Santa Claus 2012

Winston had no qualms with Santa Clause this year.  He slowly made his way to SC's lap on his own, sat down, and told him he wanted a dress-up treasure chest with a Buzz Lightyear costume.

Lizzie was a bit timid.  She held on to Santa's helper's hand like her life depended on it.  But once she finally sat on SC's lap, she was fine.  

In fact, the more she saw Santa, the more she wanted to sit by him.  

She walked over to the big guy, climbed in the sleigh, and just sat by him for a minute, just like they were old friends.  

Getting our Christmas tree

{The annual hunt for a Christmas tree.}  

{Smile!}

{Everybody has to help cut it down.}  

{Timberrrrr!}

{W used the saw every chance he got.}

Happy New Year

We spent a low-key New Year's Eve at my in-laws.  SheShe and Papa make every time we come over feel like a special occasion (which is all the time!).

Sherry made a delicious dinner and dessert, including 'undone chocolate' that was amazing.  

Banging pots and pans to ring in the new year (at about 8:30 p.m.)

Lizzie insisted on making SheShe and me lie down on the couch.  "Go seep!" she'd say.  She's kinda bossy.  

Shhhhh! Babies sleeping.

Lizzie is all about baby dolls these days.  Often she will line them up on her chair or couch or the floor and quickly get after anyone making noise.  "Shhhhh!" she says.  "Babies sleeping!"  

W's Preschool Program

The day after we returned from Utah, W sang his school's Christmas program.  They had been practicing for weeks!  I was so glad W could be there for it; and I was so excited to see it.  

The kids sang several songs, both fun and spiritual Christmas songs.  W's favorite went something like, "Ho-ho-ho-hosanna, Ha-ha-hallelujah.  He-he-he-he-saved me.  I've got joy of the world."  

After the program, they had a little party in his room.  We got more art projects to take home that I could've imaged, including W's little picture ornament.  He was so proud of his work and singing.  

W's buddy Owen.  W is always quick to say Owen is his "best fwend."  They are good little buddies.  Owen has a really great family, too.  I'm glad they're friends.  

So proud to have Daddy there.  

First snow 2012

Lizzie experienced her first real snow while we were in Utah just before Christmas.  It snowed and snowed a LOT.  W was in heaven.  He couldn't get outside soon enough!  Thankfully Maria left her snow clothes in Utah, so W was quickly outfitted -- though it was a little feminine.  He quickly made his way to the backyard and started on his snowman.  

Lizzie, on the other hand, was super excited to go outside, test out the snow, discover that it was really cold, and make her way back inside.  She was OK watching it all through the window.  Maybe next year?  

"It's good, Mom!"

The snowman in his glory.  

Poor snowman toppled over after W showed it some love.  

Early Christmas with MaMom and Poppy

Though we wouldn't be with them Christmas Day, MaMom and Poppy celebrated Christmas with us and the kids while we were in Utah.  Sunday morning the kids opened gifts and presented their own to my parents.  It was so fun to see their eyes light up -- both my kids' and my parents'.

{Superhero stickers}

{Baby doll}

{Buzz!}

{Trains, trains and more trains}