December extras

Harrison's second grade winter celebration program

I had lunch with Harrison at school for his birthday.  Naturally, Leo wanted me to also come have lunch with him.

Leo lost his two front teeth in one week.

He likes to write notes to the tooth fairy.

Harrison received a kids cookbook for his birthday.  The first recipe he wanted to make was homemade poptarts.  They were good.

Grace got a hold of some liquid eyeliner.

Later she found a red marker and thought it was lipstick.

Harrison actually asked for a picture of his blue mouth.

And he asked me to video his Lego creation.

Grace finished the Fall session of baby gymnastics.

One of our neighborhood grandmas runs bingo at the nursing home once a month.  We went to assist.  The boys loved helping so much that they want to go again.  They were in charge of wheeling the prize cart to the winner and doing whatever else was needed.

blowing the horn on the month and the year

Christmas beauties

Grace and I didn't make it to the Christmas service at church because she wasn't feeling well so I had everyone dress up last Sunday.  Leo needs no encouragement to pose for pictures.  He was ready to go.

beautiful dress on a beautiful girl

 Leo and Grace did good so I thought maybe I could get a good one with all the kids.  Harrison thought otherwise.  He wasn't feeling it.

This was the best one I could get of all three.

I tried to get a picture of Harrison and Grace together but Grace was done. 

I love it when I catch the kids being sweet.

Christmas

Oh Christmas morning, you come earlier every year.  We had to lay the law down with the boys before bed.  They were not allowed to leave their room before 6:00 AM (which was very hard for them) so at 6:01 we were downstairs opening gifts.  They were so happy with everything they received.

Harrison couldn't wait to try out his new electric toothbrush.  He brushed his teeth four times that day.

Finally, two hours later, Grace woke up.  It was a tad bit overwhelming first thing in the morning for her.

The boys got bikes.  They could not wait for the sun to come up so they could go outside and ride.  Neither one of the boys had ever ridden a bicycle before.  I was super impressed with how fast they picked it up.  Harrison is especially proud that he never used training wheels.

They have literally been riding every minute they can.  Grace went out to watch and then she & I went riding with the boys.

 the best picture I could get of Grace while I was pedaling

Gotta love the gifts that wear the kids out!

At the end of the day, when the antlers came out of Grace's hair and everyone was getting ready for bed.  Jeff whispered to me to look at Leo and Grace sitting calmly together with their cheeks touching.  The night before we talked with the kids about how Christmas is really all about love, and there it was.  Two of our best gifts ever!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve officially started with a visit from our friendly neighborhood Santa and two of his elves.  Grace was in the tub when he came which is just as well.  I prefer to avoid a screamfest  whenever possible.

We let the kids open their gifts to each other on Christmas Eve.  They could hardly wait to give their carefully selected presents.  Each was a hit!

 They were so happy.
Then we talked about the Christmas story and why we celebrate Christmas.
Next it was time to throw out reindeer food on the runway that Jeff and the boys made for Santa's sleigh.  (our roof is to pointy)

 Finally, cookies and milk for Santa were set out.

Do they look excited?