"I lost my tooth in Vegas"

This week the boys and Grandma had the opportunity to visit Minneapolis and go Christmas shopping at the Mall of America. While they were there, who should they find? Santa. And a film crew. Turns out Santa was there filming a commercial for Pillsbury so the boys were placed on Santa's lap and filmed chatting with him for a good 15 mins. Travis said Maddix just stole the show while Aaron became camera shy and just kept repeating everything Maddix said. 

At one point Santa asked Maddix a question: 

Santa: "And how did you lose that tooth, Maddix?" 

Maddix: "Vegas." 

Santa: Flips around, nearly whipping Aaron off his lap and gives Travis the "Wha??!!?" look.

Maddix: "Well, see I was in Vegas in the casino when my tooth fell out."

Santa: Flabbergasted, "Well you know what they say? What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas;)"

Insert me laughing hysterically when they all arrived home, excited to tell me the story. 

That was definitely the highlight of an already very fun day. 

Oh and the boys made Addie an adorable bunny at the Build-a-Bear workshop and named her "Funny Bunny," as well as put a recording in saying 

"Have a bunny Day:)" 

Travis had his birthday this week and thanks to his mom she made his favorite double chocolate cake with her famous whipped frosting. She also took the boys out to pick out a present for him, and then babysat the kids so we could go out to a late dinner. We ate at the 1910 Grill, which is located in the Frank Lloyd Wright hotel in our down town. It was beautiful, elegant, and definitely fancy... hence my portion was so tiny I was still hungry after! 

Then again, I'm always hungry these days. 

We were fortunate enough to celebrate our last day with Grandma Lori here by attending the Christmas at Clear Lake event. The weather was perfect! And we caught the most gorgeous sun setting over the lake. We enjoyed the parade, but the highlight was the firework show; 

it puts most other shows I've seen to shame. We all just loved it. Addie slept through them, surprisingly. And we were able to send Grandma out with a real bang. 

I may have cried today as I watched my boys pull out of the garage with Grandma in the car, headed to the airport... I may be tearing up right now. I am so grateful, SO beyond grateful that she came out here. I will miss her presence in our home, and am now a little bit terrified for tomorrow to come. For the first time in four weeks I'll be on my own; I don't know if I can do it. 

Don't let me kid you though... I've already had five or six separate people, who knew she was leaving today, message me to see what they can do for our family this week. 

Could the Lord have spoiled us more with the wonderful people in our lives? 

I can't wait to feel better and get back on my feet so I can begin selflessly serving those around me! 

She LOVES the lights on the tree

"Mom! Come see the present under the tree!"
Me: "Umm.. which one of you did this?"
Maddix's face says it all. 

"Happy 32nd birthday love!" 

Our first full family photo didn't turn out as nice as I'd hoped, ha ha

I was loving the lighting!

 Their faces held pure joy as they watched the fireworks; meanwhile, I just watched them.

"Because brother's don't let each other wander in the dark alone."
- Jolene Perry 

We Love you Lori