Noon Year's Day

 It's 2014!  We decided to ring in the new year the kid friendly way- in the middle of the day!  We had a "Happy Noon Year" party on New Year's day with some friends.  The kids made new year's shakers (out of paper plates and rice), had lunch and then had a balloon drop.  The kids had a great time and we ended up doing the balloon drop many, many more times.

Little Bears Fans

Some of the Chicago Bears' cutest fans.

Zoo Visit

 Last weekend, we took a family trip to the local zoo, thanks to a generous gift of a year zoo pass from Great Uncle Pooh.  The kids were so excited to see the animals and it was so lovely, since Greg was able to go with us.  This was also special, since this is the first time that Smunchie actually noticed and interacted with the animals.

Thank you Great Uncle Pooh!

Christmas Day

 On Christmas morning, the kids got up early (what else is new?) and came downstairs, excited to see what was under the tree.  Lil G came down so fast that we ended up getting a picture of him at the bottom of the stairs, instead of the top!

The first gifts that each child chose to open was the one that they had bought for each other. Smunchie was pretty happy with her "Three Little Pigs" set and Lil G was equally thrilled with his Bilibo .

 Smunchie showing off her "wolf" from her Three Little Pigs set.

 Lil G in his Bilibo.

 Lil G: aka- Spiderman

 Lil G playing with some new toys with Great Uncle Pooh.

After our family Christmas was over, we headed over to the White house for Christmas with Papa (James), Tutu (Brenda), Uncle Rodger and Aunt Sarah.  The kids were so excited to see everyone and keep opening gifts!

Twas the Night before Christmas

On Christmas Eve, we headed to the Fish side of the family, in order to celebrate with Opa (Paul), Gogie (Kathryn) and Uncle Andrew.  The kids were very excited to go to church and then head back, for dinner and presents.  Lil G was expecially excited to get a Jake & The Neverland Pirates Duplo set! Smunchie got several kitchen sets and lots of clothes.

 One of the neatest parts of Christmas had to be giving Opa and Gogie a new camera.  We were blessed to be able to give them a special gift, to thank them for their help with Rodger and Sarah's wedding, and, of course, for Christmas.

 Lil G and Smunchie made salt dough ornaments for the grandparents.

 After our time with the Fishes, we headed home for bed.  The kids were vistited by the "Christmas Elf", who brought new MATCHING jammies.  Smunchie was so excited that she kept doing a strange little dance.  After the kids were snug in their jammies, it was time for the traditional reading of "The Night Before Christmas".  Unfortunately, Smunchie wasn't too interested in sitting still and listening to the story.  But, there's always next year!

Living Window

  A couple of weeks ago, Lil G and Smunchie were asked to be in the living window for a local company.  They had a great time, playing trains in the storefront window.

Santa Visit!

 Last Saturday, we went to Kindermusik, for a playdate and to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Lil G and Smunchie had such a great time, playing music, dancing and running around.  Thanks Papa and Tutu (James and Brenda) for the awesome opportunity!