The Weeks Team: Christmas Fun, 2010

Christmas Time was HERE,

and now has gone...

until next YEAR!

I still cannot believe a year has passed, and we have just celebrated Christmas and are on our way into the year 2011! What a year, 2010 has been for us! We are excited for 2011, and all that it will bring! I'm sure it will bring many adventures, surprises, ups and downs, but I can't imagine it not all including a TON OF FUN!

Yes... I'm already thinking next year... and how I want to decorate differently, etc. So, beware... there will be LOTS of inspiration photos to be shared with you all in regards to decorating, party hosting, etc. this coming year... it's always fun to have others input! :p

I, adore this tree! It's so pretty! I'm not usually one for a "matchy matchy" type of tree... I prefer one that has all different ornaments from different people that remind you of different things, etc. But, this tree, I do like. Really like, like... really!

We had a wonderful Christmas! We were able to spend it with Brian's parents, Bill & Karen Weeks at their home in Lacey, Washington. Brian took the week off prior to Christmas, and so we headed up to Lacey early evening on Monday, 12/20.

On our way... Jack got in a little cat nap...

Maggie on the other hand... talked, sang, screamed, took off her shoes, tried unwrapping presents, threw her shoes, laughed hyseterically at random things or nothing at all, and then finally decided she'd had it, and really started screaming for about the last 10 minutes before (THANKFULLY) reaching Nana and Papa's house! Whew, Maggie... just re-thinking about that all, exhausts me!

Brian's Dad had surgery on his back/neck to repair several disks and so he was unable to travel - as our original plan was for them to come to our house. However, it was actually really nice to go away, and have a mini "vacation" at their home :). Brian's Dad is recovering slowly, but surely. He is recovering well, but it is going to be a long recovery, and we are hoping that it will all be worth it in the end to be (hopefully) pain free - as he has been dealing with ongoing/non stop back and neck pain for years. We are incredibly thankful that the surgery went so well, and he was able to go home within a few days - and be with all of us for Christmas. Brian's Mom, Karen had to work ( :( ) some of the time we were there, so it was nice to be there to be able to help Dad out when needed.... ie. when we insisted upon it!!! :) He is not supposed to lift anything over 3lbs, so needless to say, this was not and is still not an easy rule for him to follow. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be, to have to have help/assistance with everything, especially when you are used to doing it yourself, and prefer to just do it yourself. So, it has been a change for everyone - Papa not being able to do the things he wants to do himself, and us telling him to stop doing things! :) If you're reading this... you shouldn't be... you should be resting...!!!

We had told Jack that Papa had had surgery on his neck/back, and wouldn't be able to lift him, etc. Jack did GREAT! I was, honestly, surprised at how well Jack did - considering Papa is his #1, and he has been looking forward to seeing Papa over Christmas. To the point of counting down the days, every day for the past few weeks!!! Jack was very gentle with Papa, and understanding of the fact that Papa couldn't play rough with him like usual. Maggie was a bit scared of Papa at first, as he has to wear a neck brace, and she was very unsure of that. However, it took her no time to warm up to her Grandpa... and soon she was showering him with kisses! Jack was too... but, he had no problem starting that from the get go!

Needless to say, we had a wonderful time with both Grandma and Grandpa. And, it was so nice to have Brian with us all week, no work for him, and to relax and just enjoy spending time all together.

FRIENDS... we've missed The Tackett's! My fabulous friend, Michelle and her boys, Troy and Ryder were able to make the trek to Lacey, and meet us at a fun place called, "Charlie's Safari". It was basically a big play place for the kiddos, with an area for ages 1-5 (P.E.R.F.E.C.T.!!!) with two big bouncy houses in it, and other play structures for the munchkins to play on while Michelle and I were able to catch up! It was nice to have the area for smaller kiddos, as mine are known to get "lost" or trampled. It was BEYOND GREAT to see them! As, Michelle and I became so close when we were living in Gig Harbor, and I hadn't seen her since we had moved! I miss her and her darling boys so much! As do Jack and Maggie!

