Christmas, Part 2

After a few days here, we headed back for another overnight at my parents.  

Uncle Henry was there!

 And Paw logged his best snuggles to date.  Sometimes Lily can be stingy with her hugs but Paw enticed her with some back scratching (she's part Dennis) and a story in her ear.

 Then the boy's turn.

Lily packed her purple back pack full of things she wanted to bring.  So after we got there, she pulled out her new pink skirt and put it on over her back pants.... so cute!

 And now double heaven for Paw... maybe one of my favorite pics.

 Look at those delicious pigs and I love Peter opening Paw's eyelids  :)

 a blurry but cute pic in their new boots.  Holly (the doll) got a new outfit for Christmas and new skates from Peter.  Lily gave him a Spiderman hero... both big hits!

 And my boy... love his love of books.

 Another favorite... the simplicity of childhood.

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We went on a nature hunt the next day to get out of the house.

 Checking something off the list.

 Finding a bug was on the list so they are looking under a log.  I love me some Mike.

They do too.  It was good to have him for 11 days.

 Racing home.  (Lily had a head start.)

 A sweet Buggy...

 ... gave me blue nail polish for Christmas.  I love it.

 Mom and Grace got Mike addicted to Scrabble.  They played 4 games in 26 hours.

 Hugs for NeeNee and a thank you for the FUN gifts she gave the kids.

like this one... a dream come true for Peter.

 Oh, and here's our superhero with his superhero that Sister gave him.

Christmas 2012

What they got...

"a dog what has a controller"

The dog has been named Grape at Aunt C's suggestion :) 

Maw and Paw gave her a dog that she'd named Strawberry so Grape seemed perfect.

 Peter got the $6 train he asked Santa for plus this $20 Space Shuttle set that he has played with non-stop.  He's made sweet comments about loving what Santa brought him.

 They also each got a LeapFrog Reader Pen and Books.... we'll let you know if those are helpful at all.

We got the treat of having Mike's brother's family here in town this year so we spent some good time with them at Goo and Pop's!  

Lily opened a bead set from Aunt B and LOVES it.

 The kids had a good time playing outside there.

 They loved the time with cousin B and the adventures Pop took them on using the swing... 

(wearing new cowboy boots from Goo & Pop)

  As Mike says, you never regret giving Peter a new toy.

 The kiddos loved holding their new baby cousin.

Bedtime stories with Uncle Matt.

Pre-Christmas Escape

We went to Maw and Paw's the weekend before Christmas for 24 hours.  

Just to decompress and unwind from the Christmas prep and December rush.  

We went out with Paw for a long adventure on the tractor.

Such a awesome crisp winter day!!

So fun to drive with Paw!

 Helping Sister out of the trailer.

 Paw doing some chain saw therapy.

So fun to be in the drivers seat alone!

 Running!

 Not much longer that I can lift this girl (and not very high now!)

 Lily's turn to drive!!

 More fun exploring!

 Mike climbed a tree stand.  Paw said its quite worshipful just to SIT there.  Agreed.

 I climbed up too... kinda weebeegeebee to feel the stand sway in the wind.

sitting in Daddy's lap on the trailer

 And some fussing.  Don't lean into me so much, Peter!

 We found "boat" pods and launched them into the river.

 Final activity... vine swinging!

Such a great, sunny, refreshing day!

Christmas Festivities

Preschool Parties.  

These teachers have magical powers!

 Aren't the ceiling decorations in Peter's room SO FUN!

Getting ready for the FOOD!

 And Lily's class.  I didn't get to spend as much time there... but again, their teachers are AMAZING!

Lily's class headed down the hall for some songs in the Chapel. 

I loved listening to Lily sing the Christmas songs she's learned at preschool.....
The little Lowd Jesus laid down his sweet head.
I heared the bells on Chwistmas Day.  Baby Jesus bown today!  Jingle, jingle, jingle!
a little bit fassster.... I heared the bells on Chwistmas Day!  Baby Jesus bown today!
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Mike had TWO fun Christmas parties... the first was his CapTech party downtown at Hotel John Marshall (fun to see a historical RVA hotel) and this week he was invited to the Executive Mansion for the Governor's staff party (!!!).  We met the Govenor!  We were real classy and stashed napkins to our pockets with the Virginia State Seal and "The Executive Mansion" on them... so one day, we can say... Remember that Christmas that we got invited to the Govenor's Mansion.... crazy.  It was a really fun night and we were honored.  I am honored to join my awesome, humble husband at such events and getting to see into his world a little.  Thanks to Goo and Pop for watching our kiddos!

Let the Christmas fun begin!  Happy to celebrate the One who humbly came for us at Christmas!