Santa at Lourde's College

Gingerbread House

Christmas at my Parents

Christmas can be a very busy and hectic time. Run, run, run. All that running can be overwhelming and make Christmas not what it is supposed to be all about. The last few years we have been able to really spread it out so there was none of that running. We can sit back and enjoy some family time. First up was my parents house. I felt like I ate all day. I did eat all day. I did stop to play a little Just Dance. Brooke is really good at keeping up with the dancers. The rest of us were breaking a sweat and taking turns. Brooke just kept on moving.

The kids all enjoyed their presents and stayed pretty busy with all the new toys that were around.

Brooke has a whole Zhu Zhu village and the animals that sound more like dolphins than hamsters. Lindsey loves giving all people kisses. Real or not.

Disney on Ice 2011

We were able to take the girls to Disney on Ice again this year. Thanks Aunt Amanda! They LOVED it. Lindsey wouldn't sit. She was pressed up against the glass laughing and dancing.

Brooke was beyond excited that the princesses played such a huge part in the show.

Brooke's excited face.

Lindsey loving the show.

Alice in Wonderland

First Snowman 2011

The weather has been a little odd this winter. I am not complaining. I would take warmer temperatures and rain any day over the frigid temperatures we usually have that start in November and last way too long. Brooke kept asking when we going to get snow. She could hardly contain her excitement when she woke up and found just the right snowman snow on the ground. Her heart was broken when I told her she would have to wait till she was home from preschool before she could build a snowman. Once she finished what little bit she eats she was pulling out her snowpants and boots.

She was outside first and I could see she was really rolling out good sized snowman mounds. I went out and helped her finish up and stacking the snowman together.

Brooke LOVED her snowman.

Welcome Nolan

My newest nephew was welcomed Monday.

Nolan Robert

7lbs 4 oz 20 inches

This little guy has no clue what he is in for

I just can't get over how little he is. It is amazing how fast you forget.

5 year stats and shots

Before Bass Pro last week Brooke had her 5 year well visit.

36 pounds

42 inches tall

Dtap and Polio Vaccine

Brooke desperately wants to pick out her own booster seat and get out of the car seat. At the rate she is growing she may still need the booster for her driving test.

I usually have the girls get their flu shots every year at their well visit. 3 shots all at once just seemed like way too much for Brooke and myself to handle. Oh my! I always thought how heartbreaking it was to take my kids for shots when they were babies. This one just tops any shot visit so far. Girl screamed from the moment the nurses came in with them until we were out in the car. Brooke is good at making everyone feel bad. She made it out of that place like a bandit. Hands were full of strawberry shortcake toys, stickers, suckers, and pencils with Christmas erasers. Her band aids made it through 2 baths because she swore it still hurt to take them off.

Just like my kids they seem to end up sick within a week of their well visits.

Now the question is, will we make it back for the flu shot?

Bass Pro Winter Wonderland 2011

We figured we would get out early last week to take the girls to winter wonderland at Bass Pro. The place can get pretty hectic and busy as Christmas approaching. Tim and I try and avoid any place like this on the weekend. They have a pretty neat set up.

Brooke wanted to write a letter to send to Santa and Lindsey preferred to scribble on a coloring page for Santa. Once they were done Santa was in his seat ready to hear what they wanted for Christmas and if they have been good girls. I will have to scan that picture once I figure out where our scanner even is.

There are lots of other activities for the kids to enjoy. Remote control trucks and a toy train were set up to play with. Brooke knocked down a few ducks playing with a kids version of a bow and arrow.

Lindsey enjoyed the kid size tent set up in a winter wonderland. She would have stayed in there the whole time. Especially with all the kids and people walking by saying hello to her.

After the duck hunting Brooke moved on to a laser gun shooting range. She was pretty excited each time she actually hit the targets.

Lights at the Zoo

The weather was perfect for a night at the zoo. Not too cold and with my besties from college. We They have all moved away. Every time we get together we not only reminisce about the crazy days of college but where we are now and how we wish we could do this more often.

The ever famous gigantic tree with so many Christmas lights you can't stare at it for long without squinting your eyes.

Brooke's favorite the dancing lights set to Christmas music. Lindsey was happy to be up and moving with the kids.

Lovin' on Daddy.

The usual end to a zoo trip, a carousel ride.

Once we were done at the zoo the kids went home to be tucked in bed and babysitters waiting for them. The adults got some time to go out and catch up with some beverages and balls at Jed's.

Floppin Fish

Lindsey loves the water. Her teacher called me the other night with an update on how she was doing with preschool. It came as no surprise to me when she said she especially like to play at the sink. Recently, she has started flopping to her belly in the tub and kicking her feet all around. She does do an hour in the pool every week at PMD so it is the only thing I can think of that is making her love to swim. I wouldn't really call it swimming. She kind of flops around like a fish out of water. Pretty funny site to see.

Feeding Dilemma

Ah yes, the never ending feeding dilemma. I never thought I would still be feeding my 3 year old. I am determined to get her going. She can be quite demanding and yelling at mealtimes and all I can think is, if you would just feed yourself you would already be eating. So it goes on and on. Until now. The girl is feeding herself. Now I am not talking a cheeseburger or a slice of pizza. Anything on a spoon or fork she will take right up to her mouth.

She does need some help with the scooping depending on what she is eating. If I get it on there for her and leave the spoon sit in the bowl, viola eating. Oh, what a great thing to sit at the dinner table and have everyone eating at the same time.

This is HUGE progress and I am just as happy as she is.

I could just kiss that applesauce and taco face.