Christmas Memories 2008

Wow this past week has flown by for us. We had such a nice Christmas this year. All of the Erickson Five enjoyed the holiday. These kids were so excited and they are so mature now about gifts both giving and receiving. Both Jon and I were so surprised that they kept secrets about what gifts were bought for who. They would not tell Daddy what he got and they would just tell me that I was getting Stinky Socks (Jon's instructions). We had some pretty big boxes under the tree for the kids and they were there for over a week and the kids did not touch them at all. These kids were pretty spoiled this year but I know they have the true meaning of Christmas in their hearts. At church on Christmas Eve, K could not wait to see the baby Jesus in the manager. He walked right to the manger scene when we walked into church to see if the baby was there yet. He was not since they place the baby Jesus there at the start of mass but after mass, all three of the kids wanted to go see the baby Jesus. It was really very sweet.
On Christmas Eve Day, we opened the gifts with just the five of us. The kids knew that when daddy got home we would open the BIG boxes under the tree so they were going crazy. Below is a picture to show how they waited and watched for Daddy to come home. Once they saw his car, they went crazy. It was very cute and so fun to see them so excited. After our gift opening, we headed to church. The kids got to go up and sit in front for the homily since we were at the Children's mass. Both Jon and I get a little nervous when they do this because we have no idea what is going to come out of their little mouths. I am happy to report that it all went fine.
After Mass, we went over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for some Fondue. The kids watched a Christmas movie while the adults took their time eating fondue. It was fun.
Before we left Grandma's house to head home, Daddy checked on Santa's location on line. The kids were afraid that Santa would come and since they would not be in their beds sleeping he would not stop at our house. Once we had everyone in the van, Daddy called Santa to find out and ETA. The kids were thrilled about this and the next morning they reported to Grandma and Grandpa that Daddy called Santa on his cell phone.
Like I said, this Holiday season was so much fun. We all really enjoyed it. It is hard to believe that Christmas is already over but we have such fun memories that we will hold in our hearts forever.

Merry Christmas

Disney Here We Come

Jon and I have been debating for some time now about a trip to Disney World with our kids. We have made the decision that the five of us will be heading down to Disney World in the not so distant future. Now that the decision is made, I am thrilled and I can't wait until we can tell the kids. We wrapped a Disney Book up and put it under the tree. Once they open it, we plan to tell them about our upcoming family vacation.
Jon and I do not know much about Disney. We have a "Disney Specialist" helping us plan our trip but if anyone has any advice for me, please email me babyblues900@yahoo.com or leave a comment.
I once visited Disney a long time ago with my family as a little girl. It was a lot of fun but I don't remember the ins and outs of Disney from that trip.
It will be a great week with Jon and the kids and one that I think we all need. What memories will be made and fun we will have. So watch out Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and the rest of the gang...here comes the Erickson Five!

Your Smeller

Last night as Jon was tucking K into bed, they started to have a conversation about what people and things smell like. I am not really sure how this got started but I do know how it ended.

K said to Jon: "Daddy, do you think in the morning I could smell some pancakes and sausages"

Wordless Wednesday-Daddy's Buddy

Christmas with 4 Yr Olds

Both Jon and I have been enjoying this Holiday Season with the kids. They have so much wonder in their eyes and excitement in their hearts. Every morning when they wake up they ask if they can have their Chocolate from their Advent Calendars. Then we count how many days left until Christmas. This usually ends with them jumping up and down cheering because Christmas is getting closer.We have been so busy with work, school, activities, and most of all fun Holiday stuff that I have not had time to blog. I am happy to report that we are all having so much fun this holiday season. Three 4 yr olds at Christmas time is the best. I love this age. They are so innocent and as a parent it is so much fun to witness all the excitement this time of year brings.
We have decorated our tree, made cookies,done some shopping (they were angels for me), wrapped presents, sang songs, watch holiday movies, visited with Santa (5 times now), celebrated good cheer with close friends, and best of all talked and learned all about baby Jesus and why Christmas is so important. After all, He is the reason for the season.
I wrapped the kids presents the other night and they happen to be wrapped in big boxes this year. The next morning, A was up first so she found me for her usual morning snuggles. Then I heard her by the tree and she ran off quickly and this is what I heard her say "hey guys, you better come quick cause you gotta see this". The next thing I knew I had three very curious kids inspecting the new packages that were under the tree. I thought we would never hear the end of it but the kids all know that they have to stay there until Christmas when we will open them. E kept asking me that morning what was in her "box" and then she kept trying to guess. I finally told her that I was not going to tell her what it was. E replied "Ah, man". This made me laugh.

Wordless Wednesday - Sister Sandwich

Jolly Old St. Nick

Tonight we had our supper with St. Nick at church. Jon and I volunteered to help out since the kids are in the programs at the church now and we need to get more involved. We were put on kitchen duty and I was so glad that Jon was there with me because I would not have known how to turn on the over or the food warmer. There was about 160 people that showed up.
The 6th graders did a play for us on the story of baby Jesus birth. I was amazed how our kids were so engrossed in the story and sat and watched the play so attentively. At the end both of the girls ran up to me to ask if the Baby Jesus was real. So sweet. It was only a doll in this particular play.
Both Jon and I were so proud of A for sitting on St. Nick's lap. She has always been so afraid of St. Nick because when you think of it he can be kind of scary. A big old guy with a huge beard. However, she decided last night that she did not want to miss out on sitting on his lap.
St. Nick gave all three kids a good report. K was most smitten with him. At the end of the night he decided that he wanted to say good bye to St. Nick. He stood and asked St. Nick question after question until Jon and I said it was time to say good bye. We started to walk away and then K turned and asked St. Nick, "how many elves to you have"? It was pretty cute and St. Nick was just that a Saint to put up with all those questions. Overall it was a fun night for all of the Erickson Five. Christmas with three 4 yr olds is the best. Jon and I are thoroughly enjoying this holiday season and the innocence of it all!

Wordless Wednesday - Busted

A Dazzle of a Good Time

On Friday we decided to head out to the local Holiday Parade. It worked out perfect as Grandma and Grandpa, J, and Uncle B, and Aunt L headed down early to reserve some space on the curb and we met up with them later on.The kids loved the parade and they did not complain once that they were cold. The best part of the parade was that Santa was the final float. A, E, & K could hardly contain all their excitement. The Target Dog Bullseye was also in the parade.We have all decided that this will now be an annual event. We all loved the parade and had such a fun time.