SoMEboDy TuRnEd FOUR!

REESEY getting caught sticking her fingers in the cake.

I hung streamers to get the whole jungle effect.  The kids just kept running back and forth through them.  I finally gave up taping them back up. 

I thought it was so funny to see the kids eating their animal suckers right before they ate cake.  Their parents are totally hating me right now!

Check out REESE'S crazy eyes!  PYRO!

KADEN had lots of help blowing out the candles.

We seriously can't believe we have a four year old.  I feel like we brought him home from the hospital just yesterday.  KADEN is really into animals, so this year we had a Jungle Safari of a birthday.  He helped pick out all his decorations, cake, and party favors.  We spent long hours browsing Oriental Trading.  He helped me put the favors in the bags and tie the decorations on them.  He's been talking about his birthday for a month.

We had his party at the Pizza Factory, which is his favorite restaurant.  They feasted on pizza and breadsticks while they played arcade games.  The kids all had a great time.  KADEN was so excited when his friends showed up.  He couldn't stop jumping up and down and dancing all night.  It was a hugs success and best of all, no mess for me to clean up.  It was the best party ever!  

A California Christmas!

DeGroot Family Christmas Party

We Kicked off California Christmas with our Annual DeGroot Family Christmas Party. We started the night off with the usual kisses and hugs to all those we haven't seen in a while. The Shannon's had a fantastic feast immediately to follow everyone's arrival. After diner, we played the White Elephant Game. You know the one where you pick a number and get to steal each others presents? We chit - chatted some more and had some cheesecake for dessert. It was so much fun and thanks again Heidi and Craig for hosting!

The party favors!

And yes, the night wouldn't be complete without Reese eating their Ginger Bread House (mouth first).

Cookies With The Cousins!

Cousin Jonah

Kaden decorating his cookies

Reese and Kelsey

Forget about the cookies... Kaden just wanted frosting

Every year Brandaan's mom has all of the kids over to her house and decorates cookies. The kids had an amazing time and were all covered in frosting.

Christmas Eve!

Turkey Dinner

Brandaan made the turkey and it was the most juicy turkey I've ever had. Way to go!

The kids table...

Christmas Eve P.J.'s from Gramma and Pappa DeGroot

The Nativity Story

Jonah was Joseph and Kaden was a wise man

Every Christmas Eve the kids dress up to act out the Nativity Story. Pieter reads the story and all the kids stand there and look precious. I think next year they're old enough we can actually give them lines. It's so much fun and rewarding to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Getting Ready for Santa

The cookies...

Writing thank you cards...

Kaden and Jonah in their Christmas PJ'S guarding the cookies...

Uncle David and Kaden dancing around in circles...

Brandaan got these Santa bags last year with the kids names on them

Reese wanting to make sure the egg nog is just right..

and Kaden ready to snatch it out of her hands.


Christmas Day

What?  A blackberry!  For me?

Do you love the Santa footprints on the floor? 

Kaden got totally roasted!

Oh...Pieter!