Its a New Year

2011 was one of many changes.  As a family, we were blessed with our beautiful new home.  The best parts? Each child got their very own room with all their favorite things.... AND THE POOL! We enjoyed lots of time at the Cape.  We had lots of wonderful visits from our family and we made many wonderful memories with our friends and family throughout the year.

I feel blessed beyond words for all that we have.  I am looking forward to 2012.  All the hope and promise it holds and maybe even a family vacation.  Ohhh-ahhhh. 

Anyway.....the week leading up to NYE brought a few colds to the Herold house.  We had planned to stay home but had hoped to feel better doing so:).  In any case, we made the best of it.

We had apps and snacks starting in the afternoon:

 More Shrimp Cocktail:

 Had a few wii battles:

 Mixed some cocktails...just kidding...we didn't really let Nate mix them:

 Played with the new Christmas gifts:

 Enjoyed a visit from Elliott...complete with beads, noise makers and party hats!

 Had some dinner:

 Then got the kids to bed and had some Champagne by the fire watching good old Dick Clark.

Who drank more?  I'm not telling.  Happy 2012!!!

Christmas

We had a great Christmas! The pictures document it well:

Guess who got up the earliest?  Check out the dark windows.  It was worth it because they each got an ipod touch. 



Nate woke up a little later but quickly unwrapped his gfts.

Santa brought Nate a balance bike!

Showered, dressed and waiting for more presents.

Elliott checking out all of Nate's new cooking toys.  Thanks to Auntie Molly, Uncle Bri and Nana.

Grammi unwraps her ipad.  She was very excited.

Elliott and Dana get to work unwrapping.

Happy kids= Happy Dad (and Mom)

Remy made ornament gifts!

Relaxing post gifts.  Wonder what Craig is laughing about?  hmmm.

First Attempt at getting a cousin photo.  Nate doesn't want anything to do with it.

Second attempt.  Elliott doesnt want anything to do with it.

Third Attempt.  Sibling photo minus Nate.  I love these two cuties!



Nate cracking Grammi up once again with his craziness.  Eating shrimp cocktail with LOTS of cocktail sauce.

Another great holiday!

Happy Holidays to everyone out there!

Christmas Eve

Did I mention how much I love that The Logans moved to Southboro?  A lot.

And did you know that Christmas Eve is one of my favorite holidays?  It is.

This year we were lucky enough to spend the holiday with The Logans, Beck, my parents, Dana and Elliott and all the way from Cincinnati....Maris and Jennifer.

I'm walking!

Remy and Nate helping Avery make her rounds.





The sign the kids made to let us know it was time to exchange presents:).





Check it out Uncle Beans and Aunt Karen.

 We had lots of fun!

Traditions

I read somewhere that traditions are an important part of childhood.  Being that I am no where near organized enough for Elf On The Shelf, my children will have to settle for other holiday traditions. 

My favorite holiday tradition with Remy, is taking her to a holiday show.  This year, we decided to try The Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

First we had lunch with Daddy at The Ritz in Boston.

Then we went to the show. 

Remy loved it.  In past years, The Nutcracker was my choice, but Remy couldn't understand why we would pay to see a show where people didn't speak.  This year she was much happier.  Although she did mention that she would have preferred if more people, besides just Santa and the two boys, had speaking roles. 

In any case, it was a great day with my little girl.  I can't wait until next year!

Dear Santa

Dear Santa Claus,
Hi. Have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.  I hope you do not have any trouble makers on your list.  Cause I am not.
I want a ipod Touch for Christmas.
I hope your taking good care of rudolph and the other raindears.
Sincerley,
Jack

(Exact copy of letter from Jack to Santa)

Dear Santa Claus,
I can't wait for Christmas.
I'm wishing for those giant big teddy bears.
I can't wait!
Love,
Remy

(Exact copy of letter from Remy to Santa)

Here's what I would write to Santa in a letter:

Dear Santa,
Thank you for adding such a wonderful magical touch to our holiday.  I loved you as a child, but I love you even more as a Mom. 

I love watching Nate get so excited to see you at the mall.  Although he doesn't call you by your name- hearing him yell "Christmas" really loud and watching a smile expand across his face when he notices you is wonderful.  I love that Remy carefully chose her gift request and how excited she is for your arrival.  I also love that Jack is concerned for your animals and any children that may be causing trouble.  The sweet, innocence that you help bring out in my children is priceless.

My one request this year is that you actually take the cookies that we leave for you.  I can't deal with the extra calories this year and left behind, I will eat them.

Love,
Jessica

Thankul Thanksgiving

Top Ten Things That I am Thankful For This Thanksgiving.

1. That we were invited to The Logans new home.

2. That their new home is so close to ours.

3. That my children love their cousins so much.  Even if it means one of my children spent so much time playing with them that SHE didn't eat.  Can you guess who?

4. That I didn't fall asleep and get my picture taken.

5. That I got introduced to a delicious new cocktail.

6. That Andrea's birthday is so close to Thanksgiving so I got to enjoy birthday cake after stuffing my face with turkey.

7. That my boys like to play together.

8. That my daughter is so sweet.

9. That I have a wonderful, loving, sweet, handsome husband.

10. That I got to spend the day with some of my favorite people in the whole world!