGi and Poppa had gotten her for Christmas, the boys go a remote control train, a ball, and something else I can't remember. That's what I get for waiting until February to do this post!

Our kids and all their loot!  

 This face brings us joy every day!  How could it not?

 and she really needs to stop growing up.....

Overall, we were so grateful for Christmas and our time together as a family with extended family. We are truly blessed and know and understand that if it wasn't for Jesus coming to earth, all this would be a waste. and that is the BEST. gift. ever!

Christmas 2011

Before we headed to FL for Christmas (and after our hospital stay with Caleb) we had about 2 hours in which to pack and get on the road. We also had some presents in NC that we wanted to open before we left, so part of that chaos was super fun for the kids because they got new stuff!!  

From KayKay and the other Palahnuks......

 What could be better than art supplies and percussion instruments?!?!?

 well, maybe  new baby :)

 and the Wii was from Mimi, PopPop, and the MO Andersens!  This picture pretty accurately describes the Wii lover in our house at this point. :) Cadence loves to play it and the boys would much rather beat on stuff!  They'll come around in the next few years - we're sure of it....

Once in FL, we had the ever traditional and much anticipated Christmas Eve at Gran and Pop's!

 All the stockings - sewn by Grannie or Grannie Turner

 The Andersen  3 with Green GiGi and Poppa

and more pictures of the night. I don't get the new blogger format so they all lay out in a straight line - but at least they're laid out at all!

 boys and vehicles - it's a strange new reality in the Andersen Home

 The Great-grands minus the Callaways