Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Our First "Nohman"

I REALLY wanted to make a snowman this year. Max was very interested in the 'balls' that I was rolling in the snow and added his special touch - a tennis ball. Kate was interested in watching from a distance until I added the sticks (random fear), then she wanted nothing to do with him.
So here he is - our first snowman with ginger snaps for eyes, a carrot for a nose, and blueberries for a mouth!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Let It Snow!

We got 6+ inches of SNOW!

Max calls it "Noh Noh"

Kate calls it "Noh"
I call it an excuse to take an extra long walk!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

WOW!!!

I can not describe the excitement and joy this day brought to our family. I have tears in my eyes as I write this post because today was everything I imagined it would be - my own children thrilled by every thing, food item, and person in our very own home!

We are very blessed to be surrounded by so many people that love us, our children, and each other. Thank you to everyone who traveled, cooked, cleaned, put together toys, and played like they were kids again.

Thank you for the phone calls, skype time, cards, emails, texts, and special packages from all over the world!

Highlights...
Andy teaches Max to write on the windows

Andy teaches Kate to use her baby gear as a catapult

Jenny lets Kate 'read' to her

Mimi and Pop Pop surprise Max and Kate after their nap with a kitchen






Lana and Charles skype with the kids while they open their gifts and model


Uncle Matt Arrives

Family Feast and Secret Santa Gifts

Santa brings Kate a Baby Doll and Stroller


Santa Brings Max a Train


Santa brings both an activity table

Santa left a tent by the tree

Christmas Brunch Preparation



Quick Email Check


Bye-Bye Andy and Jenny

Play time with Uncle Matt

From Christmas 2010

We skype with Grandma Mary, Papa D, Abigail, Liz, Emma, and Bill and open gifts


Christmas 2010!!!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Santa

We had an opportunity to visit with Santa at a fundraiser for Toys for Tots. Santa was very sweet with lots of stories, pictures, magic, snow, bells, and jolly laughs. Max said "Bye Bye" the minute Santa appeared but came around once he spotted a truck. Kate was bribed with a box (or two) of raisins to listen to Santa. Now, they both wave to Santa, say his name, and Kate says "Ho, Ho, Ho" when she sees him.



I am proud say that they were very excited to add their toys to the pile for other children!

We Love Daddy!

From December

...and Daddy Loves Us!

Play Nation

Play Nation is a super neat concept - outdoor play sets INDOORS!
Log cabins with kitchens, rope ladders, slides, bounce houses, tire swings...


Friday, December 17, 2010

It's always a good day when...

...Mimi visits!

A Visit From Uncle Rick

Max fell in love with Uncle Rick the moment he walked in. No warm-up needed, just chase the kid and play peek-a-boo and you are a hit!


Kate needed a little warm-up time but once she engaged Uncle Rick in a game of run-and-hug, she had a new friend.


Pop Pop knows how to lure the kids in with his phone apps!