Where in the World are the Meches?

So where have the meches been? If you have been wondering, we have traveled to St. Maarten, an island just south of Puerto Rico, completed our Santa shopping, made Christmas yard decorations, created our Christmas cards and managed to put up home decorations.

Here are photos: http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=hhuz2tp.5qvkckpl&x=0&y=-y3zprf&localeid=en_US

Wow, it makes my head spin thinking about the last two weeks, but let's get started. Brandon has had a great four months in sales at ADP. And every year, if you reach a certain goal during the first four months of ADP's fiscal year, you get to go on a "SuperStarts" trip. This year it was to St. Maarten. Brandon's parents came up to watch the kids and we were off for a 3 day trip. We were so mellow and chill the whole trip, and if you know us, we usually try to see as much as we can. I think we really focused on sleep this trip because we were just plain worn out. The first night I slept 12 beautiful, wonderful, uninterupted hours. Brandon 11 hours. The next night was 10 and so forth. It was terrific! Brandon had a horrible stomach bug, but he was a real trooper and didn't stop him from enjoying the beach or getting in the steam room. The water is super pretty, but sadly the interior of the island is dotted with shacks and even a house with more than 50 washing machines sitting out front.

We were so happy to get home to Kaitlyn and Jackson. Jackson is in the stage where he is picking up everything you teach him. He is really picking up words, body parts and loves music. Kaitlyn is helping me cook more and is the best helper. She has her side of the kitchen to mop and loves to work that mop. They were doing new tricks for us when we got home. Gigi and Big Daddy had a full weekend with the kiddos - seeing St. Nick, Chuck E Cheese requests from Kaitlyn and lots of playtime.

Before the trip, Brandon decided to make a whole army of yard decorations - everyone from Mickey Mouse to Captain Hook. It took him about 3 days to cut wood, trace and paint these things. Kaitlyn and I helped too. He was so excited. I can't believe how well they turned out! He made it look pretty easy, but I know it was a lot of hard work!

Before that, we ventured out to a couple of the Black Friday sales. It was crazy, but we saved a little bit on gifts from Santa Claus! Yeah.

There are so many little traditions we want to keep and get started. We can't wait. We are starting a few every year as the kiddos get older like celebrating advent with a prayer and advent candles to prepare for baby Jesus. Or like making it an event to go to the Angel tree to shop for another child for Christmas with Kaitlyn and Jackson. And of course, we can't miss driving around and looking at lights! That is the best. But most of all, we hope to be able to see all of our family and friends every holiday season and make the most of this special time.

What traditions do you love and have with your family? Can't wait to read on your blog or email!