Merry Christmas to our family and friends! It has been a relaxing holiday break so far (with the exception of the way-crowded trip to the Children's Museum). It's nearly lunch time and I'm still lounging about in my sweats and glasses while Andy and the kids play Wii Monopoly. There's a fire crackling and our bellies and hearts are full....awesome. Yesterday, the kids went around delivering Christmas Braid to the neighbors and then played in the snow while Andy did some shoveling and I baked some cookies for Santa. Andy fixed a delicious cracked pepper beef tenderloin for dinner; we sat around watching
A Christmas Story afterward while sipping on wassail. This has been our first Christmas EVER by ourselves and I must say, I rather like it! I'm wishing those that I've been a little out of touch with a very happy holiday...friends with new additions to their family, friends overseas, friends whose blogs I still regularly follow-but hardly comment on, and family I hardly see any more. You are all still in my thoughts and I wish you a safe and memorable season.
Andy and I think this handmade hat is adorable on Hanna, but I'm not sure she's convinced yet... Aunt Joanne and Uncle Joe in AZ sent some fun things for the kiddos.....thanks to them! Joel is excited to assemble these neat dinosaur kits.
Thanks to Aunt Susan and Uncle Henry for the books and clothes...everything looks great and Joel's already started
Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Loves it!
Grandma Mooberry keeps Hanna well-stocked with Middleton Dolls!
We went to the Children's Museum on Wednesday (just me and the kids) and it was PACKED! We made it a quick run -through of our favorites after waiting in line for 1/2 hour for the jolly days slide. I love this pic on the carousel...personality, eh?
The story behind the slide pics: in order to get a picture of the kids, I had to go down first, whip out the camera, and be ready as the kids came down side-by-side. Of course that didn't happen, as Hanna slid faster than Joel. So I waited to try and get them both in the shot...ended up with Hanna out of the frame..argh! So all I have is this lame consolation shot of her turning in the cloth!
Merry Christmas to our family and friends! It has been a relaxing holiday break so far (with the exception of the way-crowded trip to the Children's Museum). It's nearly lunch time and I'm still lounging about in my sweats and glasses while Andy and the kids play Wii Monopoly. There's a fire crackling and our bellies and hearts are full....awesome. Yesterday, the kids went around delivering Christmas Braid to the neighbors and then played in the snow while Andy did some shoveling and I baked some cookies for Santa. Andy fixed a delicious cracked pepper beef tenderloin for dinner; we sat around watching A Christmas Story afterward while sipping on wassail. This has been our first Christmas EVER by ourselves and I must say, I rather like it! I'm wishing those that I've been a little out of touch with a very happy holiday...friends with new additions to their family, friends overseas, friends whose blogs I still regularly follow-but hardly comment on, and family I hardly see any more. You are all still in my thoughts and I wish you a safe and memorable season.
Andy and I think this handmade hat is adorable on Hanna, but I'm not sure she's convinced yet... Aunt Joanne and Uncle Joe in AZ sent some fun things for the kiddos.....thanks to them! Joel is excited to assemble these neat dinosaur kits.
Thanks to Aunt Susan and Uncle Henry for the books and clothes...everything looks great and Joel's already started Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Loves it!
Grandma Mooberry keeps Hanna well-stocked with Middleton Dolls!
We went to the Children's Museum on Wednesday (just me and the kids) and it was PACKED! We made it a quick run -through of our favorites after waiting in line for 1/2 hour for the jolly days slide. I love this pic on the carousel...personality, eh?
The story behind the slide pics: in order to get a picture of the kids, I had to go down first, whip out the camera, and be ready as the kids came down side-by-side. Of course that didn't happen, as Hanna slid faster than Joel. So I waited to try and get them both in the shot...ended up with Hanna out of the frame..argh! So all I have is this lame consolation shot of her turning in the cloth!
We didn't get any fishing in this summer with the grandparents, so a little museum ice fishing will have to do!
Hanna was a wise man/king in the preschool Christmas play this year. She did great!
A new bicycle for her 5th birthday. I cannot believe how fast time flies with these kiddos...Hanna's getting so big and smart, and Joel's becoming so mature and observant!
Uncle Tim/Aunt MaryAnn and Trevor got Hanna this cute Barbie Race Car Driver outfit for her b-day....perfect for our little daredevil!
Andy and Trevor enjoy some popcorn on the hearth at the party. Trevor's becoming quite the little man too! His little brother will be here any day now! We are all thinking about Uncle Tim and wishing him the best as he celebrates Christmas in Afghanistan over a movie and some Boy Scout popcorn! :0)
Cheesin' it up at Gradma Ellis' keyboard! I think Joel always tries to take personal responsibility for Trevor's well-being when they are together...it's cute!
The famed cousins shot at this year's Thanksgiving gathering....it's getting harder to get all of them looking at once...
Joel's first basketball game of the season. The team struggles a bit, but they are having fun and learning, and Joel likes it that his PE teacher is the coach. Go MV Celtics!
