Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve at Mike's parents house.  

(this pic is from earlier in the month.)

 Peter and Lily's big gift from them was an indoor trampoline.  It couldn't be disguised so they enjoyed some pre-meal & pre-gift jumping!

Then we had a yummy brunch of egg casserole, BACON, and fruit... I love this pic below b/c we are just leisurely hanging around the table & relaxing, just like the atmosphere at their house

...and we are talking to Becky on the phone :)

 Then gift time...

 they got this m&d cutting produce, along with aprons & chefs hats.  

being silly- I think Peter has the prettiest hair

Lily also got this CUTE pink hat (plus other great things that I didn't get pics of!)

with Pop and Gram

Pop and Gram joined us for the 4 o'clock Christmas Eve service.

Then we all came back here for some black bean soup (pre-cooked). 

 This was the first year ever that I remembered to think about dinner... so it was nice to come home to warm soup in the crock pot.  Peter helped me decorate a Birthday Cake for Jesus.

 Then we did aunt/uncle/cousin gifts here...

Lily got the prettiest green damask print monogrammed dress & red cardigan from Aunt Carrie...

Lily's aunts have great taste & know how to spoil her!

Peter got explorer gear from Liam... so fun! 

Jump, jump, jump into Pop's lap!

 More sweet pics of Lily concentrating on reading her Sesame Street books (in her pretty Cmas outfit from Gram)...

Lovin on Pop...

It was a perfect day.  We stayed here instead of rushing to L'ville and that was a great choice!  

{rewind} 8K

Blair and I ran the 8K back in November

(at our record setting 12 minute mile pace) 

but its always just fun and refreshing,

 regardless of how "slow"- hey, we're still running the whole time

Sarah joined us for the ride there and back... she's faster than us ;)

It was just fun to spend the morning with them!

And nice of our cheerleaders to come out to see us and take this pic :)

snow bunnies + other december pics

It has started out as another snowy winter... we had our first snow on Dec 16th so Peter's last day of preschool and his Christmas party were cancelled... sad.

The snow bunnies enjoyed their first snow outting of the season.  Daddy came home from work early on the day it snowed so he could lead the fun...

Is this girl not the sweetest, squishy-ish, loveable doll you've ever seen?!... esp in her pink snow gear.

We built a very "hairy" snowman

and did some sledding...

 I got some snuggle time with my girl... she is totally into the Sesame Street characters & loves to point out "Ab-beee!"

 She also decided that she does not want us to feed her breakfast anymore.  She'd like to do it herself.  We didn't let Peter do this until 22 mo when she was born but she insists so we're going with it and she is improving.  :)

And Winter Solstice is behind us too- always a reason to celebrate.

Snowy Monday Activities

B/c we woke up to fun snow fall this morning, I did an early morning grocery run instead of going running.  (I was happy to get out of running & happy to get groceries alone.)  We honestly are just lazy around here (or too busy trying to keep up with laundry and clean dishes) and have decorated only a little for Christmas and haven't gotten a tree.  But the snowfall this morning got me more in the mood.  So I picked up some decorations and treats at WalMart.  I've seen garland over other doors in our neighborhood & thought it was pretty... so I added balls and lights to this garland... and the pretty twirly thingys to this wreath... its festive and pretty.  I only wish I could see it from the inside, not just when I go and come!

Then I had Peter unwrap a bunch of kisses to add to these pretzels.  He was totally into it.  We will definitely be making these again soon.  Good for his hands too.  :)

 Then he got to eat *one* after lunch- I am a stingy mama.

He told me that the treat was too-licious!

As I put him down for his nap, I said "Peter, that was so fun to make treats with you!"  He said "Actually, it was YUMMY!"  My funny boy!

an early Christmas weekend

We had the treat of having Will and Emily in state for a long weekend.  I went down early with the kids last Thursday then headed back on Friday eve for Mike's work Christmas party.

This pic was taken after standing and mingling for 4+ hours.

Thanks for babysitting, Kathy and Ski!

It was fun to get dressed up and have yummy drinks and hors d'oeuvres! 

 Then we all headed back to my parents for the NC Christmas party that Mom hosted this year.

Later in the eve, we exchanged sibling presents.

Peter's gift  from Emily and Will was the hit of the night- Automoblox- he played with them for the rest of the evening!  They come all apart and the parts can intermingle- perfect fine motor skill toy!

 Lily got this hat from Aunt Emily... does her expression say enough?!  ;)

 J&J got some baby carrying gear!

 and baby clothes :)

 Everyone joined in the Automoblox fun!  

She learned this "driving stance" from her brother!

(see... this is how he drives cars too!)

 Lily got this car at the NC gift exchange- she was CRAZY about it!!!

Seriously, she cracked me up b/c she didn't get off it it the rest of the day.

Uncle John took her for fast rides and "donut" turns- she squealed with excitement.

 Her eyes are red in both but I had to add anyway to capture her happiness!

It pays some loud music...

 Does this thing have an ON-OFF switch?!?!?

Nope.

Off they go!

We had a great time everyone!

Thanks for a fun party, Mom!