Saturday, January 15, 2011

New Year's Eve

After a fun filled week of playing games, bowling, and visiting the indoor play center with Grandma Maggie and Grandpa Bill, we had a quiet New Year's Eve celebration at home.  We rang in the New Year at 6 PM our time in order to be able to celebrate with the children.  This happens to be midnight in London, England.  We had our own count down and made a toast to a wonderful year in 2011 with some yummy orange soda.  Then it was off to bed for the kids and a movie for us adults.  Since the kids don't sleep in, no one made it until midnight in our household.  Here's to 2011 being filled with love, happiness, health, and family.        

Coloring with Grandma Maggie.  Lauren could use a hair bow so she could see what she is drawing.

It's a bit blurry but still a great shot of two proud grandparents and their grandchildren. 

 Watching the clock!

Cheers!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Jasper the Christmas Scouting Elf

A fun new Christmas tradition began in our house this year, and it was a huge hit.  Santa sent us a secret scouting elf named Jasper to keep a watchful eye on the children and report back to him on Christmas Eve.  Jasper loved cookies and having fun.  All three kids loved waking up each morning to see what Jasper had done the night before.  As with any secret scouting elf, Jasper was only awake and active at night, but he had magical powers that let him watch what was going on all the time.  Jasper left with Santa on Christmas Eve and declared that all the kids should be on the nice list.  I have a feeling that Jasper will be back next year.  Here is a peek into Jasper's activities:

Jasper arrived in a snow bank on our front steps with a cute note explaining his arrival.  All the kids immediately loved him. 

Playing with the toy cars and enjoying some cookies.

 Story time with his pals and that cat.

 Silly Jasper was found spinning from the ceiling fan and diving for cookies.

 Busy baking Christmas cookies.

 Christmas movie night and popcorn fight.

 Cuddle time with Cameron

 Jasper brought candy canes for the tree and enjoyed one at the top of the tree.

 Coloring some Christmas pictures

 Jasper decorated our sliding door

 Listening to some Christmas carols

 Candy Land, anyone?

 Fun with stickers

 Making a report to Santa with help from his buddy, Mistletoe. This note was written in "backwards ink", so Cameron had to hold it up in front of a mirror to read it to Kyle and Lauren.

 Snow (cotton) ball fight with Lego forts

 Looks like a fun snowball fight

 Hot chocolate and cookies

Hanging out in their fort

Jasper needed to cool down so he brought some Christmas ice cream treats 

 Paper snowflakes

Jasper said goodbye - "Merry Christmas - Be Good - Jasper"     

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Christmas Day

The kids slept until a decent 6:30 AM on Christmas morning.  Once awake, they loved finding all the great gifts that Santa brought for them this year.  Kyle received the cat keyboard he wanted that can play the notes as meows.  Cameron was thrilled with the full size keyboard he received as well.  Now we just need to get him enrolled in some piano lessons!  Lauren seemed to love the panda pillow pet that Santa left for her.  Finally, she could lay on something that was soft and cuddly like the cat, but didn't run away!  All the kids were so happy to see an indoor trampoline for them to share.  We hope it will be a great way for them to get their silliness out over the long winter. 

Grandma Maggie and Grandpa Bill flew in from their new home state of North Carolina in the afternoon.  After lots of hugs and kisses it was time for more presents.  WOW!  I think Kyle was a little upset to see the gifts slowly disappear from under the tree.  But what a great Christmas it was in our house.  It was full of love, happiness and family. 


 Cameron's first movie on the big screen - Happy Feet

Kyle's first movie on the big screen - Toy Story 3

 Christmas Cutie!

 All hugs and kisses for Grandpa Al on Christmas morning.

 Ready to Rock!

 Meow!

 Finally, one that doesn't run away!

 Love the trampoline!

 Music time with Grandma Maggie

 Now, I am in charge of what we listen to in the house.

 Cameron, testing out his new game.

 Love my new pajamas!  Thanks Great Uncle Mike and Great Aunt Geraldine!