New Years Eve

This year we spent New Years Eve with friends!  It was a little different for us - since I have such a large family - there is usually something going on with them - as I'm sure there was this year too- but this year we thought it would be nice to spend some time with friends.  Connor & Zennon also had lots of friends which kept them up and moving until well past midnight!

Zennon pretending he is Santa

 "Most" of the kids, it was really hard to get 15+ kids all in one spot

Just watching / waiting for the ball to drop

 My little fireman - playing dress up again!

 Making some noise at midnight!  Video to come also (hopefully)

 The adults (& a few kids)!!  Don't mind our crazy eyes or the fact that it was after midnight!!

Video of the kids making lots of noise at midnight!!!!

 

We all had a great time!  Happy New Years Eve to all our family & friends!



Christmas Day Fun!!!

Santa Came!!! Already for our sleepy boys to wake up!!!

Big helpers wanted to show Cadi his stocking before they started on there own!

Stockings!!

Present Time!! Woo Hoo :)

Zennon really dug in this year.

Coolest book ever!!

His favorite by far. Kindle Fire HD!  Someone must have been a good boy!

Daddy and his new Surface!! 

The boys helping Grandma Sandy!!

Daddy with his bumble bee Steelers jersey!

Having a ball

Papa with his new boom box!

Loving every minute of this total chaos! 

 (was in no hurry to clean up either)

Grandma helping Zennon out

 (It was taking him awhile to finish up - wanted to open everything after it was opened)

Sheets for his new big boy bed!!  Thomas the Train!

My little Captain America!!!

Ginger bread Choo Choo train time!

Trying out one of his gifts!  Complete shaving kit -

Snuggle time with Cadi - relaxing before bed..

 

It was a nice day spent at home filled with relaxing, watching movies, playing with all the new toys, and enjoying our time together!  Had lots of extended family before and after Christmas that was just as much enjoyed! 

Reindeer Food!

Following midnight mass the boys took a few extra minutes to feed the reindeer before heading to bed.  Hopefully this helps the reindeer lead Santa to our house!

 

 

Our Annual Duris Family Christmas Party!!

One of my favorite things about the Christmas Season is getting together with not only my immediate family but, getting to see our entire extended family as well.  This year was no different everyone seemed to have a great time visiting with one another.  Santa once again surprised the kids and they were soaking in every moment of it :)

A few pictures before we left for the party!!! 

 

 

Fun with Santa!!!

Uncle Jim went first! (What a big kid at heart<3 font="">

The kids waiting patiently while Uncle Jim finishes up.

 Connor enjoying every moment with Santa!

 Zoey! with Daddy of course..

 Zane!

 Listening to Santa's Stories..

 Judah

 Grandma Duris (in the boys case Great- Grandma Duris)

 GiGi

 Santa telling the boys some last minute tips before he left.

 1. He wanted them to leave him cookies & milk.

2. He wanted carrots for the reindeers.

3. If they think they hear him at night on Christmas Eve to stay in bed or it will scare him away.

Then he was on his way.. He is a busy man this time of year!

 Uncle Joe

 

Warning!! Here is a overload of family photo's!! No one is safe, my mom did a wonderful job of trying to get most people at the party!!

Connor, Van & Zoey..

 Van

 Connor

 Aunt MaryLynn, Uncle Joe & GiGi

 Austin & Neil

 Graham & Uncle Mike

 Kendall & Van

 Judah & Madelin

 Stacy & Adam

 Josh & Aunt Vicki

 Sam (Grandpa) with his grandson Zane

 Olivia & Jacob

 Uncle Mike & Tom

 Aunt Pam, Sam & Zane

 Uncle Eddie & Graham

 Aunt Gretchen & Uncle Steve

 Aunt Gretchen & Dad (Papa Pat)

 Stacy, Tom, Lauren & Adam

 Eric, Me, Zoey & Zennon

 Uncle Matt & Grandma Duris (and a little Zennon head)

 Aunt MaryLynn & Jennifer

 Jason & Aunt Linda

 Uncle Eddie & Uncle Tony

 Uncle Eddie, Uncle Joe, Uncle Matt & Uncle Tony

 Aunt Gretchen & Me

 Zane & Olivia

 Grandma Duris & the kids!!!!

 Jacob & Zane

 Zane & GiGi

 

It is always nice to get everyone together and remember what the true meaning of Christmas really is!!

 

 

This was my Christmas Eve Party experiment!  I think they turned out pretty good!!  Grinch Santa Hat's!  And just a fyi - they were gone!  I did not bring any home!  Must of tasted and yummy as they looked!!