Chef Lucy

Lucy got an easy bake oven for Christmas. Friday we decided to give it a whirl, how hard could it be, the recipes were similar to the ones i use (3 ingredients or less.) She did a great job and kept the batter sampling to a minimal.

Christmas at a glimpse...

- my beautiful nieces

brian and dawn newly engaged

nicholas and his ipod touch (we have rarely seen him since he opened it)

We had such a busy but great Christmas! I am attaching random photos from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We were so lucky to be surrounded by family both days, i think that has to be one of the best parts of the holiday season. Nicholas and Lucy were both so excited Christmas morning, Jack was a bit overwhelmed but soon came around. The kids got what they asked santa for and i got a GREAT, unexpected suprise, a brother in law! Brian and Cody welcome to the family!!

Christmas Spirit

I have been trying to create Christmas Spirit in our house, trying to teach the kids especially in this day the importance of family, doing things as a family and not everything revolves around shopping or spending. Darrin and I found gingerbread house kits for $5, so the saturday before Christmas the kids and I constructed our houses. Everyone participated, including Jack. I was suprised by how much fun he had. and yes, he constructed his house buck naked. You will see that Lucy's house is missing some decor, her tummy was just too tempted.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas....

Lucy had her Christmas party at school today. After a performance of several classic Christmas carols, we had refreshments and a hysterical game of stick the nose on Rudolph. I miss the fact that Nicholas has outgrown the parent invited Christmas party with his class. The 6th grade opted for a craft day in which they made several Christmas crafts.

One Horse Open Sleigh.....sort of

Saturday we took the family to the Southern Tree Plantation for some Holiday fun. We enjoyed a hayride, a train ride, a petting zoo, and marshmellow roasting. Jack loved the tractor that pulled the hay ride. Lucy loved the train and Nicholas loved the marshmellows. Darrin loved the fact that we were 7 mins from home and he didn't have to pay for a thing!!!

Finally.......

After almost one month of Lucy's first ever loose tooth, she lost it and one to boot. She wiggled and wiggled and let me pull and pull, and it was Jack who finally knocked it loose enough to come out. She had one of his toys in her mouth and when he jerked it out along came her teeth. Attached is a photo of Lucy with her missing teeth and her tooth doll given to her by her fairy godmother tracey. Sunday night the tooth fairy (which lucy informed me was a man) left her $3.

Lucy's New Do

Saturday we finally were able to get Lucy's hair cut. She loves it. She woke up Sunday morning and asked "do i still have my short hair?" The best part for both of us, no more tangles. I attached mug shot photos of her before and after.

HO-HO-NO

Lucy's class went on a fieldtrip to see Santa Claus, Jack and I met her there in hopes of a picture with the two of them. Lucy loved the big guy, sat on his lap twice and asked for a gymnastics mat. Jack did not think sitting on this strangers lap was a great idea. Santa suggested I join in the picture.

Jack was very happy to get his candycane and leave.

5 Fat Turkeys are We

Today, Darrin, Nana and myself had the pleasure of eating Thanksgiving lunch with Lucy at her school. The entertainment was heartwarming. Lucy and her classmates worked so hard on their songs. I learned today that lucy was thankful for "the whole wide world."

Capt. Pack Rat

Jack loves his toys, all of them. He does have his favorites and the chosen few (well it started as a few) are strategically placed everynight in their "night-night". A special thanks to nana for the new helicopter it makes a real comfy pillow.

The happiest place on earth........

Though our last disney trip was in Sept, i still wanted to get a few pics posted of what Nicholas called the "best trip ever." We took grandma and pop pop this go around. The kids all had a "magical time". Can you beleive this was Jacks third trip and he just turned 2 the day we left! We are freaks......

Bang Bang Choo Choo Train

Lucy just finished her first season as an Upward Cheerleader (great program.) She really enjoyed this season and was sure she was the loudest one at all times. Though she didn't always hit every postion she was sure to show her spirit at the end if every cheer.