Christmas Afternoon

After a fun morning at home, we headed to my parents' house for Christmas celebration #3! (You'd think we'd be tired of it by this point, but no way! We were fully in the "Christmas Spirit.") It was bittersweet not having Megan and Jeff with us this year. Bitter because they were obviously missing and it just felt strange but sweet because we knew they were at the hospital with their precious little baby girl. Even though the newest cousin couldn't be there, these cousins sure had a good time celebrating together!

Jeff and Charlie

Boppo reading the Christmas story from Luke

"Hey there. Opening these presents can take a long time. Want a snack?"

Grandma helps Charlie open a gift
Grace decided to keep her present a surprise by opening it with her eyes closed.

Nap time = Adult time

Grace playing with her new princess castle...something she has been doing A LOT since Christmas. It's really like a gift to me the way it keeps her busy! =)
What a great day filled with special memories!

Christmas Morning

On Christmas morning, we opened presents and played, played, played! It's hard to believe that being a parent and watching Christmas through the eyes of your child is actually more fun than being the child, but it is true. It cracked me up the way the kids played with each other's new toys more than they played with their own. Grace had a great time setting up Charlie's new train set, and he was very intrigued with her princess scooter. It was such a fun morning!

Grace with her Princess "Tooter" Charlie figuring out how to use his tools

Opening stockings

Playing with his new train set

Feeding Bitty in her new high chair

What a fun morning!!

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve with Jeff's side of the family. We started our celebration by attending the family service at University Presbyterian. The kids loved the music and the lively performance, and we all enjoyed being in such a family-friendly atmosphere. It was a great way to remember the true reason for all of this celebrating!

After church we went back to Jeff's parents' house for dinner and presents. The kids had so much fun opening gifts and playing with all their new toys.

Bop read The Night Before Christmas to get us all in the mood. Charlie was really into the story.
Opening stockings...

Charlie kept us entertained as he tried out his new bowling set. He would stand right next to the pins then throw the ball over the top.

I love the look of pure joy on Charlie's face in this picture. It is his reaction to his new dog toy from Uncle Ryan and Aunt Lindsay. He absolutely loves his "oggy" and has been taking it for walks all over the house.

Charlie played some music for us on the piano...
but it sounded much better when Grammy helped him out.
Thank you, Grammy and Bop, for such a fun night!

Introducing...

My beautiful new niece, Lily. Isn't she so adorable?!?!

She was born on the 23rd to my sister, Megan, and her husband, Jeff.Grace meeting her first girl cousin...

Such a sweetheart!

Fresh Air and Winter Hats

Days when we can play outside this time of year are a rare treat. We took advantage of a sun break a few days ago and finally got some fresh air. I just couldn't resist taking pictures of the kiddos in their cute winter hats.

Our Little Rockette

If you happen to run into Grace today, she will probably excitedly tell you about what she did yesterday. She's told several strangers at the store, neighbors, anyone who will listen. I would say it was one of the most fun things she has experienced in your short little life. Here is a hint:

Yes, she went to see the Rockettes with her Grammy and Bop. Then she got to go to "The Issaquah Red Robin" (not to be confused with other Red Robins) where she ate "Ice Cream for dessert!" She came home with this little outfit and has not wanted to take it off. She has announced numerous times today that she now wants to be a Rockette when she grows up.

She's even ready to take pictures with her adoring fans. (This adoring fan has been calling her Santa all morning.)

Thank you Grammy and Bop for taking this little Rockette on such a special date!

More Christmas Fun

Last week we had our traditional cookie making day at Grandma's house with Auntie Kate, Jacob, and Hudson. We had such a fun time making yummy cookies and creating a huge mess! It is a fun cousin tradition that I hope continues for many years.

Charlie "helped" just long enough to be in a few pictures.Grace, on the other hand, was busy the whole morning rolling out dough, cutting out shapes...frosting the cookies...decorating with LOTS of sprinkles...and, or course, eating! Here is one of her finished masterpieces. (Note the 2 inch pile of sprinkles on top.)
A couple of days later, it was time to get out Daddy's train! The kids always love helping Jeff put the track together and drive the train. I loved sitting back and watching Jeff have so much fun sharing this time with the kids.

So much fun!

I love Christmas. I have so many fun memories from this time of year, and many of them center around the advent calendar that my mom made for us each year. Each day we would open a note or get a surprise. The notes told of the fun things we would do that day. The advent calendar is one tradition that I have loved continuing on with my own kids. Our calendar has pockets, and each day the kids have either a note or a surprise in their pocket. Some days they get figures for their nativity scene with part of the Christmas story. Some days they get small treats. Most days they get a note telling them the fun activity for the day. Here are some of the things we have done.


We went to cut down our tree. What an experience! It was getting dark. Both kids were whining about being thirsty because their brilliant mom had given them crackers on the way there (we didn't want hungry kids!) but didn't bring any water. Grace walked around saying, "This is hard work!" It was hard work. There were thousands of trees but none that were all that attractive. We finally chose one as the sun began to set. It has a lot of character. =)

Jeff and Charlie on the hunt.

Grace thought this one was perfect. Maybe if we had 30 feet ceilings!

We decorated the tree...And had hot cocoa...

We had a movie night! We froze at the tree lighting ceremony.We went to visit Santa!

All dressed up to visit the Big Guy...The kids did great. Grace sat down and talked with Santa for a minute and remembered to tell him about the "tooter" that she wants. Charlie wouldn't sit next to him, but he stood on box nearby for the picture.

The best part of the visit was the candy cane suckers.Luckily we still have 2 more weeks until Christmas because we have a lot more fun things planned!