Christmas & After

Waiting at the top of the stairs for the "go".  There is a definite 7am or later rule here.

 real camera "selfie" with Daddy

(I never thought Peter & Lily look especially alike.  

But this baby looks like both of them- especially Lily through the eyes.)

 P&L ran right past their piles to look under the tree but nothing- haha.

 I think we are all OK with this guy stealing the show.

Its still surprising to me how much Peter (esp) & Lily adore him.

We enjoyed a nice family walk and then all napped that afternoon. 

Our kind neighbors gave Peter & Lily a cookie decorating kit.  So Mike got to it with them.

I am not a cookie making mama.  Its too much, I can't handle it (& we've never had an overly great set up for it).  So this kit was so perfect!!

Benny is now over the moon for his Daddy.  Over Thanksgiving break, Mike ended up taking the three kids over to his parents house while I finished up getting ready.  Ben definately has some separation anxiety and looooves his mama. Because Mike was the most familiar person there (his siblings families), he only wanted Mike and has loved him ever since.  He has a definite groan (ugh) that he does when Mike is nearby to signal (ugh, why aren't you holding me?!) & reaches his arms out.  He is quite taken to be this close to Mike in the backpack (& babywearing pics to come-first time for Mike!).  I think Mike equally enjoyed the extended time over break to hang out with Ben & cuddle our last/bonus baby. :)

 Does that look amazing or what?! Its Winter Break. Eat your heart out!

 They each decorated one for themselves then it was on to more of a production line.

 My parents came and stayed with us on Christmas night.  It was fun to have extras in the house.

The next day Mom and I went shopping (just for fun) and the men took the older kids to the science museum.  Loved these pics Mike took.  I think this is a social media thing. :) 

 That weekend, the baby and I were both a little under the weather with a fever, so Mike and the older kids ended up with a day at the Farm House.  I think they had fun!  :)