Santa Came!

This year Santa came on Christmas Eve morning. We were going to be pretty busy on Christmas with visiting family and I knew the kids wouldn't know the difference. Last year we did it the day after Christmas, but then they were over tired and really no longer into opening presents. They were beyond that by the 26th. I have more pictures of Luke because he was up before Alex. Once Alex was up, I was looking for breakfast. I had their pajamas set out to wear, but for some reason I put them on a day early, guess I was overly excited or lost track of the days, who knows.

Christmas Cookie Making with Grandma Porter

Grandma Porter invited us over yesterday to make traditional cookies that she use to make with her mother. We even used the same type of cookie cutters and decorated the same as she did. Luke was a good helper this year. He really enjoyed it and kept trying to sneak the dough into his mouth. Alex is just a pro now.

New Favorite Place for Bedtime Stories

Waiting For Santa

Luke and Lego

My favorite toy growing up was Lego. Both of them seem to really enjoy them too. Luke is getting really good building little towers. Here he is sitting on a pile of Lego's while playing.

A Visit with Santa

We went to visit Santa yesterday at Kerrytown. I have never been there to visit Santa before so I didn't know what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised as there was no line, a wonderful Santa that was completely into taking great photos and better yet you are allowed to take as many as you want for free. I also was unsure how either of the boys would react, but was pretty sure we would be viewing Santa from afar. We approached Santa and about 15 feet away Alex decided that was close enough. I proceeded to take Luke up to him since I was carrying him, thinking if Luke found it interesting, then Alex would be soon to follow. Once Santa got into Luke's bubble he began to cry. I figured that was the end of our visit. But, then Santa asked me what Luke's brother's name was that was standing afar. He calls out "Alex, look I have this thing in my pocket and I can't remember how to open it. Could you help me open it?" He pulls out golden pocket watch. Alex instantly perked up at the challenge of figuring out how something works. (All of you that know Alex are probably chuckling now. There is not a better lure for Alex.) He's quickly walks right up to him and I start snapping pictures, not sure if that would be my few seconds of opportunity to get a picture. Once Alex found it okay, Luke was interested too.


Approaching Santa to check out his pocket watch and see if he could help him out with getting it open.


And suddenly he was on his lap, very pleased that he quickly figured it out.


"Wow mom, this guy looks pretty funny, but he's really cool."


Luke deciding that if Alex thought he was cool, then it must be okay.


Thinking about his Christmas wishes.


Eating his candy cane from Santa.


Cute face :)

New Hats

These hats were made by our sitter, Frances.

Hanging Out Under the Tree

Luke's First Haircut

Luke got his first official haircut last weekend. It's super cute. Cara does a great job with both boys. Since I have a post for Luke, might as well talk about him a bit. He is now 29 pounds, wearing 2T clothing and acting completely like a 2 year old. I have to keep reminding myself that he is not actually two. He says nearly everything, but only the first syllable so I can't really count it as talking. It's his own language. It's pretty funny and cute when he jabbers on. Although he can say a good handful of words with good intelligibility. He is throwing all sorts of temper tantrums and in result is getting lots of discipline as he is deliberately thinking about naughty things and laughing about it as he does them. He loves to play with playdough, read stories (only for a short time, but will still bring you books to read), with the tool bench is some of his favorites. He easily plays by himself, which is a wonderful relief. He is a good sleeper as long as its dark and warm. He's a great eater, but doesn't like too many vegetables or hard/crunchy bread. He loves cheese, pasta's, rice, all fruit, and chocolate, but will eat nearly anything. He pretty happy and easy going, often laughing and having a good time.

Kris' Birthday

The boys helped me make a cake for daddy's birthday. They were dying to put on the candles!

Thanksgiving 2011

We were all pretty sick on Thanksgiving. Alex had a fever, so we stayed home and didn't spread our germs. It was a nasty cold, resulting in an ear infection for the boys (their first ones) and bronchitis for me. We are all feeling better and it's our goal to stay healthy for Christmas. So the only pictures we have are the things we made (and the one shared previously by Kris of us sleeping on the couch). Alex made this pinata awhile ago with Theresa. It has been hanging around our house and I thought it would be perfect to make a turkey. We raided our scrap craft box and got out the glue gun. He turned out pretty well. Alex made the other turkey at school with foot prints and hand prints.

When Throwing Things is Okay

The boys love throwing things, unfortunately. I still can't figure out why no matter how many times I tell them and hand out punishments the behavior has never ceased. Either way they love it when this behavior is allowed. I'm not sure how long they would throw rocks into the water if given the time. I like the rails here so I know they can't fall in. These were taken November 13th.