Merry Chistmas!

 
What a blessing. What could make a mother happier that two beautiful children who are just as happy with a couple of new books, as they are with pajamas, as the bigger toys... Then when they are done opening, they are happy to play together. What a great Christmas! I hope yours was as merry as ours.

Just a little mess!

 
Oh my!

Chocolate Penguins!

 
Did I mention Santa brought Chocolate Penguins??? Ruston decided starting from the top was the best option!

Play time

 
I love that my babies can play together!

All is better!

 
Whew. All is better!

Not too Nice Mommy!

 
O.k. giving the box of small American Girl Doll Accessories before the doll, may not have been so nice! She was a Little upset. She said, BUT I WANTED AN AMERICAN DOLL, NOT DOLL STUFF!. Then she buried her face and cried. Oh, my. Good thing there was another present under the tree!

Waiting for Santa!

 
Cookies made, put out with milk and ready to go to bed. So excited for Santa Clause.

The Polar Express

 
The Polar Express. . . .

Look at Frosty Go!

 
This is the kids marching up and down the train. Too, fun!

Santa

 
They spent time talking to Santa, telling him exactly what they wanted for Christmas. Then a BIG giant Hug. How awesome. They were really happy to see Mrs. Claus too. She gave out the special bells.

Thrilled!

 
Can you tell who she just saw???

Snacks!

 
These guys are great!

Grinnin'

 
Ear to Ear! Did I mention how this boy loves trains?

All Aboard, The Polar Express!

 

THE POLAR EXPRESS!!

 
We hated to leave Katie's so soon Saturday, but we had reservations for the Polar Express on Saturday night. We couldn't be late!

They were VERY excited. What a great trip. It was a train ride, of course, with snacks, that took us to the North Pole to see Santa. They read the Polar Express story to the kids, Santa boarded the train at the North Pole and met with ALL the kids, the all received a special silver bell. On the long journey home, we sang Christmas carols, the kids got to stompity, stomp, stomp down the train like frosty. They couldn't have been happier. It will be a repeat trip next year! It sells out early, so if you want to join us - let us know!! Come one come all!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Aunt Sue

 
Aunt Sue makes up the trio of wonderful Aunts in my life. I am truely blessed. I hate that she lives so far away in California, but now that I am 4 hours away from Katie, I will get to see her when she comes to visit. Yippee!!!

Wow! Steve

 
I didn't even recognize him when I saw him at first. I mean he was like 6 the last time I saw him. He lives in Californina and is married to a beautiful wife which I also got to meet. I hate that I missed him growing up, but I love that I can now have him part of my life again. It is amazing how much he looks like my brother! Genetics are a powerful thing. . .

too tired for pictures

 
My Aunt Lynda was at the wedding. She didn't know we were coming so it was a big surprise for her. Of course, we didn't know until the day before we were going to be able to make it so it was sort of a surprise for us too! The drive took a little over 4 hours, which is longer than expected an why we missed the wedding. The kids were wipped out and Ruston was NOT interested in having his picture taken!! That's o.k. It was great seeing Aunt Lynda. we stayed up all night talking. It was fabulous, an incredible memory with an incredible person! I love you Aunt Lynda!!

KATIE!!

 
It was great. She looked beautiful. I haven't seen her in about 20 years. She renewed her vows for her 10 year anniversary. Congratulations Katie and Adrian. I wish you Many, Many more. I can't wait to see you again.

Christmas Progam

 

Ruston's Christmas program at Preschool. He is soooo cute. Two of the classes sang for the parents.

All I want for Christmas. . .

 
Saw Santa today, Ruston wants an helicopter and Ani wants an All American girl doll, a pink baby, and a Woody doll.
Ani also wanted to check with an authority and asked Santa - is Rudolf real?? He confirmed, that he was!!

Monkey see Monkey Do

 
Of course Ruston had to have a turn!

Thanks Dad

 
Dad is full of encouragement. I wanted her off the tree, he helped her climb out. Then they found a turtle to look at.

My girl!

 
She has no fear. I was worried enough that she was going to end up in the lake!

Two little monkeys playing on a tree

 
Spent a little time at our property lettting the kids play. The lake is down for the winter exposing this tree which they HAD to climb on!!