Toyland

Toyland sounds better than what I would really liken it to...the aftermath of a cyclone spiraling through the Toys r' Us warehouse. Needless to say, the kids love all their new toys. Our living room is divided into stations right now and Jack and Lily float around to the different areas kind of like adults at cocktail parties. Behind the entertainment center is an activity toy and various instruments. In the back corner of the room there is the singing farm and the mickey/minnie entourage and shopping cart filled with shapes and cupcakes and mr. potato head parts. Then there are the dolls and trains spilling all over the middle of the room...the computer, the leap frog books, the alphabet bus, the tools, the abby wand, the purse and lest we forget, the leaf blower. That's just a quick scan. Our kids are definitely loved. And, when the temperature outside is 10 degrees it is way more appealing to stay inside our Toyland and enjoy all the Christmas treasures. Thanks again to everyone.

Mr. Potato Head Fun

Lily in her cute outfit from Aunt Kate playing with her new alphabet bus.

Filling their shopping cart

Playing Wii!

Checking out his laptop and taking a break from the accordion

Playing in their new tent

Minnie Mouse was invited to the campout

PS Hope this makes you smile Grandpa Dave. We're thinking of you!

Lazy Day

Sometimes all a girl wants to do is put her head down and cuddle with her Minnie Mouse.


David and I both were thumb suckers (until Matt broke David's thumb accidentally but that's another story and I digress) so I guess it makes sense that Lily is too. I know that I should discourage this and that it could likely result in expensive orthodontist bills in the future. But for now, I think it is the sweetest thing.

Grey Skies Are Gonna Clear Up...Put On a Happy Face

TGIF. Happy Birthday to Donovan. Wish we could have been there to celebrate!

Sometimes the Snow is Pretty

Ready to help his dad shovel. Let's get this party started

"I've got my love to keep me warm."

"Are you just going to take pictures or are you going to help?

This pathway doesn't shovel itself."

"Ok dad, the novelty is wearing off...I want heat."

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things

This Mouth...

And Those Eyelashes...

It's official. Our kids are gorgeous. Good thing I know so many other gorgeous babies and children or it would start to get to my head.

You better not pout...

Well, ok, you can pout if you look like this:

Happy 2010 and Happy Birthday Matt

Since it's Matt's birthday today I thought it was appropriate to include a post about the leaf blower. Every time we asked Jack what he wanted from Santa he would quickly reply, "a leaf blower." We're still not really sure what sparked the interest. I have a feeling it was because shortly before we started asking him it was fall and we had gone on several walks. Most of the time when you walk in wooded areas around here (during the fall) you see people outside raking or using leafblowers. Anyway, Jack was pleasantly surprised when we mentioned that Santa had left a present with Uncle Matt. This was his reaction to the big reveal.

When we turned on the leafblower it was VERY loud. Jack was a little scared at first. That was until Lily and the rest of us took turns with the new toy. There's something very funny about our sweet little Lily wielding a leaf blower.

Jack then decided it was his turn. A love affair was born.

His dad taught him everything he knows about leaf organization and removal.

Cheers to 2010 and Happy Birthday to Uncle Matt. Matt, hope you get something as spectacular as a leaf blower for your birthday. Thank you.