Polar Express Play Date

The week before Christmas Eliana had a great idea for the kids to watch the movie Polar Express and make train cookies. They had such a good time with the cookie cutters, sprinkles, icing gel that we didn't know stained and of course the movie itself. Though distant cousins by blood these kids (and parents) have become very close! Jillian kissing and knocking down Everett reminds me of another person I know at that age-me! my poor cousin Andy dealt with the same. Next blog-Christmas photos finally! Then I am caught up to January fun! Stay tuned...

Caught in the Act

This was so funny. Now that Ethan got more trains and tracks for Thomas and Geotrax he is more willing to share some of his older stuff with Jillian. The other morning I was looking for her and found her sitting in the storage drawer playing nicely with their trains! She got a big grin like she was thinking "is this ok or am I in trouble?" Too cute! It really is amazing how close these two are already. They bicker plenty, but always want the other to be around.

Christmas Lane

You may remember from last year that we went to this local house for christmas decorations, train ride, hot chocolate, cotton candy and more. Pretty amazing that they run on donations and volunteers only. Our friends Jen, Alexa, Brayden, Donelle and Averi joined us for some fun in the cold!

New Portraits

I have so many photos to post this weekend going back to the week before Christmas and holiday fun! Happy New year everyone! Here are our most recent portraits taken last week to update some frames at the house. I have some extras if anyone wants or needs one just holler. I can't believe my babies are turning 2 and 4 next month!

Steffany's Bunnies

Right before the holidays we spent an afternoon at what Steffany calls her "farm"! The kids had their first hands on encounter with bunny rabbits. Thumper and Dannica were very patient indeed. They pet, fed and hugged the rabbits. Ethan was less hands on as you can imagine and J just keeps proving that she is a lover of all animals!

Jillian's Big Girl Room

I know this post is way overdue, but Jillian's room is finally done. She LOVES the butterfly theme and is adjusting well to being in a big bed. Thanks Mia for the new comforter set and Aunt Paulette for the matching curtain. J feels like a little princess!

ICE: Gaylord Palms Resort

On Tuesday I met my friend Tiffany and her son Michael in Orlando to see Ice at the Gaylord Palms Resort. It was incredible to see the talent,

time and effort that went into creating these colorful sculptures. Little M did great and Tiff did not go into labor so that was even better! The parkas really did keep us warm considering it is 9 degrees inside. If you have never been I highly recommend going once to see for yourself in person!

Hide and Seek

I know, 2 posts in one day! But I have a few things to catch up on after not blogging for 2 weeks! This week the kids had a bad cold and could not go to school on Tuesday. So needless to say we needed to find activities around the house to keep them busy, but low key. Hide and Go Seek is a favorite indoors and outdoors with family and friends. The kids discovered this spot all on their own!

taking turns willingly for once!
peek a boo

Bedtime Stories with Santa

Last Sunday we went with friends for BedTime Stories with Santa at our neighborhood clubhouse. The kids enjoyed cookies, crafts, a story from Mrs. Claus, and even told Santa what they wanted for Christmas-from 5 feet away. Jillian fussed even when they had me sit with her on Santa's lap-and Ethan never got within arm's length of the jolly old man. But, they had a blast with their friends and making a few new ones.

E and his "girlfriend" Alexa. He called her that one day out of the blue!
they were making funny faces in the mirror-sugar kicking in I guess!

J and her buddy Brayden

Story time was so cute

being silly in front of the tree-they helped decorate ours for a solid 30 minutes this year not so sure about this guy-but after she still wanted to tell him what to bring her this year!