Caleb Quote O' the Day

We were driving around, looking at Christmas lights. Caleb noticed a Santa and Mrs. Claus. But somehow, he combined the lady's name with that of a particular plant associated with kissing. He said, "There's Santa and Mrs. Toe!"

Caleb Quote O' the Day

"Why is Richard always fussing and puffing?"

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

I never expected it to snow here. As the kids watched all the little cartoon characters on tv play in the snow, they became more and more eager to experience snow of their own. I tried to let them down gently. "Maybe we'll see snow when we travel at Christmas," I said. But they held out hope that it would snow here. And yesterday it did! Incredible! A lovely, thick blanket of it coated our lawn and roof. The kids got to play in it last night and again this morning before it melted. Neighborhood kids even made giant snowmen. It was great fun, and I was just as excited about it as the kids. Dare we wish for a second snow this year?

Christmas Photo Attempt #1

As expected, this Christmas photo attempt did not go swimmingly. We went to this beautiful shopping center that had a "central park" with a giant Christmas tree. We met some friends there, and the kids had a great time playing and getting all muddy in the grass and climbing the statues. I had fun playing with our new camera. This shot of Madi running is enough to justify that camera's purchase. Look...you can actually see Madi running instead of seeing just the blur that usually represents Madi in a photo. Victory over the ever moving child! While I didn't get that perfect shot of Caleb and Madi hugging each other or something for our Christmas card, I got some decent individual shots. So, here you go...

Our Little Angel

Caleb participated in his first play this past weekend. He was an angel in the Christmas play at our church. He did a wonderful job! He only had a week to learn his songs, but he was the most animated and enthusiastic little angel on the stage. He was very proud of himself, and we were so proud of him as well. Excellent work, Caleb!

Caleb Quote O' the Day

Madi was struggling with a croupy cough. After one particularly loud cough, Caleb said, "Madi, you sound like a humpback whale."

Caleb had just starred in the church Christmas play (well, really he was just an angel, but I'm a little biased) so the nativity scene was on his mind. He was asking about Joseph. Matt said, "Joseph is Jesus' daddy." Accepting this explanation, Caleb asked, "Why Joseph is God?" That explanation was challenging to maneuver through.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The kids had a great time at Thanksgiving. Of course, Madi didn't eat much and Caleb preferred ice cream to the plethora of yummy pies. But they really enjoyed having plenty of people to play with and seeing their GaGa and Papa and aunts and uncles. This photo shows Caleb stuffing himself on the Thanksgiving feast. And the other photo shows baby Abbie enjoying her first Thanksgiving.

The Little Chef

This was Madi's first day as a chef's apprentice. Caleb has been helping me bake for a while now, and he has a great time in the kitchen. But on this day, Madi got her first little apron! I believe that we were making coconut, chocolate chip banana bread (this was just confirmed by Caleb, who has the memory of an elephant). He said, "Why you didn't remember we were making chocolate chip banana bread?" Anyway, the bread turned out delicious, and it was fun for both children to help make it!

Happy Birthday Madi!

Madi got her birthday off to a good start by getting into my makeup while I was in the shower. She thoroughly enjoyed herself! Of course, Madi's birthday was also election day. The picture in the stoller shows the children on our walk to the elementary school where we voted. Caleb rode his bike for the entire two-mile round trip! The other picture shows Madi playing with the Dora pillow and blanket that we gave her for her birthday. Madi LOVES Dora! Happy Birthday little Princess!

More Madi's Party

Thanks to Tom and Christy for the photos of the party. It was nice to have someone come to the rescue when our evil camera let us down once again. Alas, the days of that camera sabotaging our lovely photo opportunities are numbered. Our new camera arrived on the "present truck" (as Caleb calls the FedEx truck) today! HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now if I can only get Matt to let us open it before Christmas :)

Madi's Birthday Party

Madi had a Fairy Tea Party to celebrate her second birthday. The kids decorated their own cupcakes, which was fantastic. They loved decorating the cupcakes, and I love how easy it was. All of the kids seemed to have a great time!

Fun with Friends

Caleb and Madi have fun playing at their friend Jocelyn's house.

Halloween

Caleb was a Transformer (Optimus Prime, he says) and Madi was a fairy. Madi was sick on Halloween, so she doesn't look quite like her mischevious self in this pictures. Nevertheless, both children thought that it was fantastic to knock on doors and be greeted with fistfulls of candy. It was their first time to really "trick or treat" through a neighborhood, so they had a slight learning curve. At the first house, the lady held out a huge selection of candy and told Caleb to "take what you want." He took her at her word and began to unload the majority of her stash of candy into his bag. Thus, he learned an important rule in Halloween etiquette...moderation.

Autumn at the Arboretum

I thought this was amusing. After all, how can we celebrate the birthday of our Lord without owning a Jesus Monster Truck?

Four wheel independent suspension - Powerful Climbing Action - Super 4 X 4 Friction Power - Authentic Details - Super-sized Tires - Full color Graphics. Absolutely NO batteries needed. Great present for boys of the age 3 and up.

Get your Jesus Monster Truck here .