It was a great time, UNTIL... we left... and she discovered someone had broken into her car while we were inside. Needless to say, some expensive items were taken, and overall it was just a bummer ending to a really wonderful time. Of course, they are just things, and can be replaced, but it doesn't help one feel safe, rather makes them feel violated and hurt that someone would break the window out of their car, steal their belongings, and go on their way. I'm so sorry, Michelle! :(

I did love every minute we got to hang out, though... besides the ugliness we saw when we got to our cars! Boo on the person who did this, and like Michelle said, let's hope that what they took, they were able to use to have a nice Christmas dinner for their family! Way to look at things positively! Love you and the boys so very much! xoxo

Michelle and her sweet little guy, Ryder!

Maggie and Ryder are 3 months apart, with Maggie being 3 months older. They had fun playing with eachother, but when it came to Maggie's milk cup... she was ok letting Ryder borrow it for a sip... but, not much longer than that. It was so cute to see them "work it out" amongst themselves... HA!

The last picture, she looks like she's thinking "Enough, Ryder. It's mine, now go about your business"... :)

The "BIG BOYS" aka Troy and Jackson having SO MUCH FUN! They had a blast ... especially playing together! It was like they had never been a day apart! The entire time we were there, they were together - and mostly in the bouncy houses jumping to their hearts content! It was great to see them having so much fun together! And, even cuter when they would get so hot and tired, they would actually have to pry themselves away to come and get a drink of water... and a 2 second rest... only to run back into the bouncy house together! And, they were so GREAT at looking out for one another! Way to go, boys! Troy, we miss you... Jack especially does! We hope you can come and visit us soon. xoxo

It was definitely one of the more quiet, relaxed and peaceful Christmas' we've had, but with that said, it was also one of the most enjoyable. We had a fabulous Christmas Dinner, and a really fun time opening gifts, but I think it was the relaxing atmosphere that made it memorable and special for all of us!

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later... Miss Maggs landed herself in her 1st timeout. And, it happened to be at Nana & Papa's house. :( I know, I know... she looks so sad, she looks so little, she is so cute... well, yes, she is all of those things. BUT, after being hit repeatedly in the face, after telling her "No!", and her laughing hysterically in my face, it was time for a Time Out. Of course, I'm sure she didn't truly understand it, but she did realize (I think) that she was in a bit of trouble. She tried to crawl out of timeout, and was put back. She didn't cry or fuss... she was just a bit dramatic and looked very sad... I have a feeling that it's just going to get worse... especially when she's about 13!

...back to Christmas...

We, of course, REALLY missed Brian's brother Jeff, his wife Misty and their kiddos (Michelle, Chris and Ashley). As they were unable to make it, due to illness... :( (we are happy to report they all seem to be on the mend... thank goodness!) - but, it always seems a bit empty without their family when we spend holidays with Brian's side! They make up a big portion of his family, and they are all fun and great to be with. Again, they were missed!

We, also, of course missed my side of the family - who were scattered around the state of Oregon and beyond celebrating with their own families, friends and/or both! We hope they all had wonderful Christmas Celebrations, and are eager to see pictures, etc. - as well, as catch up with them after the New Year.

But, again, even with it (Christmas Holiday) being so different than all years passed, it was wonderful. We were with eachother, had family among us, and that is all we could ask for! It would have been fabulous to have more family join us... but, we have discovered that any Holiday is truly what you make of it. And, for us that has meant seeing smiles and happiness on our munchkin's faces and joy in their eyes. We saw that all week long, and that in itself made it the best Christmas we could ever ask for!

We always have a great time at Nana and Papa's house, no matter what. It is nice and relaxing, as well as a time for the kiddos to spend special time with their Grandparents, get spoiled rotten (mostly with kisses, hugs, loves, and a little sugar in between :p), and usually do some fun things that we don't have the downtime to do when we are at our own home.

