The Briggs Family: 2011

Saturday, December 24, 2011

12/24/2011 Christmas Eve

We just got home from Christmas Eve Mass. I couldn't believe how packed and crowded the church was. Luckily, the ushers took pity on the pregnant mom and brought us some chairs. We still had to sit in the greeting area and watch the mass on a television, but at least we were somewhat comfortable.

So sweet!

We had Chinese take-out after church. It's one of Matt's favorite Christmas traditions!

Messy after Chinese food, but still super cute!

A Christmas Eve tradition at the Briggs house: the kids get to open one present from Mommy and Daddy. They always get a new pair of holiday pajamas to wear that night so that they look adorable for Christmas morning and all the pictures we take during present opening.

Tysen just wouldn't sit still so long. He's too busy!

Alexa and Gavin are fascinated with another Christmas movie, Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Alexa, Gavin, and Tysen opening their first Christmas gift

12/23/2011

Alexa and I had a girls day on Friday. First we went to get her hair cut. She was so excited and told everyone she saw that she was going to the hair salon (we just went to Mastercuts). Then we went out for lunch at the Chinese restaurant. Then she helped me get our Christmas grocery shopping done. I really enjoyed spending some one on one time with her. (Her brothers were at daycare.)

She has the most beautiful hair and everyone there thought so, too. She told the hair stylist that her hair turned red because she ate so many strawberries!

Friday night we had family movie night and watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

They look so cute in their pajamas.

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

These were the pictures from our 4th attempt at getting a good Christmas card photo. The first 3 attempts were at home on my personal camera. I got so frustrated that we decided to let the professionals handle it! We got some great ones! The only downfall was that our dog, Gabbi, didn't make the card this year.

Merry Christmas to all!

Monday, December 19, 2011

12/19/2011

Tysen had his 1 year wellness check up today. He weighed 20 lbs 10 oz (25%) and measured 30 inches (75%). We had a long discussion about Tysen's possible milk intolerance/allergy and his pediatrician recommended having some blood drawn to test. I was also surprised when Tysen was referred to an opthamologist for his eyes. Tysen was born with blocked tear ducts that seemed to improve as he got older, however his eyes are still always very watery and he often looks like he has been crying when he has not been. The pediatrician said it is possible that his tear ducts may still be blocked and he may need a minor surgery to open them up.

Tonight after supper Alexa and Gavin helped build and decorate a gingerbread Christmas tree from a kit. They loved it!

Waiting so patiently while Alexa is taking her turn

Alexa is excited about the tree. She kept asking, "Are we going to eat it?"

Tysen watched us while he finished his supper.

Pouring the "snow" on top of the tree

Don't tell the kids that I said this, but this is probably the ugliest Christmas tree ever! It looks more like a green volcano erupted! The pictures on the box were so pretty! Oh well, the kids had fun!