Christmas Recap

Well, it is hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone.  As I expected, the kids were so very into it this year.  We enjoyed some old traditions, like making Gingerbread houses, in out new home with new friends, 

and added some new traditions this year.  We were joined, compliments of Auntie Christy by an elf named "Bells"  this year.  The kids loved looking around for him each morning to see where he was hiding.  It was so cute.

Christmas Eve brought an extra surprise for Brenna.  As she was getting ready for bed, her 2nd tooth finally fell out.  I say finally because this tooth (much like the first one that she lost) was holding on by a thread.  She refused to pull it so we let it come out on its own time.  Here, in pictures, is what happened between 10:36 and 10:38 at our house that night.

So, not only did Santa come that night, but the Tooth Fairy did as well.  Brenna was worried that she would not be able to keep her tooth so she left this little note under her pillow, just in case.

Christmas morning was wonderful.  The kids loved all of their presents, and it was so nice to have Oma and PopPop here too.   I did not take a lot of pictures this year, but here are a few of my favorites from the Christmas season.

My little Reindeer.


 

Sitting with Santa.

"
Christmas Eve

Brenna wearing her present from Andrew (a BatGirl Costume) and Superman.

I would be dishonest if I did not confess that a decent amount of time was spent by both kids enjoying all of their new electronics.  It was quite cute to watch Andrew teaching PopPop how to play Indiana Jones and Batman on the Wii!  I wish I had gotten a picture of it!

Unfortunately, Todd had to work the day after Christmas.  Even though the snow was melting, it was not warm enough to do anything outside.  So, we headed off to the Movies.  We saw Bedtime Stories.  It was a little over Andrew's head, but quite cute.  

The next day was warmer and the kids headed outside to try out their new outside toys.

Brenna got a new bike

And Andrew got a sharp new scooter (thanks Aunt Laura and Uncle Chuck!)

After a few days of playing, Oma and PopPop had to head home to NC.  The kids were quite sad, but promised that they would be brave when they left.  I am so glad that they enjoy each other's company so much.  

Oma, PopPop, Brenna & Andrew

I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas too!

It's a Winter Wonderland

Well it is officially winter in Massachusetts!  The snow began to fall around 2 PM yesterday and has been winding down for the past couple of hours.  We are expecting another small storm to roll through tomorrow and it might bring another inch or two.  After shoveling the driveway, Todd guessed that we had about 10 inches this afternoon.

The kids are loving this, of course!  They are hoping that the snow sticks around so they can leave their reindeer food out next week for Santa's crew!

Just beginning

As the end of the year draws closer, I am reminded about what a poor family historian I am.  Every year, I promise that I will be better at capturing the day to day moments that pass so quickly in our lives.  While I tend to be good about taking pictures, I often find myself reflecting on an event and wishing that I had taken the time to write about what we were really doing, feeling, etc.   I need to be better about truly recording events.  Time passes all too quickly.

As an avid blog follower, I am amazed at how others record their day to day memories.  I really enjoy reading the blogs of others.   I think this is a great way to share what is going in our lives with our friends and family across the country.  I usually have the best of intentions about staying in touch.  I intend to pick up the phone, write an e-mail, or even a better, a letter, but most of these intentions remain just that, intentions.  So, I figured that I would give blogging a try....