Jack was so GREAT, and helped both me and Grandma make cookies! He also enjoyed doing some painting, and other art projects. He LOVED watching some movies he hadn't seen before. And, mostly just cuddling with his Nana and/or Papa, Mama and Daddy, and playing with lots of toys he hadn't seen for a while!

Jackson in his new Christmas Pajamas, having some yummy ice cream with Daddy after dinner!!! Mmmmmm.....

Maggie was also, just FABULOUS (other than the teeny tiny time out issue... :p)! She had such a great time! She also was spoiled with many cuddles, hugs and kisses. To all she took with open arms! She loved to cuddle up with Nana, and also enjoyed many treats that Nana shared with her ... (Jack enjoyed that too!!!)

Sleepy girl after hours playing with fun and "new" toys...!!!

Someone is ready for a nap... rather, she decides to try to take a rest right in the middle of the living room floor, amongst masses of toys! Didn't last long there... but, once in her crib upstairs, she was OUT!

They both did fabulous in sleeping in their beds... Nana and Papa have a toddler bed for Jack and a crib for Maggie, and they both transitioned greater than we could had ever imagined they would. Our munchkins, as most of you know, are VERY attached to their beds, rooms, blankets, etc. So, Brian and I do get a bit nervous when we know a traveling time is upon us, and the kiddos will have to sleep somewhere other than their OWN beds... but, they both did amazingly well... and we could not have envisioned it all going more smoothly!!! Way to go, Jack and Maggie!!! They, were of course, as expected, a bit off schedule... ie. waking up much earlier than usual, not always napping for as long or at all like normal, and sometimes bedtime was later than at home, but that is what happens when you are visiting others... especially a Grandpa and Grandma who LOVE their grandkiddos and want to spend as much time as possible with them!

We were all incredibly blessed Christmas morning, to see that we had all been very very very good this year (according to Santa, that is)!

The kiddos had a fabulous time opening and then playing non stop with all of their gifts... as did, Mama, Daddy, Nana and Papa. Fun times!!! :)

As you can see... I received a gift that will benefit our entire family, and all of our wonderful friends and family that follow our blog...

a new and AH-MAZING Camera!!!!

it will be even more amazing once I figure out all the bells and whistles!!! :p

Who is that? Soon, I think my family will be calling me the "paparazzi"... or might be already... !!!

To say that the pictures it takes are great, is a complete understatement! I could not be more excited or be having more fun playing with my new "toy"! I am taking a photography class, through Portland Community College beginning mid January, so I'm hoping to share some of my experience and lessons learned in my class through our blog. I am hoping you will all notice a difference (hopefully a progression) in my photography skills as I go through the class.... until then, you'll have to enjoy my amazing "models"... and later you can begin critiquing my photog. skills! :)

GREAT poses and expressions to work with! He was really working the camera! :p

Brian was my 1st "subject"... as you can tell, he was VERY excited... what was a gal to do... the kiddos were sleeping... and I didn't have a lot else to work with... I'm lucky to have a fabulous, willing and handsome husband, who allowed me to take a bazillion pictures of him... yes, there were more than this to chose from... many, many, many more! :)

Thanks, Brian! Not only for being my 1st ~~"victim"~~ "subject", but for being the most wonderful husband ever, and giving me a wonderful Christmas present! A new camera, that I have been hinting for - for, well, a very very very looooong time... and allowing me to see if I do have a creative side when it comes to photography! We both know I so desperately hope and want there to be... let's hope your investment pays off! :)

So, rather than ~~writing~~ typing every detail about our fabulous Christmas... I will let you enjoy all of the amazing pictures I took, and my subjects. I gotta say, I'm one lucky lady... I have THE BEST models I've ever seen. They couldn't be any cuter, sweeter, more funny or expressive.... E.N.J.O.Y.!

WAIT... before the photos begin...

We do hope that you all had an Amazing Christmas Holiday filled with love, laughter and cheer! We hope you all made the "nice list", and were blessed with family, friends and those who you love, to spend such a special time of year with.... and lastly, we want to tell you how much each of YOU mean to our family. In the beginning of this blog post, I wrote what a year 2010 has been for us. It has had both amazing ups, and difficult downs. Definitely, more ups than downs, no matter the situation...

