MERRY CHRISTMAS....

I can't believe it is 9pm on December 25th already. Where did today go??? What a fun-filled "first Christmas" it was with Charlotte and Jacob. Our day started at 6:30 a.m. which would have been great except for the 1:00 a.m., 2:15 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. wake ups. 


We spent a quiet morning at our house. The kids opened stockings and their present from Santa (a wagon) as well as a present from their Godparents (Neil and Geraldine) and one from our friends Sherilee, Jason, Liam and Olen. After their morning nap and some lunch we headed off to my mom's to celebrate Christmas with my mom and brothers. The kids weren't sure what to make of "Christmas" but they sure did love the wrapping paper, tissue paper, bags and tags! 


We will be continuing our "Christmas" tomorrow as we head to Montego Bay, Jamaica with my Dad, Sandy, sisters Kelley and Jalynn, brother-in-law Dave and nephews Kieran and Quinn. 


We couldn't have asked for a better Christmas...we feel very fortunate and are so thankful to be surrounded by such an amazing family and great group of friends! 


We look forward to sharing many more milestones with you in 2012! 


My next post will be in 2012 following our trip....Have a safe and Happy New Year! 

Charlotte and Jacob must have been very good b/c Santa left them a present

Their stockings on top of their present 

Their "loot" at our house

The first rip...

Teamwork at its best

Still working well together...

Getting closer 

YAY...we love Christmas!  

Doyle's stocking...complete with Red Stripe in honour of our trip to Jamaica!  

Michael (Uncle Mike), Me, Jacob, Charlotte, Grammy and Andrew (Uncle Andrew)

In a sea of gifts at Grammy's house 

Not quite sure what to make of all this - but might as well dig in

This one is for you ;)

Grammy and Jacob 

Their new sled....can't wait to try it out! 

BROWN FAMILY CHRISTMAS....

This past week Doyle's parents came to visit and celebrate Christmas with us early. They stayed at our place from Sunday - Wednesday and then ventured to Waterloo to visit with Doyle's brother Doug, his sister-in-law Lisa and their kids Norah and Luke until Saturday. Then everyone descended on our place on Saturday to celebrate "Brown Family Christmas". Charlotte and Jacob loved having their Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt and Uncle and cousins Norah and Luke visit.

Hey...are these for us? 

Opening their presents from Grandma and Grandpa 

This present thing is FUN

Charlotte getting acquainted with her Dino Walker / Riding toy 

Jacob checking his Dino Walker / Riding toy out

Charlotte and Grandpa 

Jacob and Grandma

Cousins - Norah, Charlotte, Luke and Jacob

Christmas wouldn't be complete without the "funny face" picture

LORDY LORDY DOYLE IS...40

Yesterday we celebrated Doyle's 40th birthday!! 


His birthday festivities actually started the night before with dinner at our place (with my mom and his parents). We ordered Thai and enjoyed a yummy chocolate cake. Charlotte loved being part of the party SO much, that despite our best efforts at putting her to bed for 6:30pm, she managed to stay up until 9:45pm! 


My dad ("Grandpa Tom") came over last night to watch the kids so Doyle's parents could join us for dinner at La Vecchia on Yonge Street. We had a lovely dinner and finished the evening at our place with some bubbly - after all you only turn 40 once ;) 


The celebrations continue this evening as Doyle celebrates with the guys! 

Daddy and his little girl (Jacob was fast asleep in bed)

Daddy..birthday parties are SO much fun! Especially yours!  

Getting ready to blow the candles out...1...2...3 

YAY! 

ALBANY CLUB CHRISTMAS....

Today we attended the Albany Club kids Christmas party along with Grams, Grandpa Tom, and cousins / nephews Kieran and Quinn. We enjoyed a morning / early afternoon filled with eating, ornament and cookie decorating, colouring, magician show, carol singing and of course a visit from Santa. We all had a great time - the kids were so tired by the end they didn't even make it two blocks in the car before they were asleep! Thanks Grandpa Tom for inviting us!

Grandpa and Jacob

Jacob and Charlotte warming up the chair for the "big guy"

Kieran in awe of the magician

Jacob full from lunch! 

Charlotte clapping for the Nutcracker 

The chocolate fountain was a big hit with Kieran (and Quinn)

The Brown clan

A "picture" of the family picture - I don't have a scanner - a great group shot though!
(Kieran, Nutcracker, Heather, Charlotte, Grams, Jacob, Doyle, Grandpa, Nutcracker, and Quinn)

A CHRISTMAS PHOTO SHOOT

A few weeks ago we took Charlotte and Jacob to the Great Canadian Superstore's photo studio to get some pictures taken in their "Christmas outfits". While Jacob wasn't sure what to think about the whole thing, Charlotte loved every minute of it. She laughed and smiled her way through the 20 minute sitting. Jacob was more reserved and even shed a few tears! We are very pleased with the final shots and even used one as our 2011 Christmas card photo! 

The picture we used for our 2011 Christmas photo card

Charlotte all smiles for Christmas!