Christmas with the Hardins!

This past weekend we went and spent Christmas with Al's family in Charlotte. Carter and Layla had so much fun visiting with their cousins, aunt, uncle, Nana Bev, and Mr. John. We can't wait to see them again! Here are some pictures from our weekend!

Carter and Sophie! (About 12 weeks apart)

Banks and Layla (6 months apart)


Uncle Jim outside with the kids!

Present time! This is when all the craziness broke out.






Jim, Al, and their girls.

Skyping with cousin Molly in New Jersey! We sure did miss her! Molly is expecting a little sister any day now!

Carter's Christmas Musical

I know a sweet boy who was real excited about his school musical today! Not only was he going to get to perform, but also two very special visitors were going to attend..Nana Bev and Mr. John.

Carter all ready for his musical!

And I think maybe a little nervous..

One of Carter's supporters!

A proud daddy!


Here is some of the footage that Nana Bev captured for us!

New Tradition

As my kids are falling more and more in love with Christmas each year, we have started another family tradition. It is a German tradition based on hiding a pickle ornament in the tree and the lucky child that finds it gets an extra treat. Carter looks for that pickle everyday..Al and I like to consider ourselves "pretty slick".

"Oh Christmas Tree"

Carter and Layla had such a blast decorating our tree this year! The both love the lights and ornaments and Ark the elf might have another hiding spot..we shall see. Mimi also came down and helped me catch up on some baking since I have been such a sick mama here lately but finally doing better. Al also had his Christmas party last night for work and we cleaned up pretty nice and had a great time!

On our way to the Pagniello Christmas Party 2011.

Definite signs Mimi was here. Apparently Carter and Layla are quite the little bakers.

He loved decorating the tree this year. Of course Al and I did have to space out some ornaments that seemed to be right on top of each other.


The one ornament that after the party last night, Al nor I wanted to even look at.

The finished product! The house smells like fresh pine and I have some serious wrapping to catch up on but at least the tree is up and pretty as ever.

Tree Pickin'

This past Saturday, my gang and I loaded up to go pick out our Christmas Tree! The kids are so much more involved in Christmas this year..they had such a good time picking out the tree!

We started our tree hunting journey at McDonalds for some breakfast and believe me when I say I had a very "lively crew".

Or not such a "lively crew"...

Oh yeah and it just got more and more lively...

Everyone perked right up once we had our tree picked out.

Much better smiles!

Hello Hardin 2011 Christmas tree!!!!

Papa Craig!

Thursday night Papa Craig came over to visit us and hang out with kids before Christmas.

25 Days until Christmas!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. I have two little muchkins that are mighty curious on Toodle's (our elf) whereabouts. Not to mention, I think Al and I have gotten a little carried away moving him. Here are some pictures of my little elves this evening.

Toodles!

Carter and Daddy!

Mommy and an upset Layla.



Sweet babies getting ready for bed all Christmas-ed out.

I wonder where Toodles will be tomorrow? In the mean time, Al and I have time to think about it. I wonder what antics we will have tomorrow for Toodles?