Cookie Time

The kids wanted to make cookies for Santa. Well, technically *I* wanted them to make cookies for Santa. Ava wanted to make cookies for Ava, and Ethan just wanted to smash and grab the dough. It was a new and strange feeling to have the kids baking with me. Normally I prefer to do my baking solo, but I rather enjoyed the company. We might have to do this more often.

The kids even got to pick out which cookies they wanted to leave out for Santa right before they went to bed Christmas Eve. Ava is counting them. Did I mention she can count up to ten flawlessly and sometimes even up to twenty? We count EVERYTHING these days. Also, that sort of wonky shaped cookie in the back with the green sprinkles is the one Ethan made. The rest on Santa Claus' plate were made by Ava.

Santa Claus

Our first attempt to meet Santa Claus at U.S. Toys failed. I got an email saying there was a sale and pictures with Santa. We showed up and NO ONE knew anything about it, till finally someone mumbled something about not being able to find a Santa. Seemed a bit odd, but what are you going to do? So we bought a toy for the kids and we went home. Luckily Ava still didn't really grasp the concept. I went home and looked up other places where Santa would be that weekend. Then today, after church, we stopped by REI and the kids got to meet with the big guy and get their picture taken. Ava seemed a bit unsure about him until he gave her a Candy Cane, and then it was "Santa Clause, love Santa Clause" the rest of the day. Ethan pretty much just screamed at home the whole time. This was the best shot :

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! We spent the holiday with all of my family at the house my brother and his girlfriend just bought in Wylie. They were excellent hosts, and we all had a great time hanging out, playing games, and eating delicious food. The boys grilled up some amazing bacon wrapped turkey breasts that need to become a new Thanksgiving staple, Mom got out the (I hope) soon to be traditional turkey hat, and we all loaded up on too many desserts! It was so great seeing everyone and the weather was beautiful. We really couldn't have asked for a better Thanksgiving.

Family Photos

  Well, it's that time of year again. Everyone heads off to the studio, a random field, or some interesting landmark to take the yearly family photo for the holiday card. I had this wonderful image in my mind of having so many fun family shots with different poses, individuals of the kids and then some of them together hugging each other. Just google "family photo" - you'll see what I'm talking about.

...but yeah, it just didn't end up that way. Hubby and I loaded up the kiddos and headed to my mom's backyard. Why? Because it's easier to change the kids diapers there. (No, my 2 year old has not even started potty training yet.) I fixed the hair bow, straightened a collar, brushed some hair, and then set out for what was supposed to be a simple and sweet (read short) photo shoot. My mom and sister were the appointed photographers, and I APPLAUD their patience. Seriously. Over an hour later were were all sweaty and tired and still not a "perfect" shot in the bunch.

  First of all, Ava just did not want to sit still for the pictures. She was wayyyyy more interested in playing with all the kitties in the backyard. (Yep, poor planning on my part.) The few times we managed to get everyone still and in one spot, actually looking at the camera, Hubby or I managed to mess up the shot by ordering the kids to smile, or reaching across one child to hold the other one in place. It turns out that Ethan is a little photo ham though. We made a nice little family of three for pictures while Ava was off playing with her favorite kitty. We had absolutely no luck with getting any shots of the kids together though, Maybe next year. We finally admitted defeat and decided to make do with what we got. Then I went home and took some more trying to get a few decent ones of the kids. That didn't turn out so well either. While there were no perfect shots, we did get a few decent ones. I'm not going to share those with you, because they will be part of the holiday card/newsletter, but here are some of my favorite "less than perfect" pictures.

  By the way, a big THANK YOU to my mom and sister for taking most of the pictures! Neil and I helped out a bit when we could, but we just could not have managed without them.

Slide!

Granny took Ava, Ethan, and me to the park yesterday and Ava was able to do the slide ALL BY HERSELF. She went up the stairs, crossed the bridge, and slid down the slide. Over and over and over again. And again.

*love*

It always warms my heart seeing Ava and her Daddy playing together. I love that he will just sit down and color pictures of princesses with her (and get covered in glitter in the process!)

Can you see the family resemblance?

Ethan Hates Peas!

So we decided that peas would be Ethan's first real food. I'm not counting that nasty rice cereal, because let's face it - that is NOT food. I'm pretty sure he did not enjoy it.Getting even a teaspoon or two into him proved to be a very difficult undertaking. He also has the attention span of a gnat. He was much more interested in playing with his bib, toys, spoon - anything but taking bites.

Once again, I'm reminded of how different Ethan and Ava are.While she wasn't in love with peas, she ate them really well. Eating for her was all business - bite after bite with no distractions until she was done.

By the way, both sets of photos were taken at about 6 months old for each baby. Ethan looks so much older than Ava. And way more bald!