The Muller Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Better late than never! Some photos from our Christmas.
On our way to church.

Sprinkling food for Santa's reindeer.

It must have worked since Santa left this for the girls.

The excitement barreling down the stairs!

Meredith started to climb right in.

Clay's signed football from Paul Rhodes!

Then some outside fun!

5 years old!

What a fun month this has been to turn 5! We were able to help Abby Muller celebrate her 5th birthday too! These girls are so funny together and we are so happy to have them back in Iowa so we can spend more time together!

Happy 5th Birthday Lauren!

Lauren turned 5 on December 15th and had a GREAT day! She was so excited to hang out with and bring treats to her friends at day care. Then we went to eat Mexican (Lauren's pick) with friends! As parents, it was a wonderful decision to get her a bike, since she now rides it around the kitchen. She loved the pillow pet that Meredith got for her too!

Lauren, you are such a joy to our lives! You are very polite and thoughtful. You love to take care of all of your animals, your babies, your sister and help mom in any way that you can. You love to play with all your Disney dolls and your doll house. You love to sing and dance (to music that is probably too old for you). You always want music to be playing loudly. You are a girly girl and love to have someone braid your hair, paint your nails and wear dresses and sparkle shoes, but you can't wait to go hunting with your dad (and keep asking how old you have to be to get a pink gun). You are particular and like everything in the order that you find necessary. You love the color blue! Your favorite food is Mexican and pizza. You are a good eater, but you don't like everything mixed together (for ex. a spaghetti dinner, you prefer the meat, sauce and spaghetti all separate). You love to play with your cousins and friends and give them all hugs and try to pick them up when you see them. You are an early riser and hate sleeping alone. You have an amazing memory and know your directions/surroundings very well. You are strong-willed. You love to read, write and color. You are very observant. You are a wonderful big sister! You have a very tender heart. You have a creative imagination! Lauren, it is amazing how much you have grown in the past year and how you are starting to become a young lady instead of a child. We love you and can't wait to see what this next year will bring for you!

Lauren's Birthday Party!

Lauren was so excited for her party and had difficulty waiting all day for it to start. She couldn't wait for all of her friends to come and play with her. She had a blast! Thanks to all who took the time to come...Lauren (and all of us) thank you all!!!

Back row: Cousin Micah, Lauren, Ben and Hayden (her best friends from day care)
Front row: Makenzie (Hayden's sister and her and Meredith are in the same room at day care too), Meredith, Makenna (neighbor and friend) and Cousin Eli.

Lauren and Hayden. These girls crack me up! They are only 10 days apart in age and have been in the same room together at their day care since they were newborns...and forever friends!

Our family of four!

Eli and Meredith being silly!

Hayden and Lauren!

Running from play set to play set.

The girls with Nana and Papa Muller! Thanks for coming (thanks to Nana Kathy and Papa Rich too..sorry I didn't seem to get a picture with you..bad daughter/mother I know)

Makenna Champlin and Lauren.

Lauren and THE Ben. We hear so much about Ben, Ben, Ben in our house and we were so happy to have him join us for Lauren's party.

I think Meredith may have enjoyed herself and the attention even more than Lauren. She strutted around the place with her cute belly hanging out. Too funny!

She tried so hard to reach both rings at the same time and finally did it by the end of the night!

A HOPEful Christmas

There are several reasons why we love our church, but these two videos are wonderful examples. Yes, some may think our church is a little too large, but the opportunities and excitement towards celebrating a wonderful life with God keeps us going there. The first video is one of Lauren's songs for her Christmas program. She loves singing (she always has music playing around her) and enjoys even more performing up in front of the church. I know not everyone will appreciate the first video, but please take the time to view the second video. I didn't get my camera out fast enough, but this song was my favorite in the older kids program. I am so happy that our girls are able to experience how cool it can to celebrate God in your life.


Click below for Lauren's video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BZRJHtP9jc

Click below for the second video.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDvqjbtqxkE


I wish I would have taped the entire thing. There was even a Justin Bieber look alike that started the song out.

Christmas on the Triangle

Santa makes a trip to the Waukee Triangle every year and this was the first time we were able to partake in the festivities. We braved the cold and enjoyed the wonderful small town feel that we can still experience in our town. Lauren was so excited that Santa knew her name and couldn't wait to tell remind him about the Twinkle Toe Sketchers and Pillow Pet that she is requesting this holiday season.

Meredith wasn't as excited but did very well considering she didn't take a nap and it also well past her bedtime.

Not only did Santa arrive in town, but there were also free horse carriage rides, apple cider, hot cocoa, chili and ice sculptures (done by a chain saw). It was fun time and we will definitely go again.