Christmas 2011

Christmas morning.  Kids woke to find that Santa had brought them a trampoline and a Rody horse. Big hits.  They were a little frightened at first - but soon settled in to all of the presents. 

John ripped right into a Snuggle Buddy from Auntie Kell. 

Elinor chose the Button Art from the Smiths

Then it was time for kids to strip down to their underwear which they so frequently do.  I think they get that from their Uncle Peter. 

 John was intent on showing me what his remote control Thomas could do up at the counter while I fixed cinnamon rolls for breakfast. 

The magnetic dress up dolls kept Elinor busy. 

Playing with Daddy 

My favorite picture of the day.  It just says it all! 

Andy's family arrived the day after Christmas and stayed for a few days. We had the whole crew here.  Although in years past we have always traveled for Christmas to be with family, I have to admit that I liked having just the four of us here for the actual holiday.  A new tradition has been born.  

Happy New Year everyone!

What's not to love?

Seriously... what's not to love about this cold weather????

Just chillin'

I bundled up the twins this morning and we all went out for a walk with Lloyd today at the nearby baseball fields.  Lloydie ran and we chased after him.  Our cheeks were red by the time we got home.  I cooked up a batch of homemade hot chocolate and put some in their sippy cups.  Elinor loved it... John... not so much.   I fed them lunch at around 11:45 and by noon they were both begging for their "jammies on".  That cold air must have tired them out.  I put them down for their nap and they were asleep by 12:30 and did not wake until 3:30.  I started to get a bit bored by the third hour.  Then when they were up from the nap they wanted to strip down.  Whatever!   We weren't going anywhere else.  We enjoyed our day!

Holiday Stress

I write about this every year.  There is always too much to do in such a short amount of time.  I looked back on the last two holidays to see how late we put the tree up, here and here.  Yup, we are even later this year. Still no tree.  However, we were smart and hung the outside lights before Thanksgiving.  So any drive byers or onlookers will think we are ready for Christmas from the outside.  Christmas gifts have been bought.. a few but nothing wrapped or shipped to other little girls and boys.  I figure this year or next year may be the last that I can go unorganized....
However, the good news is.... we have new carpet going in probably by next week.  I cannot tell you how happy that makes me.  This carpet we have now is original to the house I am sure.  It shows.
Snapped a couple of pics of the kids this morning on our way out the door. It may be impossible to get a picture for Christmas cards this year.  They are so difficult to photograph.  Although it would be a dream to get them with neat hair and faces and pretty outfits... that's just not our reality.  Ha!