Hazel's first photo shoot (with Aunt Kate's point & shoot)

Welcome, 2011!

Griffin & SJ rocking out NYE hats & noisemakers

SJ waiting patiently for the clock to strike 'midnight'

the pre-requisite for the NYE party

SJ couldn't quite figure it out...

Photographic Evidence// Fun was had!

SJ & I splashing it up on Christmas Day

Hazel: the next fashionista of the family

We had a blast at the tubing park

Snow angels!

Snow family

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day!

Schaeffer Jo putting out cookies & chocolate milk for Santa / carrots for the reindeer

Our stockings were 'laid' by the fireplace with care

Santa still found us @ MeMa & Papa's ski condo

Tobi opening his firetruck Christmas morning

Lizzie & TinkerBell from Santa

Minnie Mouse suitcase for our Disney trip!

Ott Christmas 2010

Christmas hugs & kisses

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree

We're so blessed as a family--when I take pause to remember God's goodness to us, His great faithfulness and his abundant provision--there is no response but gratitude.

I wanted to give my (little) family the privilege of enjoying the true meaning of Christmas, and knew that getting the bulk of our shopping done early would be the only way. It was strange to have the majority of our gifts purchased, wrapped and under the tree by the end of the first week of December.

All of this said because nearly every day after the presents landed under the tree, we had a count-down to 'Christmas with Eli'. Schaeffer would get all of her presents out from under the tree, put them in a line, and repeat with all of Eli's gifts.

It is such a sweet gift to my heart as a mom to watch Eli and Schaeffer Jo be so much more than just cousins, but also best friends. Their love for each other is evident and it is great fun to watch them play together.