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.

Tickle Me Cole

Cole now laughs...and it is infectious.

What a Beautiful Day

"What a beauuuutiful day..."

This is what Sam says when we go outside! And today is a beautiful day so we packed it up and headed to the park. Sadly, it has been a while since we've been and Samantha had so much fun swinging, sliding and just running her pent up energy out all over that park!!!

Sam is not a fan of wearing shoes at the park...as you can see!

Sliding is fun no matter which way you go down!

Cole mostly stayed bundled up and watched, talked and laughed at his big sis. Soon he'll be chasing her around...can't wait!