Ice Skating

Friday night we took Ethan downtown Charlotte to go ice skating. Noah had gotten sick that day, but earlier said he did not care for ice skating. Gabriella was complaining of her stomach hurting, so we did not want to take any chances on her getting sick. So, just Derek, Ethan and I went. He loved being with just us and not having Aubrey tag along. He did not even complain about all the walking we had to do. The rink was not crowed at all. Only Ethan and I skated and we let Dad take the pictures. Ethan went around 5 times, which is 4 more than last year. He said he really liked it. We did not even fall. It started raining again just as we were getting to the parking garage.
Putting on the skates
Ethan letting Mom warm up with one lap before venturing out with him.



This was the slow way of going around.

Much faster between my legs and he got a better feel for actually skating instead of just walking with skates on.

The last lap we were adventurous with only holding onto one hand.

Our Christmas

We started out our Christmas events on Christmas Eve with opening our stockings and having cinnamon rolls. Unfortunately, I was sick with the stomach bug that had been through the rest of the house. After Derek and Ethan got back from setting up the church for the services later in the day we opened up presents from each other. Ethan had wrapped a gift up for Aubrey all on his own and he wanted her to open it first. It may not seem like much, but I was very proud of him. He was really excited about Christmas this year and the whole present and Santa thing. I was trilled that he liked the aspect of giving the best and it made him feel good to give something first instead of getting. After the moment passed, he was very excited about his presents.
After the 3 church services, Santa had come to the house already. Actually, Ms. Linda behind us played Santa while we were gone to church. We opened up our presents from Santa before going to bed on Christmas Eve. Derek had to finish the packing for our trip to NC that night since I was still not feeling well.
We headed off on Christmas Day at 4 AM to go to Derek's parents. We had a good time with his sister before she had to head back to Delaware for work the next day. The two oldest cousins stayed for the rest of the week. We enjoyed some shopping and even went out on a date with David and Tracy Bennett while we were there. We have not been to dinner and movie in a very long time. Friday we made a trip to Burlington to visit Derek's aunt and uncle. Today we made it back home in time for church. We had a wonderful Christmas and everyone is healthy again.

Ethan opening his stocking


Grow a Christmas tree

Aubrey's stocking
new sippy cups

Ethan checking out Aubrey's new phone

Ethan giving Aubrey the first gift

Ethan hunting for a gift




Ethan giving Mom the card he made at preschool


Aubrey's new baby and stroller

Santa ate all the cookies we left for him

Ethan got a hula hoop from Santa

Presents from Santa



At Nana and Papa's house on Christmas Day

Opening stockings from Nana

Aubrey putting on lipstick

Putting some on Aunt Joy

Putting a tattoo on Ethan

Sharing with Noah and Caleb


Aubrey helps herself to a donut

Bruster got a tractor from Aunt Joy


Ethan's stack is almost as tall as him


Aubrey gave Papa one of their favorite things



Wondering how we will get everything home

Ethan and Gabriella playing with Moon Sand

Derek playing Rock Band at the Poppens



They love to turn on all the songs at once

Dancing to the Christmas tree


What Aubrey looks like right out of the bath

Much better after a little work and a bow


Playing on the tractor at Edie and Grady's house


The kids with Edie

We always like to play Putt Putt when we visit