Mystery Santa Visits the Flecks

This morning when Brad was leaving for work, he noticed a large red package on our front porch. It had a note on it that said Fleck Family Open Now. He brought it upstairs and we unwrapped the red packaging and there were 3 boxes in it. One had a picture of Bob and Larry on the box and inside was the Veggie Tale Stable. It has a star at top with Laura on it and when you push it she sings Oh Little Town of Bethleham. There was a note inside that talked about the stables in the Bible times. The other two boxes were the Willow Tree Creche and Willow tree stars set. I have always wanted this set and it looks like we are going to get to start this collection! We have no idea who has left this for us! But it was such a surprise and we are excited to see it all play out for us! Bray and Alea have played non stop with their Veggie Tale stable. So, if one of you are our secret Santa--THANK YOU!!! This is so much fun!!! We'll keep you all updated on what happens next....

All Dressed Up

Saturday night we went to Garth and Sherri's wedding. All of us wore red and black without even planning it! So, it was the perfect time to get some pictures of the kiddos. Alea didn't want to cooperate, but we did the best we could. I now know why I hire a professional photographer to capture our family pictures!!! Enjoy, Grandma!!! (Don't you love how Alea's pony tail is in my face???)

TIs the Season for Gingerbread

I'm a gingerbread builder too!

YUMMY....I LOVE FROSTING

Mom's House

Kiki's Gingerbread House



Bray's Gingerbread Man

Braylen and Carmen's House

The Back of Braylen and Carmen's house

While in highschool, mom and I started a tradition of building simple gingerbread houses each Christmas. We have done this each year, with the exception of last year when we were in Taiwan. Each year we have had different people with us. This year Carrie, Braylen and Alea joined us. We had a great time! It was so much fun watching Braylen get so excited to decorate. Alea wanted to join us, so mom gave her a spoon and icing and she was so proud that she was getting to participate. Then she discovered it was icing and it tasted, oh so yummy!!! We had a great time and the village is on display at my house this year.

First Snow of the Season

We woke to a blanket of snow on Wednesday morning. Braylen had a delay for preschool, but I decided to keep her home all together, it wasn't worth getting out for only 1 hour of school. She begged and begged to go outside and play. Finally about 11 I let her even though she doesn't have snow pants yet. She had so much fun. Alea wanted to go out too, but we don't have snow gear for yet. She stood at the door and watched Braylen romp and roll in the snow. It was very cold outside, so she only played out for about 1/2 hour, but she had a blast!

Christmas Cookies

Braylen and I baked Christmas cookies this week. I put the icing on and she decorated them all by herself. She did an amazing job! I could not believe how much she has improved since last year when we baked these! I had to take a picture to show you the great job she did! Of course, all the cookies have since disappeard since these are one of Brad's favorites :)

Braylen's Christmas Program

Braylen did an awesome job in her program Sunday Night! She sang all the songs so very well. We could hear her singing in the crowd. She paid attention and did all the motions. She is very dramatic when she sings. It is so cute to watch her. We were amazed at how much she has improved since her program last year. It was a great evening.

Braylen had a very big day today. We went to church in the morning and then home for a quick lunch. Then she and I headed off for a Christmas Ballet. When that was over we had just enough time to get home and get dressed before heading off to the Christmas program at school.

Christmas Time!!

Braylen has a few new very dressy dresses this year and she loves getting the chance to wear them. I love that she still likes to wear frilly things. Here she is before her Preschool Christmas program.

Alea's New Dress

Alea loves to dress up, especially when she gets to put her black shiny shoes on! Braylen wore a red dress for her Christmas program, so we decided to dress Alea up too and get their Christmas picture. Bray wore a headband, so of course Alea wanted to as well, at first. Then she decided it was more fun to take it in and out. We left it at home!!! We think she looks so good in red!

Posing Alea

Yesterday Alea and I were sitting at the computer and the camera was sitting beside the keyboard and she started pointing to it. She wanted me to take her picture! I was a little close to her, but as soon as I turned it on, she started posing!