A Diva, A Dude & A Dog

Apparently I took a bit of a sabbatical from blogging during November and December. I am in constant search of finding balance in life and squeezing all priorities into a day. Priorities, that's really the key and the challenge. So many things feel like a priority. Spending time with kids and family was the top priority in November and December. We had a fabulous time and again are reminded of how blessed we are to have family and close friends to celebrate with during the holiday season. We had lots of play time and a little time to lounge a bit. There are so many stories to share when we are together and many to share and debrief afterward. Here is our Christmas story in pictures. (Warning: there are lots of them. I'm cramming two months worth into one post)

Kicking off the season at Thanksgiving with Papa & Lulu

Brother John and Lindsay came with Lauren (aka L3)

Cousin Jammie Party

Time to decorate the tree

This gingerbread house would look perfect in this spot.

I'm trying really hard to be patient while waiting for Santa
to get back from his potty break. I'm glad Von Maur has pretty trees to explore.
(This is no lie, Santa took a break while we were in line waiting)

"Santa, I'd like a new blankie. Mine has holes in it."
"Santa, boy do you have such soft cuffs."

Not sure which was better, seeing Santa or eating candy canes afterwards

It's time to put twinkle lights outside on the deck and on the clubhouse.

Cookies Phase 1: Reindeer Night

Cookies Phase 2: Sugar Cookie Morning

Cookies Phase 3: Sugar Cookie Decorating Night
We sure did like lots of sprinkles on the cookies.

Our twinkle lights resemble a runway or dance floor.
We had a blast dancing in the driveway when it was lit up.

The first snow is always fun to play in, even if it was only a dusting.
Believe it or not, this little amount of snow meant a snow day for mom.

All aboard the Holiday Express at Union Station

"Mom the train didn't go anywhere." -Jack
Apparently we left out the part about the train not moving.

Once in a while a family picture needs a screamer.
Poor thing fell right before this pic. We were in a hurry to get to a movie.
We didn't want to miss The Polar Express at the IMAX.

Christmas with Nanny J - What fun tradition!

A cool new gadget from Nanny J
She's showing us how to use our new apple peeler.

Christmas Eve at Atonement

Look! Santa came while we were at church!

First we'll check our stockings.

Next we'll open a few packages.

Hmmm, a new blankie...just what I wanted,
but I think still hang on to my old one.

Oooh and there's more to open!

OK, maybe Santa was a bit generous this year.

I'm loving my new power tools.

Breakfast Christmas morning- cookies and donuts

Santa delivered a package from Papa & Lulu. What could it be?

A Train Table!!!!!

Whew, all this celebrating and playing has worn us out.

Christmas in the Quad Cities started with a slumber party with Aunt Sarah.

A few more gifts to give and to open with the Luths.

Papa, I'll help you open your present. I'm getting pretty good at it.

A familiar scene: a living room with paper, boxes,
toys and all kinds of family fun

Time to take a break and just look at the tree and twinkle lights.

Look more Christmas fun at Aunt Jane's!

Uncle Ted, this one is for you.

Waiting as the youngest family members (Hope & Jack) deliver gifts.

I'm done with this for a little while. Time to take a nap right on a lap.

We had such a fun time visiting the John Deere Pavilion.

This combine is enormous and I got to drive it.

Another mandatory picture in a wheel.

I love driving this machine.

One more dose of some tractor fun on Uncle John's toy.

I'm out, wake me up when we get home.

I'm going to take a little snooze on this six hour ride back to KC.

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

As life gets busier with two growing, curious toddlers it sure gets to be more and more fun. We had such a great time celebrating Halloween yesterday. It was a loooong day! The festivities started with a breakfast treat and continued late into the night. The kids had their first Halloween party at school and we participated in the family "Trunk or Treat" at Primrose. John did an amazing job transforming our swagger wagon into the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Honestly, trick-or-treating in the neighborhood was kind of a let down after the fun school event. It was super cold last night so we didn't last long ringing doorbells. Wow, we're tired today.