Sunday, February 5, 2012

Winter Fun

Play-doh is always is a big hit at our house- this winter is no exception.  Aunt Abbey gave the kids this fun accessory play-doh kit for Christmas... they love it!

 Aunt Helen gave the kids a book about making balloon creations.  When we first opened it, I was very skeptical that we would be able to master such an art- but at least in the eyes of the kiddos we have! 

The new Leap Pads from Grandpa McNeill and GiGi have to be one of the most favorite toys around our house.  I am amazed to see how quickly they learn new skills and love watching them teach each other how to master a new game, trace a new letter, or create beautiful works of art.  I especially love how the Halloween costume still makes a debut!  The bean bags are also a new addition to the house from Aunt Carol and crew.  What a big hit!  I feel so blessed to have such an incredible family who gives so much love to us.  We are so truly blessed.  

Although you can't really tell by looking at the next 3 photos- the day we brought the snow inside, both kiddos had 102+ fevers.  They both battled ear infections, awful coughs, and sore throats for a week.  Despite the sickness, they still managed to have a lot of fun and enjoy the extra snuggle time at home.  

Bringing the outside fun- inside!  :)




Baking is still one of the most fun activities around our house.  I love that Jack and Audrey can actually help now and enjoy the time in the kitchen together.

We love to dress up around here!  The pirate and the princess had so much fun going to the toy store on a snowy day and choosing these costumes!

Sledding!  I must say that Jack seems to love it a bit more than Audrey this season.  Jack giggles and screams with delight the entire way down the hill and runs back up with the same enthusiasm.  :)


Audrey: post wipe-out.  She is a bit unsure about sledding, but wants to continue.  She quietly races down the hill and takes a few minutes before committing to the climb... but smiles during the whole experience.

Jack getting ready to make the hike back up the hill.

Racing down together

Catching snow flakes.  
I just love seeing the magic of everything through the eyes of our children.  Each season, each activity, each day; they find something magical.  I feel so blessed to be able to be a part of it.

Christmas at our house 2011

Santa came to our house this year and we loved every minute of it!  

He left a note for the kiddos...


Christmas morning

Opening stockings

Audrey's favorite stocking stuffer- gummy bears!

Opening presents

Santa left two special presents in the basement!

Audrey loved her new doll house!

Jack loved his new easel.

We had a very special Christmas dinner at home.  My hope was that everyone would dress up and enjoy the fancy dinner.  It turned out, that Mommy and Daddy dressed up and the kiddos enjoyed their yummy dinner while in pj's.  It was such a wonderful day- it was a battle I didn't wish to win.  :)

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Winter and Christmas Preparations!

We began a new tradition this year that I am thrilled about: we cut down our own Christmas tree.  I have always had a live tree and despite the amount of work and mess associated with it, I LOVE IT!

It was a muddy afternoon, but no one seemed to mind!

We searched and searched for the perfect tree...

We were all happy to finally find it!

So thankful for a Daddy who doesn't mind doing a lot of hard work to fulfill this Christmas wish!


 Once we got home, we had one of my favorite Christmas time treats: Egg Nog and Pfeffernusse cookies.
Last year, we made our own pfeffernuse- this year, we enjoyed store-bought.  :)

Jack and Audrey loved helping with the tree this year.  To see the magic and wonder in their eyes as we created our tree brought me to tears.  I love our tree- each ornament holds a very special meaning to us.  We collect ornaments on trips and get them to commemorate special occasions... it makes me so happy!





This year, Santa came to our house for a visit!  What an incredible treat!  Our local PTA helps Santa get to all of the houses... it was awesome!  Audrey was a bit scared, but as long as she was in my arms and not Santa's lap- she allowed a picture to be taken! 


Jack was so happy to see Santa this year.  He told Santa that all he wanted was a new book for Christmas.  Luckily, Santa brought one is in sack!



Our first 'real' snow of the season.  Audrey still loves to help Daddy clear the driveway this year :)

Jack loves jumping and diving into the snow.


After we finished clearing the driveway, Daddy declared we were going sledding!  Mommy was a bit of a naysayer at first, but SO HAPPY that we pushed bedtime back a bit for this evening of fun.  We had the hill all to ourselves and both kids LOVED sledding this year!

Although this picture is a bit blurry, it totally captures the memory of Jack sledding.  He whizzed and spun down the hill- giggling all the way.  It was awesome!

Audrey insisted on laying down rather than sitting, but LOVED the sledding experience too!

Even Barry got to take a turn on the hill with Jack!


To celebrate the holiday season with our friends, we threw a gingerbread party.  We had a wonderful time watching all of the kiddos decorate while we enjoyed a yummy brunch.  

Even the babies had a great time!  
Ella and Atticus

Eddie was very focused this year!

Cameron had BatMan to help him building his house

Jack loved to decorate (and eat) his creation!

The Fosters had a fun decorating

Audrey was very serious when it came to decorating!

 Kyle took his time and very preciously placed each piece of candy!


We had a lot of fun baking this holiday season.  We made shortbread, buckeyes, and cut-out cookies.
My little helpers love baking in the kitchen.


Rolling the buckeyes