Ringin' it in Right

   The pictures that follow sum up how Jason and I rang in the New Year.  We are excited to see what 2013 has in store for our family and our company.

Getting Ready for Dada's Big Firework Show:

  

After the first firework went off, someone was a little too excited to stay in his seat :)

So we had to take a little time out to put shoes on!

During the show:

  

His excitement was priceless.  This was his second fireworks experience.  The first that he probably remembers (he was only 5 months old for the first).  He was focused and followed each one from the ground to the sky, followed by a, "WOW!!!"  I think he was also a little proud of his Dada, seeing that he kept yelling, "Yea Dada!!!"

Time for Phoenix to get in on the action:

    We went from throwing the Poppers, to....

 Stepping on them :)

And of course, no fireworks show is complete without Sparklers:

 It didn't take long to figure out Sparklers are much more fun if you wave them around everywhere.

The nightcap:

Cheers Family & Friends to a year that was filled with Blessing after Blessing for the Langs.  We are looking forward to another year of Laughs, Tears, and Knowledge, but above all, PHOENIX.

We hope 2013 brings nothing but Joy & Happiness to each and everyone of you.

Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas!

We probably had the BEST Christmas ever here in the Lang house.  Phoenix is at such a fun age.  He was totally into unwrapping his presents (even before Christmas) and even more into playing with everything!  He even enjoyed everyone else's presents as well :)

Phoenix: drum set, karaoke machine, easel, legos, tent & camping equipment, outfits, pj's, McWane membership (given in August), trampoline (given in October), guitar, toys, basketball goal, college fund money, candy, more toys, gift card, Jake & the Neverland Pirates ride-on, camo pull over, music set, a blower, broom & dust pan, vacuum, garbage can, and tons more toys!!!

Mama: a new coffee maker, starbucks gift cards, boots, kitchen things, clothes, gift cards, walkie-talkies, money.

Dada:  truck stuff (new lower valence & bug deflector), Monster Truck tickets (for him and Phoenix), clothes, gun toy, dvd, slippers, money, a fan.

I'm sure there is more that belong in each list, but I can't seem to think right now.  Between Santa and both our families, we were all spoiled more than I know we deserve, especially Dada :).  I think its safe to say that we are all truly blessed.  I didn't realize I had been such a good girl this year, but hey-I'm totally not complaining :).  My blessings far exceed gifts.

Our celebration started Christmas Eve.  We spent the day together as a family, then headed to Church at 5:00.  We also had some fun visitors-the Bird's :)!!!  After Church we came home, had a bite to eat, then put Phoenix to bed.

Santa's helpers then got to work.  It was a long night for us, but I can promise you this-we didn't complain one time.  It was the first time in forever where I actually felt like a kid on Christmas morning.  I had butterflies of what the morning would bring.  I couldn't sleep in anticipation.  I had a full heart seeing our house filled with soo much love.  I looked forward to spending time together in the morning as a family of 3 and then heading over to my sisters house to spend more quality time with the rest of our family.

Not too shabby for an ELF, if I do say so myself!

Needless to say, the morning expectations did not disappoint.  From the moment he could see the den from the stairs, his eyes lit up.  They still haven't stopped glowing.  It was such a great morning.  I wouldn't have traded any second of it.  It truly was the most perfect Christmas morning.

After enjoying our time, I went to work in the kitchen in preparations to head to my sisters house.  For some reason, I ALWAYS seem to get assigned desserts.  Not sure if its because they don't like my cooking or its just the easiest thing for them to pawn off.  Come to think of it, they might not even like my desserts.  We didn't even serve them at Thanksgiving or at Christmas.  Ummm-maybe I should just resign all in all :).  I made 3 different things this year.  The infamous Santa Strawberries, a Triple Chocolate Peppermint Trifle, and a Coconut Snowman Cake.  Regardless of how they tasted, I must say that my cake was pretty darn cute :)

Phoenix sang Happy Birthday to Jesus several times throughout the day.  He knows Santa says Ho, Ho, Ho and he knows he doesn't like him too much.  Other than that, we tried to focus on the Birthday Party for Jesus.  He's getting pretty good at singing Happy Birthday now too :)!!!

To finish our wonderful Christmas, having my brother in town was totally the icing on the cake.  We have all loved having him.  Hopefully the girls didn't wear him out too much that he'll not want to come back for a long, long time.  Phoenix has really taken to him and I love it.  I realized earlier today that I haven't taken any pictures of Phoenix and him together, so I texted him and told him he must come over for a photo session before he leaves.  I'm very sad that Monday is just 2 days away.  We will all miss him greatly.  

Okay, now that I have pictures, I've added them :)

At least we have Easter to look forward to when Michele and the boys come!!!!

Zoo Light Safari

Since we didn't get to experience much of the Halloween adventures this year, we made it a priority to do all that we can for Christmas.  Phoenix has visited with Santa a few times and even Mrs. Claus.  We picked out and decorated inside and out as a family.

Yesterday, we took Phoenix to Zoo Light Safari.  He loves seeing all the lights at the stores, so we knew it was something he'd enjoy.  It was a fun family night.  The weather was perfect and it wasn't very crowded when we were there.

Waiting in line for the train.

No more patience for waiting.

Family fun :)

Enjoying the night life!

Enjoying the "snow" in Alabama :)

He wasn't happy until he had the box to himself.

After we rode the train, we walked around enjoying the lights, inflatables, and all the people.

More worried about his Popcorn than Santa. 

Wow, thats one big Santa!

Speaking of people....we ran into Ethan and his parents.  Ethan and Phoenix have been great pals since "they were babies :)"  Unfortunately we haven't seen them much lately, so this was an extra special treat.  The boys had a blast playing together!!! I love seeing Phoenix interact with his friends.  He immediately gave Ethan a big hug and a big kiss (on the lips-we need to work on that!).

Hmmm...wonder what kind of trouble we can get into :)

Serious penguin playtime!

Knuckles to great friendships :)

What do you mean its time to leave?

But, we promised a play date soon :) Ahem-Andrea!

I think Zoo Light definitely help put Phoenix in the Christmas spirit.  He opened 2 more presents today and drug Ya-Ya's all over the house trying to "break into it" as well.  This was of course, without permission.  Oh well.  At least I know he'll be excited on Christmas morning!  He also knows that its Jesus' Birthday and is able to sing along bits of Happy Birthday.  He also took his 1st ornament off the tree today.  I am still shocked he hasn't tried getting ALL the balls off since that is currently one of his obsessions.  However, I couldn't scold him.  As I looked over to notice the ornament in his hands, I see my sweet baby kissing it.  He had taken a cross ornament off the tree.  Even though he isn't suppose to touch the ornaments, my heart was so full.

The spirit of my child has totally got me excited for Christmas.  I love teaching him about the real meaning.  I love seeing his eyes sparkle as he sees the lights outside of peoples homes.  I love that he is actually opening presents.  I love that he keeps the spirit of the season soo alive in our house.  

*Just a forewarning:  I might just take back all of that last paragraph after Christmas morning and he gets his drums :).