Christmas #2

Merry Christmas...from Maggie!

 Christmas Eve pictures with Maggie...Elise was done.

 Christmas morning cartoons. "Peg + Cat" of course...If you haven't checked out this PBS show, you really should, it is pretty funny, even from a parent's point of view and quite educational. Pretty sure Elise can now count to (at least) 10 by 2s, maybe higher. Sneaky kids shows, awesome!

 Bob's family has a tradition of taking sibling/kid pictures on the stairs on Christmas morning. The first one was too funny not to include! Quite appropriate for the two of them. I think we got a couple of winners which I love!

 Again...with the mass amounts of gifts. We are truly blessed by our family! (And I think this picture is missing some of Aunt Sis and Uncle Matt's gifts.)

 And the chaos begins!

 Can't be Christmas without a little "Doc."

 "Here Mom!"

 Elise, trying on her cute sweater from Grandma. The best part, Grandma made it and Maggie has a matching one! They really are super cute.

 Jack in the Box...what Elise really wanted for Christmas...when will it pop!?

Maggie's cute new walking cart. Maybe she will actually learn how to walk on her feet instead of her knees. She has walked around the house a few times with it, but still doesn't seem to care to walk on her feet.

We had a really nice week being with family and celebrating Christmas, but everyone was ready to be home. We got home later in the day on Christmas and had a small Christmas as a family and opened what Santa brought (another post) while we were at Grandma's. I hope that everyone else had an awesome Christmas, and now New Year!

Christmas Part 1

This year we had a grand total of 3 Christmases, and believe me, I was a little partied out! But the girls did great and we are so blessed by our families and their generosity and love for us and the girls. The first Christmas was at my parents. And as you can see from the first couple of pictures someone went a little overboard! Ha, but Elise loved playing 'Santa' and reading everyone's name. Though it took 'forever' because every other one had her name on it. (Ahem, mom...) Anyway, as with a typical 4.5 year old, it didn't take too long to get through it all, and the carnage was pretty impressive. Unfortunately, I didn't get a final picture. Will have to remember for next year because with a 2 and 5 year old, it will probably be even crazier! (It is a good thing we have a van now.)

 Maggie thinking she could play 'Santa.' Or, what can I get into??

Opening stocking

 Maggie with Aunt Kristina! Typical Maggie, thumb in the mouth.

 Once we did a few, Maggie started to get the hang of ripping the packaging! 

 And of course, she wanted it open right away. I could barely take any pictures of her because she was walk/crawling toward me with it.

As you can see, it was a little crazy, but awesome! Both girls got some nice new toys. And some they might even be able to 'share.' (I use that term loosely because Elise thinks she still pretty much has free range with the toys because most of the time Maggie doesn't spend more than a few minutes playing with any one toy.) Though the nice part is that, Elise does recognize that Maggie "doesn't know how" to play with some of the toys and someone HAS to show her how. She is at least trying to be helpful. :)

We stayed with my parents for a few days, and then headed off to Bob's parents for Christmas #2.

Snow Day!

Well, we got our snowstorm! I figure it snowed for about 15-20 hours, non-stop. I don't know the official total, but it is at least 7 inches. When Elise got up and saw that it had snowed she couldn't WAIT to get outside. However, we did make her wait until after lunch because we thought it might have actually stopped snowing, but nope! They were out for about 45 minutes, and Elise loved it! The only thing started complaining about was her face getting cold. When I helped her get undressed, her fingers were a little cold, but other than that she was good to go.

 As you can see, the snow was already up to the bottom of the chair legs, and this was about 2pm on Friday.

Then it continued to snow late into the evening. Bob actually had to shovel twice, poor guy! 

I am the luckiest!

 We don't have a lot of hills in the area, so Bob made a hill/incline in our backyard. Did I mention that he is the best? Elise had a ball.

 Snow puppy!

Leinie loves the snow! He was running around like a bad man.

 She liked being pulled too. Maybe we should hook Leinie up to the sled??

 This one she got a little crooked, and did some off-roading.  :)

 Beautiful happy girl!

 She pretty much made this face all the way down the backyard. She had a great time and was so happy.

Now I also have about a dozen photos that look just like this. Ha!

Shew...Dad, you coming to get me?

13 months or there about

 I didn't get a chance to take pictures on Maggie's 13 month-day. It was kind of a crazy day, tornado warnings included. But I did take come pictures a few days before and a few days after. We went to the Children's Museum a few days before, and fortunately Mom and Aunt Kristina were able to join in the fun. She still isn't walking yet, even at 13 1/2 months, but has decided to 'walk' on her knees.

 Look at that sweet face, but don't be fooled. She is definitely sneaky! 

 Elise making a work of art with Aunt Kristina.

 We got to play in the new Playscape and Maggie had a good time exploring in a safe, padded area.

 Who is that cute baby in the mirror?

The rest of the pictures were taken November 22, when we went to the FFY to play at Open Gym with our MOPS friends.

 She really likes the bead maze.

 "I am going to get you"...before you can take the picture! Ha!

 Such a pretty girl. Look at those cheeks!

 Playing with friends in the 'pool.'

 Elise showing off her skills on the slide.

 This is dedication, and he finally makes it over. All by herself. She is definitely a little more adventurous than Elise. And more willing to climb and crawl around.

 Elise and friends 'putting on a show.'

 "Watch Mom!"

 "Hey, she's in my way!" Sorry sis, get used to it.  :)

 Maggie now likes got give babies hugs. It is so cute. Even if you just say "Aww, baby" she will give it a hug. And usually soft, stuffed animals too. 

Well, Maggie has about 2 weeks to learn to walk. She beat Elise in crawling, but I'm not sure she will beat her in walking. I know some people say that when they start walking it gets worse. But honestly I don't think there would be any difference in the stuff she gets into, and she is a super fast crawler. I guess I am just ready to stop carrying her all.the.time. :) 

(I do realize I will probably regret saying this.)