Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, We were traveling to Gulfport. So, W and L were able to 'open' (nothing was wrapped) a few things on the morning of Christmas Eve. W and L both loved their kitchen. They opened and closed the doors to the refrigerator, washing machine, oven, microwave and dishwasher (yes, all that in one little kitchen). And I later found out that W stored his jammies in the pantry. But, the big hit this morning was Elmo Live. L wasn't real sure what to do with him but, she really enjoyed touching him, dancing with him, grabbing his eyes, and putting her finger in his mouth.

Christmas morning

My sleeping children anxiously (?) awaiting the arrival of Santa.

***********************************************

(click image to see larger)

Oh what fun Christmas morning was starting at 5:30 a.m.! W was excitedly opening all of his presents hoping to find the one and only Stanley with controller and freight cars (a train from the Thomas series and highly desired by W) while L was happily playing with all the wrapping paper as empty boxes as her gifts piled up unwrapped. Her gifts eventually were opened--mostly by William who could no longer stand wondering what was inside.

*********************************************************

Lauren's favorite thing was, by far, William's marvel super hero figures. She would carry the box around, ask to have lid removed, and then systematically remove and replace each figure.

Feeding the Vacuum

Well, I gave L her very own popcorn the other day. It was her first taste of the treat she has so often seen her brother eat. But, I made the mistake of giving it to her in a bucket like I do W. L managed to, so nicely, sprinkle the popcorn all over the floor. So, I pulled the vacuum out and started to clean it up. I think to L it looked like the vacuum was eating the popcorn. So, she then started picking up pieces to "feed" the vacuum and was so thrilled when the vacuum "ate" what she gave.

Christmas 2008

Look at my BIG boy. I am so amazed at how much he continues to change. You think (I least it was my way of thinking) that the changing starts to slow down after infancy--but, it really doesn't. W is constantly evolving.
This is, by far, my favorite picture from this photo session. I love the expression of L's face--as if to say "Whoa, who is this guy?"

This is also a particular favorite as story time is such a big part of our everyday lives. Since I am always participating, there are no pictures of us reading together.

Snowy Chaos!

The small town of Perry, GA has a big schedule full of family friendly events for the holidays. One of these is a Snow Day. Snow is trucked in from somewhere and covers the lawn of the courthouse--thus, snowy chaos. The lawn is packed from edge to edge and corner to corner with kids building snowmen, sledding on Rubbermaid container lids, and throwing snowballs everywhere (nobody is safe). L was excited about it for the first few minutes. Then, she slipped and fell on her bottom--she was sort of over it after that. She did like watching her brother. It took W a few minutes to warm up to the snow. Once he was warmed up he was running his races as usual and throwing snowballs.

Outer Space!

William loves to play "travel to outer space". It goes like this--we get under any blanket available and countdown from 10, at the end of the countdown, we blast off--of course. We visit whatever planet we land on and see the martian (also known as, L). Afterwards, we blast off and return to earth. Well, these pictures were taken while we were in space--there's no gravity there.

They sacrificed for us...

Soldiers sacrifice time with their families, being there for the birth of their child, watching their babies first steps, watching their sons first home run--whatever it is, soldiers sacrifice their lives for our country, for our freedom. This is an e-mail that circulates for remembering those injured soldiers at Walter Reed. Will you let them know they are appreciated and remembered?

Subject: FW: Great idea to do!Folks, Let's spread this! When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to the address listed below. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful, special people who have sacrificed so much would get ? When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:A Recovering American Soldier c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center6900 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington , D.C. 20307-5001