Happy Birthday Dad!!

I'm glad to finally be getting started on my Christmas "event" posts! We've had a pretty relaxing day today. Got the house re-picked up (I've been working on the "New Year clean-up" all week - i.e. getting the final Christmas presents put away and getting things back in order after the Christmas rush and before school starts back full force), watched a little football, took a little nap, said bye to the kids who have been staying with my parents since Tuesday...and now I'm finally getting to work on getting my Christmas pictures loaded. It has been one thing after another non-stop around here lately and I honestly still haven't even looked at any pictures that were taken after Dec. 18. I do not kid. I think that's a new (bad) record for me. But I'm working on it!

So we're enjoying a relaxing evening at home on the couch tonight...well I'm relaxing and working on pictures and the blog, and of course Cullen is playing Xbox & flipping the TV to football every so often. He's been quite the sweet, helpful husband today and didn't even turn on the Xbox until after ~6pm. Also, possibly a new record for him. haha If you follow me on twitter or read my tweets in the lower left sidebar of the blog you may have already seen my twitpic of how much Allie & Gainer are enjoying us being home tonight! :-) They are still on the couch with me as I type this.

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My Dad's birthday is the first of December and unfortunately can get lost in the hustle and bustle of the Thanksgiving/Christmas rush. But it is usually one of the first "events" of the Christmas season. Some years are easier to plan for than others, but this year was one of those that left very few options for a night to celebrate. :-{ The Sunday night after we had been working on Christmas decorations at my parents' house and had also been to Madelyne's school Christmas performance, we did a take-out BBQ meal and had cake to celebrate. Although it wasn't the birthday celebration that we usually go for, at least we were all able to be together!

Yes, it's perfectly fine to let small children play with lighters...as long as it'll keep them happy enough to smile for a picture.

Trying to get a cute sibling picture...this one isn't focused just right but I thought it was too cute! I'm pretty sure Bennett was singing "Happy Birthday" here. The boy loves to sing, and this day the Happy Birthday song was definitely on his mind!!

Much better. They have gotten so good at smiling for pictures together! So adorable.

This was a small part of the decorating that was done that day. I always love the big tree at my parents' house. So beautiful.

Happy happy birthday Dad!! Sorry it was a little crazy and unorganized this year. We are so thankful for everything that you do for us! Your love and dedication to our family does not go unappreciated or unnoticed. We love you!