Merry Christmas!

Santa made it to the Tkach household last night and was very nice to us this year! The kids enjoyed opening their gifts and playing with every single one of them this morning. Lauren declared that it was the "best Christmas ever" and that Santa must have thought she was a good girl. Here are a few pictures and video clips to illustrate our Christmas morning. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!!

What the kids woke up to this morning

The aftermath :)

Lauren showing Camden her new Tag reading system

Lauren opening stocking stuffers

Camden finding a new surprise

Morgan even enjoyed a tasty treat!

Visiting Santa

We finally got around to taking the kids to see Santa today. Lauren was unsure about visiting him earlier in the season so we did not push the issue. She told us last night that she decided she wanted to see Santa and she would sit on his lap to tell him what she wanted for Christmas. So off to the mall we went this morning to capture the special moment. Camden even cooperated and sat on his lap for a photo. Best of all, NO TEARS!

Gingerbread Houses

Lauren and Camden made Gingerbread houses with their Nana this past week. They had a lot of fun and could hardly wait to start eating them! Here are pictures of their finished products.

Lauren's house

Even has a front walkway and bushes :)

Camden's house

Notice the windows and chimney :)

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What a difference a week makes!

Good ole Mother Nature certainly keeps us guessing in Northern Michigan. Here are pictures taken only 1 week apart....

Saturday, November 30th.
Upper-40's, grass, maybe a hint of sunshine
and no coats!

Saturday, December 5th.
Low 30's, enough snow to make a snowman
and bundled up with rosy cheeks from the cold!

First snow outdoor fun

There is finally enough snow on the ground to go outside and play in it!! The kids were very excited to wake up this morning and see the blanket of snow covering the ground. So this afternoon after naps we ventured out to play. Camden was not happy about putting on all those layers and especially having to wear mittens on his hands! He cried for a while and then saw all the fun Lauren and Morgan were having. He was able to walk around in the snow okay, but it will take some time for him to master getting up after falling.

Camden not too happy at first!

Lauren on the sled

Cam watching his sister play in the snow

Snow angels

Throwing snow balls for Morgan to catch in her mouth

Starting to enjoy himself (:

Trying to walk through the snow with all that stuff on!

Making snowballs

Putting up the Tree

We put the Christmas tree up last weekend. The kids enjoyed helping and love to have it lit up at night with all the other lights off. Camden is learning not to take ornaments off the tree and to leave the outlets alone. We always have to keep a close eye on him!!

The kids helping Dad put the tree together

"Fluffing" the branches

Lauren helped Dad put the star on top

Lauren decorating

Camden decorating

Lots of ornaments

Camden by the finished product

Lauren proud of her work

Had to get one of Morgan too :)