A Beautiful Night, We're Happy Tonight

Papa came with us to the Santa Claus parade, and Henry went to Grandma & Grandpa's because there was a freezing drizzle coming down.

We did ok with our umbrellas, we took the stroller in case one of the girls got sick of standing, but all it got used for was holding candy - I couldn't believe how much was handed out to the girls!

The day before our 12th wedding anniversary we went downtown for Up on the Rooftops with Misti, Dan, and Bill - no kids!  It was wonderful, we had dinner, then walked together downtown and checked out some of the upstairs homes and businesses.

Then we went to JP's and felt pretty hip until a kid who worked there commented that the guys looked like they were sleeping.  I suppose they do look a bit tired.

With the super cold temperatures outside we have been spending even more time in the basement playing with all of the toys!

It doesn't matter what the temperature is outside, the girls are ALWAYS taking off their socks!

Henry loves working at the toolbench with Elmo.

Leila has been doing more picture taking, she thinks it is the best.

She is getting better, but does tend to cut off heads most of the time.

The girls love to play on the ipad whenever I will let them.  There are tons of educational games that make me feel like they are learning.

They sometimes even work together on projects, like stacking like colors.

Henry looks pretty happy with the mess he just made all over his face.  

And just about as happy helping to clean it up!

For an early Christmas present we got Henry two CAT trucks that he can ride or walk behind and both work with building blocks so he can really grow into them.

Here is another Leila shot, but Henry is not in the mood for another picture.

Getting ready for the Christmas card, I took a bunch of close pictures of each of the girls,

Stella was harder to get a good one of.

This was as good as it got.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!  May God bless you and keep you in the coming year.

In the Lane, Snow is Glistenin'

We are getting ready for Christmas!  How to start?

Bundle up and go pick out a Christmas tree!

It was a bit snowier that we anticipated, but we found a good tree...

Nice and prickly to keep little hands to themselves.

Leila and Stella helped me to pay for the tree

Stella needed a boost.

Jer got the tree attached to the minivan.

Henry took a nap while we got everything set.

After the tree, you need to put up lights!  Leila is helping

sort of.

I made Henry some wheat, egg, and milk free bread, he is pretty impressed, I think.

Henry is checking out the nativity.

After stringing the lights on the tree, it is time for ornaments!

The girls did a lot of helping, they are quick at getting ornaments out of boxes and moving on to the next one.

Henry got to have his turn for in the sleigh by the tree pictures.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a great time with family yesterday celebrating Thanksgiving.  I thought that I would let the girls caption the pictures that Jenna took.

L: I love you Jenna please get another picture of you and me again and I will be with you at Christmas so I hope you bring your ipad at Christmas please Jenna and take a picture again at grandma and grandpa's, thank you Jenna.

L: Stella do you want to do this again?

S: Rod laugheded when I did this.

S: Me and Uncle Rod do kisses.

L: Shane I hope I see you again soon.  We love taking pictures and hold me on your shoulders again please Shane.

S: Me and Shane says I give him a kiss and laugh.

L: Jenna I hope that I get to come see you again so please bring your camera.

L: I thought this was a three people couch. Uncle Rod please bring Luke, Jenna, and Shane, and Aunt Kerri so I can see them again soon, and you please come too.

Shed, Thanksgiving, and Bathtime

We have a shed!  Here it is being delivered.

The delivery guy rode on a "mule" that brought it into the backyard.

Jer had prepped a crushed concrete pad for it to sit on.

Here is Henry with his first spaghetti experience, corn pasta was sort of a hit, or miss :)

Here is my baking helper, Leila, getting all she can out of the bowl.

We have a veggie tales CD in our minivan (thanks Misti!) that has not come out in about 2 years.  The kids love listening to it and beg to hear it every time we go anywhere.  One of the songs on it is The Muffin Man.  The other night on the way home, Leila asked if we could go to Drury Lane so that we could meet the muffin man. 

Henry is getting so close to walking already!  He can stand independently and has taken one step a couple of times.  The time is just flying!  I can't believe he is almost one!

Stella cheesing for the camera.  I have been having more fun conversations with her lately:

S: Can we go on the alligator (elevator) at the library?

S: I love going to the cobbage (cottage)

S: She told mine ears.

(spinning) S: Mom I am getting busy (dizzy)

Stella, Norah, Henry, and I got to join Leila's class for their Thanksgiving feast.  She is wearing her pilgrim hat.

The other night when I was giving Henry a bath, I asked Leila to take some pictures,

I think she did a pretty good job. 

Although I decided not post the one she took of the diaper on the floor.