Our Family Christmas

 We celebrated our family Christmas at home on Sunday & Monday night.

We opened presents under the tree on Sunday night and the kids were finished in about 10 minutes - it's amazing how quickly they can rip those gifts open!

They spent all night playing with their new toys with the big hits being a new tent for the basement, a tool belt and tools for Bennett, a Sophia the First necklace and puzzles for Marie.

 The big surprise was our Disney World trip reveal and the iPad. 

Marie is so excited to go to Disney in February!

Bennett doesn't get it now but he really likes watching Mickey so I am sure he will love the trip too.

 We finished the night eating snowman cookies with hot cocoa.

Christmas Take One: Van Beek Celebration

 

On Saturday we got to spend all day playing, opening presents, eating, laughing, and having fun in Sheldon with the Van Beek side.

"Smile girls!" resulted in the above picture....really Alissa & Marie?

Snapping the annual photo in front of the tree was not as easy as previous years...Bennett & Anneke had better things to do.

 But we did end up getting a decent photo with Grandma. 

 Marie and Bennett were so thrilled with all their presents...Marie was particularly in love with her unicorn whom she has named 'Jessica.' She also put on her new Rapunzel pajamas right away and wore them the rest of the day and to bed.

 Bennett is loving his new books, cars, and tractors. 

He also thought the hunting vest for Dad was a great gift!

 Here is miss Anneke being a silly goose with Aunt Keri.  Bennett and Anneke had fun playing together and fighting over the same toy most of the day.

 Along with all the kiddos came all the dogs.  

They played most of the day so they were ready for some chow!

Bennett was supervising...once again his clothes were off - not sure why this always happens to him.

We had a great day celebrating Christmas with the whole family and are so thankful for the good times, presents, goodies, and safe travels.

Santa and a Sugar High

In a matter of just a few hours we have accomplished many things here in the Mueting household:

Santa - check!

Christmas Cookies - Check!

1st batch of almond bark covered goodness - Check!

And now we are exhausted.

We visited Santa's House in Sioux City where we ate a cookie, made a craft, and visited the big guy.

Bennett wasn't so sure about Santa so Dad had to jump in the picture as well. Marie hopped right on his lap and proceeded to ask for a Fiona Dress (from Shrek) and she is pretty sure Bennett whispered into Santa's ear asking for a stuffed turtle.

 

 After Church on Saturday night we baked and decorated Christmas cookies. Marie was such a big helper this year - she rolled the dough, cut cookies out, and decorated more than her share.  

This was such a change from previous years and we are definitely appreciating her help!

 

Bennett also helped...eat sprinkles, frost his hair, and frost one little gingerbread man cookie over and over eating all the frosting off of it every time.

 

 

 Needless to say we needed baths and a little floor mopping after all that decorating. 

Finally, on Sunday while Andy was working, the kids and I made chocolate covered peanut clusters. We switched it up this year and made it with the honey roasted peanuts - we HIGHLY recommend this switch...so yummy!

Marie again was such a big helper!  She stirred like crazy until every peanut was covered.  She told me that her arm was hurting from all the stirring!

 

  Somehow Bennett just ended up eating through this baking activity again...hmm, I think there is a pattern here!

Although the weekend was a busy one it was definitely great - it feels so good to heat up your home with baking during the holiday season especially with your children there to help you. 

We also watched a few Christmas movies and played games. 

Christmas is coming so quickly...Now we just have to finish our shopping!

To Aberdeen We Go...

On Friday we packed up in the frigid weather and drove somewhere even colder...crazy I know.  However, we had a big trip planned to Aberdeen, SD to see Beckett Edward - the newest addition to our friends Eddie & Jess.

The kids travel pretty well actually - as long as we have plenty of snacks, movies, books, and stops along the way. Gus made the trip with us, too. He by far is the best traveler out of the 3...what a good boy.

We had so much fun visiting the Dickes Family!  

We stayed up late Friday night opening presents and watching Christmas movies. The kids were attached to each other and played all night until they were exhausted.

Beckett received lots and lots of cuddle time with all of us. He is such a good baby and very content - even while tolerating Bennett poking at him.

 

On Saturday we continued our tradition of decorating gingerbread houses and we even fit in the new movie, "Frozen" with the older two at the theater.  

 

What a great weekend - thanks again Eddie & Jess!

"Christmas Specatcular"

This year both Bennett and Marie were involved in the Building Blocks Preschool and Daycare "Christmas Spectacular" Show.  So, on Thursday night we got them all dressed up for their big show. 

Marie not only had 3 songs but also a special line in "The Night Before Christmas." She did very well and we couldn't believe how old she looked up on stage!

Bennett didn't cry at all but he also didn't do any of his songs or actions - he simply watched the crowd while cuddled in close to his teachers.  He was all smiles after the show when he saw his family in the audience!

Grandma Nel, Grammy, & Papa came to watch the program as well as enjoy some Christmas treats afterwards. We are so thankful for Grandparents who make the trip for things like this even when it is bitterly cold outside!

 

 After the show,  the kids got to see Santa Claus, too.  Bennett cautiously accepted a candy cane from him while Marie climbed right up onto his lap. 

The kids had a great night and it was a great show - it really got us into the Christmas Spirit!

Thanksgiving Day Wrap Up

Since Andy had to work on Thanksgiving this year, the Mueting side of the family came to celebrate with us in Sioux City.  I was in charge of the Turkey and stuffing while everyone else chipped in with the other dishes for the feast. Even though Andy missed out on the meal with us, he was able to spend all afternoon and evening with us celebrating.

The meal was delicious, and the company was great. Our house was full and the kids loved all the play time with her Aunts and Uncles.

 

 We were also joined by the family dogs: Bella, Cali, and of course our Gus

At the end of the night Andy revealed his Christmas lights for 2013...a big change for us this year - didn't he do a great job?

We also got to spend some time in Spencer during the weekend so Gus could get more hunting experience.  It was a great trip for him - he had his first big retrieve! 

Meanwhile, the girls were able to spend some time Christmas shopping around town.

Our Thanksgiving Holiday Gatherings were so full of fun and laughter this year - so much to be thankful for.

The Christmas Season has begun

Now that our Thanksgiving celebrations are complete we are welcoming in the Christmas Season with open arms.  

The kiddos have helped decorate the house and have written out their lists with much detail...aka we walked around Target and mom took pictures with her phone of everything they liked.

December is going to be a busy month for us but we are trying our best to find time to enjoy holiday events as much as possible.

These 2 cuties love to cuddle up together on one side of the couch.

Here they are watching the first of many Christmas movies. 

Bennett likes to sit on the arm of the couch and pat the open spot next to him so Marie fills it - how adorable is that?

 Even though it was very chilly we attended the Sioux City Light parade which welcomed Santa into town.  Marie was pleasantly surprised by the amount of candy thrown to us and Bennett loved all the lights and music.

This week is the annual preschool-daycare Christmas Program...stay tuned for a great show!