Merry Christmas!

Highlights of Christmas 2008...


Taking Samantha and Cole to Christmas Eve service with us and celebrating "Baby Jesus birthday"!


Having Grammie and Grandpa here to celebrate with us.


Samantha in her Christmas dress.


Saying goodnight on Christmas Eve.


Santa filled our stockings!!!!!


I got a bike and a helmet!!!!!!!


It was rainy when we woke up so our first lesson was inside!

Then after the rain let up we ventured outside and gave it a whirl.

2 kids to celebrate with...twice as much fun.

Our happy, handsome little guy.

Hmmm...what's this...

Who needs presents when you can just play with your toes.

Christmas is exhausting!

Playdough fun on the patio.

Hanging out with Grandpa.

Sammer got this kitty from Great Grandma Toth. She named him Meowie...he played Skipbo with us! Ha! Lots of entertainment!

There was a hot game of Candyland.

Sammie got to play with both grandpas!

Sammer got some more dress up outfits...one is a fairy-the wings were a big hit!

Grandpa playing solitaire with Dora cards-ha!

It's Santa!!!

We took a chance and went to visit the big guy today. We were expecting a total meltdown but were happily surprised when both of the kiddos did great! Sammie was a little nervous and almost cried when he first walked out. But she gathered herself and even told Santa what she wants for Christmas...a bike and a helmet! It was a success and a great memory! I'm sure this is ALL we will hear about for the next couple days.

Christmas Cookies

It's that time...cookie season is upon us and this year I had a helper...sort of!
Sammie was really excited to use the cookie cutters. She even got her hands dirty!!! I know-I know...but it's true:) She tasted the flour-that was not her favorite...but then she found the powdered sugar bowl and that was a big hit! Surprise surprise. Good memories:)

Smore Smores...

Peter built us a great fire pit in the backyard. We call it our "recession fire pit". We've been wanting a nice copper fire pit but don't have/want to spend the moolah so we used what we have and it turned out great!
So we bundled up the kiddies and had a bonfire. We even made smores. Samantha liked them...minus the marshmellows but whatever..we actually got her to sit by the fire. (This is a step in the right direction-eh Susan?!) She did help me blow out my marshmeloows...yes, I like mine chared.
Cole wasn't sure what to think about all of this. It dawned on me that he really isn't outside a whole lot...that needs to change!


Getting bundled.


Daddy and the kids.


Mmm...smores!


Look at that fire.


Singing and clapping.

Operation Birthday

Well, operation sneaky birthday gift was a hit...and no you're not confused. Peter's birthday is Thursday but he got his manly man grill Saturday for logistical reasons:)
He loves it...except that there is "some assembly required" and he's outside right now yelling at it. But from what I know about men (which isn't that much really)-they always yell when putting things together...at least my husband does:) That's why I stay INside:)
Thanks to all who pitched in to give Peter this awesome gift. We'll be having a new year's bbq to break it in.