We had a truly wonderful Christmas. We got to see many of the people who are dear to us and spend three days just loving being around each other. Seeing the cousins together was wonderful and spending time with Brian’s family was especially sweet. (Not sure why – everything was just right!) We enjoyed way too much good food and good treats and even got to watch the Dr. Who Christmas special. To top it off, we got home and I got to put my new rug in the living room which is much bigger and prettier than my old one! Thanks for carpeting your living room mom and dad! I love my new rug! 😀
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- This one of the kids opening their stockings makes me laugh. All three expressions. lol You'll notice Maggie looking groggy in most pictures... she struggled to wake up for hours!
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- Look at those piles of loot!!!!
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- I love the look on Anna's face here as I open the "present" she gave me. It was pieces of paper with scribbled "words" all over them. She read and sang them to me later so I'd know what they said.
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- This child is bold and throws caution to the wind! The only bad thing about a door swing is those door jambs. But we've only had one bonked head, so that's good!
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- My personal favorite swing attachment. Can't wait til they start hanging by their knees! (there is a pad for under the swing - they just hadn't opened it yet)
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- I also love to watch the relationship and interaction between these two. See how Anna is showing Maggie her present (from her) and Maggie is paying serious attention? It's written into their entire body. Love them!
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- To Grandma's! Sweet overwhelmed Jordan put himself to sleep in front of the fire. Best spot in the house! (second to Mama's arms)
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- Having carpet at Grandma's makes it so cozy now!!!
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- Singing around the piano awhile past the kids' bedtimes. I'd love to do this more!
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- Jordan's perspective. Poor, overwhelmed Jordan who was a trooper through it all. Not crying, but definitely taking a step backwards in confidence and interaction.
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- Maggie regularly feels the need to know that she can still sit in Mama's lap and that Jordan hasn't completely kicked her out of the baby position. 🙂
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- We were trying to get a picture of all the grandkids in front of the teepee full of presents. For some reason Maggie just melted down. Poor Maggie... I laugh at this picture! (and had the pleasure of snuggling with her after taking pictures)
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- All six cousins. (the bow is for number six)
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- My princess on her pile of new clothes.
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- Jordan being completely unimpressed wtih his presents. He rocked more and sucked his fingers and did his best to turn his back to the commotion... good survival skills their buddy! Can't wait to see you next year!
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- Cousins. Hudson is 1 1/2 and Jordan is 2 1/2. Hudson was such a great friend to Jordan! He brought him toys, gave him a kiss and otherwise tried to play with him. Soon, Hudson! Just give him some time....
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- At Grammy's.... finally a toy I love! It's a cat toy rattle on a string. Silly boy. But it's exactly what he likes!
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- Anna's awesome new guitar. (Thanks Target!) Each kid got three gifts from us - Anna got the swing, the guitar and dressup. Her gifts from granparents were particularly good this year too. We have lots of fun to have over the rest of the winter!!!
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- This is what you do during down time at Grammy's - play really fun computer games!
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- Even Maggie got loads of attention and fun while playing games on the ipad!
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- Gran and Great Grandpa were even able to come by. The girls just soak up the love!
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- Back to the cousins for one last day! Grandpa is the uncontested best story reader.
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- Tuckered kids. We rocked Jordan to sleep for each bedtime and even for this nap!
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- Finally fit in the gingerbread houses! They were so much fun! And so much candy!
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- The artwork. The artists. The sugar pile.
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- We also managed to squeeze in one last project that I wanted to do with my family. Soap! It didn't turn out as perfect as the soap I did in class, but it's pretty nice! I love Melissa's pregnant tummy here!
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- Right before cutting his hair. He hated it. With a passion. I could barely do it, even while wrapping my whole arm around his forehead to hold him still. So it's unfinished, but looks a bit better!
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- A little bit of crafty fun!
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- Hello, I'm fireman Donny!
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- I love it when people love me!
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- Drumsticks and Mommy's are things I like.
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- "Hello! Can you hear me!?"
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- True story. Anna is saying, "This park is really nice, because you can sit here under the play structure, which is good, because now I'm not getting hot in the sun." Somebody needs to explain the winter solstice to her, I guess. 😉
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- Yippee! The confident girl who used to be scared of this slide.
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- Running down the hill! Jordan is asleep in the ergo.
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- Jordan crawled to the dog bowl and proceeded to dump the food and the water. Yay Jordan!
Videos uploading…
Anna telling stories. Wish I could get more on tape… she is ALWAYS telling stories. Either talking or singing. So precious. I don’t want her to grow up!
Anna on the coolest gift ever. An indoor swing! (we have a pad for underneath, but it is kinda risky for bumping head or hands on the doorframe)
Maggie on the swing:
Jordan:
Jordan 2:
Precious pictures and videos! Looks like a wonderful time was had by all. Love you guys!
Love the swing and rings! Too cool!! And a tee pee? Awesome kid gifts!
Rae, Anna growing up will be wonderful. I’m sure your nurturing of her storytelling will help to ensure she will continue to have a flourishing imagination and vocabulary. 🙂