Christmas Morning

I think Elizabeth enjoyed tearing off the wrapping paper more than playing with the gifts.

Santa brought a huge bag of blocks for Michael. At first, he thought Santa accidentally left his toy bag at our house.

I love how excited they got over every present.

When Andrew discovered candy in his stocking he quickly dumped it out. Bypassing DVDs and other loot in search of chocolate.

Elizabeth wanted her American Girl twins to go for a ride on Andrew's mini coaster.

Elizabeth helped everyone open their presents. Most needed gift: James' Wireless Key Tracker

As soon as all the gifts were opened she changed into her matching ballerina tutu. Elizabeth did not want to put her Christmas dress on for church - she loves that she and her new doll match.

Michael said, "Christmas Eve and Christmas day have been the best ever."

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased.
Luke 2:14

More Holiday Fun

I helped with Michael's school party. He was so excited because his classmates loved my "Santa Says" game. He insisted on wearing my hat while making the craft.

Santa visited our MOMS Club party. He brought books for every child. Elizabeth couldn't believe he brought her a ballet book. She said, "How did you know that I love ballet?!"

Andrew enjoys the monthly crafts. He listens to the directions and sits with the older children at the table.

Elizabeth's preschool had a wonderful Christmas program. They sang many Christmas songs. During the first half Elizabeth saw that James came to see her. She couldn't contain her excitement. She stopped singing and had this huge grin on her face while waving profusely. During intermission she kept telling me that Daddy was here.

They did a retelling of the night Jesus was born. Elizabeth chose to be a donkey.

Saying her lines.

After the program each child got to say something to the audience.

Elizabeth loves the Nutcracker ballet so much my mom took her again. They had a fabulous girl's day out. She said it was the best present and that next year she wants Nani to take her to Bethlehem. When Michael was asked what present he wants from my parents he said samosas. They spent Christmas Eve making samosas for breakfast and lunch.

Riding the Christmas train at the mall
A few days before Christmas we took the children to see the hustle and bustle at the mall. They couldn't believe how busy it was. After riding the train we ate at Cheesecake Factory. Michael had a feast - reminding me of his earlier visits to Santa. He never cried but always had a much better time going out to eat. Andrew, on the other hand, would have preferred a few more train rides.

Breakfast with Santa

Michael took his talk with Santa very seriously this year. He reminded Santa to bring a lump of coal to anyone who hasn't been good. He then asked for books and blocks. Probably the most simple request of all the children in Nordstrom that morning. When Santa asked for the titles of books he wasn't sure. After mulling it over during breakfast he went back to give him some ideas.

Elizabeth asked for American Girl twins. Santa asked what else - and I gave him a crazy look. I think AG dolls are enough!?!
Andrew visited with Santa last. Though he wasn't scared this time he wasn't interested in posing. He started searching behind the chair for Santa's bag of candy. Guess it's safe to say he wants candy for Christmas - just like his father.

Michael opted for the Santa hat because it was the tallest.
The kids had fun at all the different stations.

Elizabeth had a beautiful sparkly Rudolph painted on her face.

Most toddlers wouldn't sit still for a face painting. Andrew went right up and said, "Paint my cheek, right here."

He chose a dolphin in Christmas colors.





The Nutcracker

Last week was Elizabeth's half birthday. After she chose what I would bake to celebrate we went shopping for a small present. She chose this Nutcracker because I was taking her to the ballet. It's so sweet that she's been taking it to sleep every night in anticipation of the performance.

Posing with the Sugar Plum Fairy
We talked about the ballet, the plot and the music. Since she has begun studying ballet I was especially excited for her to see a performance. Walking into the theater, she said, "Oh no! I forgot my ballet slippers." I had to remind her that we would be watching and not participating.

She was well behaved and seemed to be soaking everything in.
She chose this new dress then accessorized with a purse and diamond pendant (thanks Nani and Papa!)

During intermission I asked what she liked so far. She responded that she loved everything. The show lasted nearly two and a half hours, and only in the last fifteen minutes did she dance in the aisle. As we were leaving she heard the ushers saying there was a night performance. She asked if we could go for that one too. The two of us shared such a special evening together. She is becoming a little lady and quite good company too.

The Christmas Season is here

While looking through toy catalogs, Elizabeth and Michael found this nativity scene. They both put it on their list. When Advent began they were thrilled to have it early.

Each child put their baby picture ornament on the tree.

Michael was trying to put it as high as he could.

Elizabeth moves her ornament everyday.
They all enjoyed trimming the downstairs tree with me.
In the first twenty-four hours, eight ornaments were broken. But none since.

My big helper setting up supplies for the Christmas candy cottage.


This time Andrew helped. I was hoping he would be more interested in eating but he wanted to decorate. It was a huge mess and took forever.

Elizabeth used my cake decorating tools and loved it. Maybe she will start baking with me.

Our last cottage of the year. They're already talking about ideas for Valentine's Day.

St. Nicholas made his visit.

Holiday after school snack I made:
Santa's hat chocolate tarts

Spending Thanksgiving with family and friends
Above with some of my cousins
And below with family friend, Uncle Sam

While in Charleston, we went to a birthday party at the country club.
Here the kids are walking around eating lamb-sicles.
After having gone to a birthday party with hot dogs and pizza, my foodies loved this soiree.
Michael said, "This is my kind of party."

Thought the children made plenty of Thanksgiving crafts in school, I loved this turkey Michael made. He is thankful for God, his Mom and food.

Elizabeth's preschool had a big feast. They cooked plenty of food over the days leading up.

Here she is making applesauce. I led the blueberry muffin baking room. The children loved creating their own dishes.

Our feast table

Random day at the museum. Andrew is getting so big, he may not be running around in a onesie much longer.

Family Portraits 2011

We had our most successful Christmas pictures ever.
There were no tears or drama. Even the photographer said it was the best session she'd had in awhile.

Michael and Elizabeth posing in front of the tree.

The out takes of Andrew standing were hilarious. They finally got the chair out to contain him.

Merry Christmas!

Elizabeth was very into posing this year. In the past we've had tears tolling down her face and today she kept smiling even after the camera was off.

Big smiles!