Happy New Year!

We had a surprisingly nice New Year's Eve. Our neighbor lit some fireworks in the middle of the road. All the surrounding neighbors came out to enjoy it. It was a lovely impromptu party.

The Kids loved it.

More Snow (for real this time)

Our Christmas celebrations continued the day after Christmas at Gram's and Grandpa H's. They had snow on Christmas day and luckily it was cold enough that it was still there when we arrived. It was patchy but enough for the kids to play in but not enough to be troublesome.

As always, it was a relaxing, cozy visit. The boys got new robes for there birthday's which they were very happy to show off.





The beautiful view from Gram's.



Happy boys in the snow...

This one is Cousin Ben.

Celebration Number Three

Celebrations number three took place at Papa's and Grandma J's house. So many good pictures I decided to lump them all in one collage. We were warmly welcomed by a Christmas Village, stuffed stockings (which we stuffed some more) and a blazing fire with the biggest log you've ever seen. We were treated to a talent show by the younger set. "Twinkle, twinkle Little Star" sung by J, a Princess Dance performed by A, a magic trick by Conner, The first half of "The twelve days of Christmas" by Aidan, and a melody of seasonal tunes by Ben. It was a warm, cozy & delicious afternoon/evening!

Birthday Afternoon

The finished Volcano Cake. It was supposed to have sparklers as well as candles but the sparklers I smuggled in from Canada were duds after sitting for two years in the cupboard...

We were joined by Papa, Auntie K, Uncle D and cousin B for present frenzy of "Birthday Afternoon"...

Needless to say the boys were a bit amped by this second celebration of the day...

This picture is an illusion. I don't remember them being so calm and sweet looking...

Between Christmas Morning and Birthday Afternoon

The time between Christmas morning and what we determined as "birthday afternoon" was spent playing with some of our toys from the morning:

Aidan and Conner on their new go-carts courtesy or Daddy (and Mommy but mostly Daddy)...

I spent the morning decorating the cake for "birthday afternoon"

Some quality Wii time...

Playing with their new racetrack with cousin B. Euan can be seen in the mirror using my Christmas present, a new camera, which I've also deemed his present since he didn't find the robot vacuum I gave him romantic enough...

Some festive artwork by Conner...

Christmas Eve/Morn

The boys opened there first gift on Christmas Eve so they would look bright and shiny for pictures on Christmas morning. Their Daddy got them matching PJ's with their names on them.



Aidan woke up a few times in the night in anticipation of Santa's arrival. But once morning did arrive they sat reading books for a little while before they decided it was time to come down and see what Santa brought them. Skateboards! Along with knee and elbow pads (that Santa is so safety conscious.)

This was followed by stocking emptying...

Then after breakfast, present opening...

It was a merry morning all around. Thanks Santa.

Bits & Bobs

Last weeks showers left us with a morning of rainbows! (Ignore the Target parking lot)

Intermission at the Marin ballet's Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop. Despite what it looks like, Conner really enjoyed the show. Aidan was impressed when the dancers did the splits but otherwise he was thirsty and hot.

Conner loved to see Nativity Scenes last year. So this year, I put together one with wood pieces and felt. Very shortly after this picture was taken, it was invaded by large white fluffy monsters and the hay from the manger was spread across the house.

The Monsters! Or are they just adorable Christmas presents?