The Berry Patch: Christmas 2012

Today is the beginning of me catching up on this blog. I have gotten VERY behind on writing here....a little over a year to be specific. It makes me sad because blogging about our lives and the wonderful memories we have is extremely important to me.
Here it goes......after Liesel's 9th birthday party we took our second trip to Disney. This was Jensen's first trip ever. We had a blast and it was wonderful. I have decided to not write about it here (yet) because there is SO much to write about. I made a photo book and I hope that it will help us remember all the fun we had. Not to mention, we went again in September (yes, that is 2 times in one year)! I somehow convinced Craig that we should get one more trip in while Jensen was still free and Liesel was still considered a child. Disney starts charging adult prices at the age of 10. Crazy huh? I know it is because she is tall enough to ride every ride but my 10 year old was not brave enough to ride every ride......Enough Said!!!! So we did not take any trips all summer and saved again for one more time to Disney. My parents came on this trip and I plan to write about our experiences from both trips when I get to that point of my catching up.

So......this blog is about our Christmas in 2012. Seems too long ago but I do remember some things thanks to pictures.....HeHe!
We got back into town from Florida Dec 22nd or 23rd. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning brunch with my parents. Christmas morning was strange for the kids because we had told them that their present(s) this year was the trip to Disney. They only had stockings to open. We ate good food, opened presents with my parents and of course showed them plenty of pictures from our trip. The kids were beyond excited to tell them everything they got to do while we were there.

While the presents were being opened my sweet Jensen was getting in some serious cuddle points with his Mommy! I loved it, but I think a lot of it was due to how tired we all were recuperating from the trip.

Liesel was being Miss Sassy! She sure can strike a pose.

Jensen was still at that age where he was excited about everything he opened.....even a movie he probably knows nothing about. :)

Caedmon was happy with a game of course! In the background, Liesel was crossing those arms as if it was unfair. Kids!!!! Check out the poked out lips :(

I think I am saying: "Woo-Hoo, I survived Disney!"

Dad loved his Yankees book.

It was a great time with Mom and Dad! Off to visit Craig's family. Christmas afternoon we traveled down to Charlotte to see Frank and Alisa's new home. They were hosting Christmas dinner and they did an awesome job. Before we left our house, Caedmon had to pose with his Lego Advent Calendar. He put together a Lego item every day in December. He even took it with him to Disney. Job well done C-man!

The kids were ready to open gifts from Frank and Alisa. Alisa, you have their undivided attention!

Once again, Jensen is smiling about a present. HeHe!

Before we left Charlotte, we stopped in to see Bethany and her family. At this point, it was becoming very clear that Jensen had come down with something and was not feeling well. That might explain the extra cuddle time with Mommy! Must have been all the nasty germs at Disney! He had a fever and I was not looking forward to driving another hour to Craig's Dad's house. It was a rough night. He was so miserable as you can see from this picture taken the next morning. The other kids were ready to open presents but Jensen just wanted to stay near Mommy.

In spite of it all, Jensen still managed to muster a smile for the camera. He was SO great getting his picture taken back then........even under the weather!

I love the anticipation of the kids as they read the names on the presents!

Are you excited Caedmon? LOL!

A pretty necklace for a pretty girl:

I saw someone at a UNC game wearing a shirt I thought was funny and oh so perfect. I must have mentioned it to Nolan and Janice because they got me one. I absolutely LOVE it!!!....I ONLY CHEER FOR TWO TEAMS CAROLINA AND ANYONE PLAYING DUKE.....Coming from DUKE fans, I am impressed!

The next day Jensen was feeling better. Maybe it was because he was on the Ipad. HA!

It was time to open presents at Sandy and Jim's house. Jensen was happy as a clam! Back then, his nickname should have been Smiley!

.......The kids with Memmaw and Pappaw

At the Berry Family gathering, we got all the kids together to take a picture. Jensen tilting his head like that is too funny :) LOL!

Craig's Aunt gave the kids scarves and hats she made. Jensen is too precious!

So many pictures have been about Jensen because the older two have lost interest being cute for the camera. Enjoy it while you can right? Plus, when they do stuff like this, how do you pass up taking a picture?!? "I can't see!"

Caedmon was pretty cute also because he kept his hat and scarves on after trying it on. Guess he thought it was a great fashion statement for this group picture. HA!