Play Group Christmas Party

First generation of play groupSecond generation of play groupOpening our gifts from our friends

We had our annual play group Christmas party the Sunday before Christmas. As usual we had a great time playing with friends, eating, and catching up with all of the kids and moms. Each year we have a secret Santa gift exchange. This year Chase received the movie Madagascar and two games from Tricia and Luke got a cute outfit and maracas from Brody. Needless to say we left extremely happy and tired.

Sledding with Paige

Having a blast
Look at those smilesHis own version of sledding

The Saturday before Christmas was the perfect time to hit the sled "hill" in Paige's backyard to have our first sledding adventure of the season. Blake and Chase had a great time sledding and were even more excited to head inside for some hot chocolate. We're hoping that it snows again soon so that they can hit the slopes again!

Shoveling

Busy "Working"
All done!

Monday night Chase was busy working outside to help Blake shovel our first snowfall that we actually broke out the shovel for. Needless to say, he was so thrilled to be helping do real work. I don't know if he was more excited about snow to play in or getting to wear his Spiderman boots when they were truly needed. Ever since we bought him this pair of boots, they are the ONLY shoes that he will wear. I can just see him in the middle of August wearing these things :) I can't wait until we have a meaningful snow, he'll really be excited!

Polar Express

Chase, Casey & Cassi waiting for Santa on the Polar Express train
Mommy & LukeSanta handing Chase the "first gift of Christmas"-a bellThe Polar Express-yes, that is real snow falling!

This past Saturday we continued with what we promised would be a Christmas tradition of riding the Polar Express train. We invited Aunt Dana, Casey and Cassi to come along too. We boarded the train and immediately received our hot chocolate and cookies. Chase wasn't into the hot chocolate this year but loved the cookies! The train started on its trek to the North Pole. On the ride, which took about 10 minutes, the Polar Express story was read aloud. When we got to the North Pole, Santa and Mrs. Claus climbed aboard the train to pass out the first gift of Christmas to all of the kids. It is so much fun seeing the excitement in the kids eyes when they see Santa. There was no fear, only awe. On our ride back from the North Pole, we sang Christmas carols. All of us loved the experience and can't wait to do it again next year!

Horse Buddy

Luke and Buddy
Yee-Haw!!
Casey, Chase & Cassi

We couldn't resist having Luke "ride" Buddy. The situation was just right and it was a great photo op. We had a great weekend with our niece and nephew. They spent the night on Sat. and stayed Sunday for the Bears game. It was a good time for the cousins to play together. For the most part, they get along great. Only a few sharing issues came up!

Zoo with Aunt Katie

Aunt Katie and Chase

Happy Luke

Over Thanksgiving break, my sister came down and spent the day with us. We decided to head out to the zoo because we were feeling stir crazy from being in the house. Although it was cold, we all had a good few hours out. The tiger there was really roaring and Chase got a big kick out of it.

Setting up the tree

Daddy putting on the tree topper
Chase watching Daddy work
Putting the tree together

The day after Thanksgiving we typically break out our Christmas things. This year was a little different because it was the first year we haven't gotten a real tree. I have to say, I don't miss watering it or cleaning up all of the dead needles! Chase was so excited about setting up the Christmas tree, he wanted to be part of everything. The holidays are that much more fun because you get to see them through his eyes. The magic of childhood is so wonderful.

Fun at Home

Chase getting Luke's belly
Chase is driving and Luke is riding in the back, can't you tell?

Laundry basket fun
No he's not gagging, he's singing his heart out!

I had to post some of these random pictures from just hanging around the house. Things with the boys right now are really so much fun. Chase is SO good with Luke, I really can't believe how attentive and loving he is to Luke 90% of the time, which is pretty good for a 2 year old! If Luke starts crying in the car, Chase will start to entertain Luke (unprompted) with one of his favorite songs, either Itsy Bitsy Spider or Open and Shut Them, a favorite from Miss Joan's music class. I feel like we're so blessed to have these wonderful boys, they truly make our lives richer and more meaningful.

Luke's 6 Month Pictures

Our Family-November 2008
The boysLittle StinkerHe always has his mouth open!
My favorite!

Okay, who am I kidding, it seems like I'm behind with a lot of things lately so he was really 7 1/2 months in these pics but, oh well, at least we got some! It was nice to have a child that smiled again for pictures, unlike Chase. The only problem was that he kept on looking at me and not the camera.