Puzzle Attack

Howie's Art

I love these little creatures that Howie created with his fingerprint. They are a frog, man and spider.

My Swim Vest Rocks

Johnny saw me pull out his swim vest so I could put it away where it belongs. He insisted on me putting it on him. And then resumed play time. Even though it is winter, you can never be too safe. Never know when a 3 foot puddle might form in your play area. Safety first Johnny.

Christmas Morning

Our Christmas morning started at 7:45 am. Pretty reasonable, right? The boys enjoyed discovering their presents. Howie was more interested in opening them while Johnny more enjoyed seeing them after they were opened. Howie just accumulated his gifts into a big pile on the sofa while Johnny walked around admiring the goods and stepping on the wrapped presents.

Because I am low

I told Howie that I was going to take the Christmas tree down today and asked if he wanted to help. He readily agreed to help take down the ornaments and then added, "You can do the high ones and I can do the low ones. Because you are high and I am low."

Family Pictures

Christmas Eve Service means dressing up. Which, in turn, means picture time! It's a holiday tradition, right? We snap some photos of the whole family. Everyone is happy and cooperating, as long as you move FAST and keep the energy positive. Merry Christmas!

Run, Jump, and Go Crazy

After a few days of trashing Nonnie and Paw Paw's house, we get the kids out to Run, Jump, and Play. They throw themselves all over the place. Major energy was expended as they raced from trampolines to slides to bounce houses. The family was a little surprised that we didn't have to pay for Christopher since he was the biggest kid of all.

Gamma and Pap Pap Visit!

Gamma and Pap Pap stop in for a visit on their way up to Findlay. We get a few cozy hours to love on them. The boys tear into their presents (well, Howie tears into them and Johnny just tries to play with the stuff Howie has unwrapped). We enjoy some good eats and catch up on life. Were we excited to see them? The look on Howie's face answers that question...

Family Walk

So, you can't see my family in this video, but you can hear them. We all get out to see the Christmas lights in my parent's neighborhood. This festive trip around the block results in spontaneous singing of jingle bells about 20 times along with a few renditions of "Dinosaur Train" and "Frosty the Snowman".

Frankie Puts Johnny in his Place (literally)

While the cousins were watching a Christmas movie, Johnny kept getting down from his chair. This was behavior that needed modification in the eyes of four-year-old Frankie. She patiently would walk across the room, heave him into her arms and then place him back into his chair. Pretty soon, Johnny thought this was hilarious. He began jump down from his chair to purposely make her come get him. The grown-ups quietly watched while laughing hysterically. He's such a pill.

Reindeer Food and People Food

The cousins are here! Everyone is getting into the Christmas mood, despite the warm rain outside. We made some food for Santa's reindeer... a little oatmeal and glitter. Then we made some treats for the humans, graham crackers and sprinkles. The holidays are so yummy.

No Stepping on the Bible

Howie just saw Johnny stepping on the Children's Bible and he scolded him, "Johnny, no step on the Bible. God is in there."

Family Love

Aunt Karen and Uncle Don come to visit. What a treat to get hugs, have a few giggles and share stories. We love you Karen and Don!

Traditions

Each December, we meet our friends (Steve and Odile) at the Madeira Brueggers. We bagel it up and catch up on life. Then we head to the live nativity in Indian Hill to say hello to our barnyard friends. It has become a Christmas tradition, something we all look forward to doing together. Simple, and perfect.

Finding Mommies and Daddies

Howie: "We should pray that all the orphans find Mommies and Daddies."

Making Memories

What do you get when you mix together markers, picture ornaments, graham crackers, sprinkles, Charlie Brown music and lots of giggles? Fun with Georgia! Celebrating the holidays with neighbors is the best.

A One-Year-Old Misunderstanding

Johnny has been pestering Howie so Howie sits down to make some artwork. He gives Johnny a paper with some scribbles on it and says, "Johnny, this is your naughty list." He explains that he is giving this to Johnny because he is on the naughty list and won't get presents. Johnny smiles a great big grin and says, "Tank too." Translated: "Thank You."

Howie Sings

We attended the annual preschool Christmas musical. Howie sang his heart out and did lots of waving to us.

Johnny Breaks the Angel of the Lord

Is this a cardinal sin?

Thank goodness for super glue.

Howie Counts

Advent Begins

Advent begins at the dawn of tomorrow. We are very excited to start the Christmas season. Howie is giddy about it this year since he is old enough to know what is coming. With the help of my amazingly creative friend, I have created some advent traditions that will hopefully be fond memories for the boys in years to come.
This ribboned structure houses 25 devotionals for our little ones. Inside each bag is a different activity. For example, The first day prompts them to read the beginning part of the Christmas story in their Children's Bible and add Mary, Joseph and Jesus to the manger scene (the manger resides under the bags when Johnny isn't chewing on the camel). Some of the activities are service related, like how Mary and Joseph were probably cold so the boys have to find an old article of clothing to donate to someone in need of a warmth this season. I made sure to leave a few items sticking out of the bags to provoke interest and excitement. I am looking forward to helping the boys reflect on the true meaning of Christmas this month.

Of course, we have a few other fun activities about to start too... Our Elf on the Shelf (Zeke) is coming back, the branch in the kitchen has been decorated with tinsel in hopes of new ornaments to be made and hung, and we are counting down Santa's arrival with our candy cane that moves each day.










Merry Christmas!