Without each of you, the year 2010 would not be what it has been - which is, overall, a great year, filled with wonderful memories. We thank you all for being a part of it. Again, we very much look forward to 2011, and what it has in store for our family. We hope that 2011 brings spending time with each of you, (with hopes of seeing family and friends we didn't get a chance to see or spend enough time with this year). We also hope you all receive amazing times for youself and your families in the upcoming year!

All of our Love,

The Weeks Team!

xoxo

Ok, now... here goes it... the fun and much anticipated photos. Enjoy them, as we have enjoyed each and every one of them, and look forward to many many more to come! I'm also hoping the new camera will keep me inspired to continue blogging, and a possibility of dedicating more time and energy towards our blog. We enjoy it so much, and hope you do too! ps. WARNING... there are many many photos... and many many of the same poses, etc. :) BUT... just too cute, to not share!

Maggie just woke up (from a long Christmas nap), and is probably wondering what is that LARGE thing Mommy is flashing in her eyes... ???

It's a bit annoying at first... but, she gets used to it... and should continue :)

This picture of Maggie (above) looks a lot like my mother to me. Especially in my mom's baby pictures... she definitely has a lot of Weeks' in her, but I do see a lot of Johnson too! Jack... well, he's a whole other story... he seems to be purely Weeks! :)

Ummm... I might be over being a model!

Still sleepy!

I'm gonna get that camera... or maybe, not. :(

Something is so very funny! I'm sure it was Maggie doing something, as she does find herself HYSTERICAL!!!

I'm outta here... off to find some fun toys, and my Daddy to play with me!

I found him! Now there's a guy you can always count on to play with!!!

And, now time for my next ~~victim~~, errrr... subject :)

Now, I know you're all thinking this was just plain mean... and, well, it sort of was... BUT, he had been sleeping for over 3 hours and NEEDED to get up, or we would all pay for it later... however, the way in which I woke him up, he was not happy... luckily, he's a pretty easy going guy... and recovered quickly! xoxo Love you, J. You are the best, even when Mommy wakes you up like the paparazzi!

GO.AH.WAAAAAAY!!!

PLEEEEEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did put the camera away, and he was fine... and actually wanted me to show him the pictures :)

and... then to go and play with his sister's new rocket... that he keeps forgetting is hers, not his...

This forgetfulness usually ends in screaming, tears, and more screaming... by both Jack and Maggie. What were we thinking? Buying Maggie this, and not one for Jack? Well, looking at him sitting on it, you'll see he is waaaay too BIG for it, but he still loves it. So, it has turned into a shared gift :). Thank Goodness, Maggie is little, a good sport, and has no idea... :p

Hey, who took MY camera...

CAUGHT, doing dishes... :) And, sans makeup ... that is what a small Christmas allows.

Jackson, such a cutie. Nothin' else!

Maggie LOVED chillin' out in the recliner! Not to mention, she thought she was such a BIG girl! :)

Nana and Papa. Nana is helping out Papa's lower back. :(

Jackson watching "Happy Feet"... he LOVED this movie... and watched it many many times!

Maggie liked it too!

Everyone has a bit of Christmas coma... Daddy is asleep, Jack, Nana & Maggie all look like they could join him at any moment...

Must be a silly part...

A lot of pictures look like this one... them clobbering eachother! ;)

I adore that face! xo

... and this one too!

Deep conversation with Nana...

What a life! Enjoying a piece of pie, sitting in Nana's recliner, watching "Happy Feet"... Jack is living the good life! :)

Nana made the best Christmas ever!!! Dinner was wonderful, along with everything else that made for a very special and memorable week! Thank you! xo

Papa showing off his injuries... well, not really. We are hoping and praying for your speedy recovery! We love you lots, and were so happy to be able to spend Christmas with you!