Christmas

Oh, the joy of Christmas morning. We had a good Christmas with a few twists. After opening the gifts we were supposed to get ready and head out to Plain City to my parents for the rest of the day. But the snow and wind was blowing was so bad, we didn't dare go. At about 3:00 the snow stopped and we headed out, but now we were packed and ready to spend the night at my parents. The big snow storm was coming later in the evening and we just didn't want to get caught in it. It just isn't Christmas without a big family gathering. This is what the living room looked like before the kids got to it. Everything on the picnic table was from Santa. It was arranged by the obsessive Mr. Clause himself. He did a great job.
Daniel had fun, but more with just life in general and all the action than the gifts. Oh, he loves all the bows. He had been taking them off the gifts from under the tree all month long. So it was no surprise to see him playing with them all morning.


Abby loved her clothes and toys. This is her "horse shirt" from her neighborhood grandparents, Bob and Carol. She loves it, and won't take it off when she puts it on. Not even for dress ups.

This is her modeling an outfit from Aunt Beth, I think. She loves to model her clothes. There is glitter on the pants, and that was the best part for her of course. She has to roll up all pants that are a little long, and in her own way.

I tried really hard to keep cleaning as we opened, but it was too hard to get around that picnic table. They do love the table though. It is meant to be used outside, but there is too much snow for now. We had a great day.

We really enjoyed being at our own house for the first time since we were married, and not having to load all the gifts to Plain City or to Florida. Not that we don't want to be there, but the gifts just get to be more and more each year. Last year we knew we just couldn't do all that hauling anymore. I also enjoyed the time sitting around the house being lazy and spending time with the kids waiting for the weather to clear up, after Abby stopped throwing her tantrum that we were going right then. All and all, it was a good Christmas.

Daniel's first time in the snow

Earlier in the season, I pondered getting Daniel some BLUE winter gear, but decided he probably wouldn't be out in the snow this year. But when the snow kept falling and I had to shovel yesterday so Frank could even get into the drive way after work, I had a problem on my hands. Daniel was awake and Abby really wanted to come play in the snow while I was out. He wouldn't be going down for sleep again until after dark that evening. So, what do you think I did? I found Abby's older pink snow pants and boots, pink mind you, and put them on him with his camo coat. I couldn't find Abby's older pink mittens, so we used two pair of socks on his hands. Heck, he didn't know the difference. How did Daniel like it? Not his favorite moment in life. Once I got everything on him, Abby and myself, we headed out into the snow. It was then that I realized a wonderful neighbor next door came by and snow blowed the whole driveway and the walk up to the door. It was still snowing, so would have to go over it again later, but not quite yet. So, I got the sled out of the shed and took the kids for a ride down the hill in the back yard. Daniel couldn't really sit up too well when I was pulling the sled, so he was leaning back on Abby as the snow kept falling in his face. He didn't like that, so he wiped his face with his snow covered glove. Boy, was he mad about that. I grabbed some dry tissue and wiped his face.
All and all, he kind of liked the sled ride down the hill, but he only went twice. It took longer to get him all ready to get in the snow, than he actually spent in it. I think next time Frank will just have to park his car in the road and dig himself out, if the nice neighbor doesn't come help again.

Preschool Fun

I wanted to share one of our preschool activities from this week. You know any one can go to the store and buy a gringer bread house kit. But not everyone can take gram crackers and frosting and makes a manger for baby Jesus. It could be harder than you think, or at least for a our four year old preschoolers. It is even harder when the four year old is FREAKING OUT that "it is starting to FFFAAAALLL!" Abby and her manger.

Bronson didn't care nearly as much about his manger as he did the frosting.
It was all about the frosting for him.

Let it snow, let it snow, let is snow..

Sam the Snowman This is Abby and mommy's own snowman. We made it this morning. Abby put in the arms and the nose, then picked out the mouth and the eyes. We used only things from outside for our friendly snowmand named Sam. Abby is crazy about him.

What is Abby up to?

This is Abby and Bronson in our little preschool. They are playing with snow on the kitchen table. They had so much fun.

This is Abby smiling for Frank as she playing with her friend's toy that got left at our house.


Abby has a great imagination. This is a mat turned into a bridge and she is riding her blanket horse over the bridge.

Oh, how cute.

A few rare moments of Daniel holding still. This is how Daniel folds his arms for prayers. He reminds us to bless our food when we forget by placing his fists under his chin. Too cute.
This is a picture Abby took on our way to Plain City for Thanksgiving dinner. I am just grateful that he is sleeping better these days and in the car sometimes. We have come a long way. When he was a few months old and for many more months we only dream he would ever sleep normal. He keeps us way busier than Abby did with his messes and all, but he makes a laugh too. We love this little guy.

One funny dude

Too cool, Daniel.

Who is that boy? He is a baby of many faces.