Another first for Little Miss

Little Miss threw up for the first time tonight, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

***HAPPY NEW YEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, NEAR AND FAR***

Catch The Locomotive!

Today was our long awaited trip aboard one of Portland's only two working steam locomotives. A local train preservation society hosts Christmas rides every year for two weeks in December. A little rain came down but nothing to worry about.




Maisy was still riding a wave of confidence from last week when she sat on Santa's lap without crying or making a fuss, something her older brother was not capable of and she wouldn't let him forget it. Until, a thud hit the roof of the car we were in and before you knew it...



Santa! All 6' 5" of him. Needless to say, Maisy was not very happy to be in his arms.



After the big, red, scary man left the car, Liam was very happy to have nabbed a candy cane without having to touch Santa and Maisy, well, let's just say she is still looking over her shoulder whenever she hears sleigh bells.



Big brother will look out for you!



Daddy gets a chance in front of the lens.

Santa Claus is Coming to....the mall

Oh what a joy it is! The plan was to go to with Ava and her parents, and Katie and her parents for the pictures with Santa. That part was easy. We got some food to avoid any meltdowns, again a success. We did not plan on the hour long wait. The kids faired pretty well though. The dads ran the kiddos while the moms stayed in line.


We were waiting on pins and needles to see how Liam would react to Santa and you guessed it, he reacted exactly as we thought. He was not interested in Santa AT ALL. We did a group photo of the kids, thinking what a great idea, a picture of the kiddos for Patti. The picture ended up sans Liam because he was having nothing to do with the man in the red.

Ava had her own picture with Santa. Katie had her own picture with Santa. This is Liam's picture with Santa.

Amazing Little Miss!!

Little Miss took 2 steps tonight....right after we brought in the Christmas tree...and all three of us saw it!! On December 3rd she took one step. She was standing at a chair, did a pivot, turn, and took a step. She has been trying ever since, walking while holding our fingers but tonight our little sweet pea has turned a corner.

Another Busy Weekend

Saturday was busy for our little social butterflies. The morning was Koen's (born 2 weeks before Little Miss by my good friend Tonya) had his first birthday party. I will never pass up the offer to watch a one year old eat/smear cake.


The evening brought the birthday party of Little Man's bestest friend, Ava. Ava's parents had a work Christmas party so Ava stayed with us. There were quesadillas and Spanish rice for dinner, lots of splashing in the tub, and we set up a makeshift bed in the bonus room with an evening showing of Cloudy With a Side of Meatballs. Amazingly, after the movie I explained that it was time for bed and they both agreed. I turned off the light, turned on the nightlight and did not hear another peep! Liam was a little dismayed, and disappointed, that Ava was not there in the morning. We had to explain, several times, that her mommy and daddy wanted her home and picked her up after the party. Next time, I think we will have her stay the entire night.

On Sunday we made the trek to get the Christmas tree. The weather was beautiful and the holiday is fast approaching so timing is of the essence. We tried a new Christmas tree farm this year, something on this side of town, and it was a really good experience. Liam tried hot chocolate for the first time and loudly proclaimed I LOVE THIS!

(this picture of Sean cracks me up)

Thanksgiving At The New House!!!

We were lucky enough to be able to host Thanksgiving at our new house this year. We closed on November 6th and busily spent the next few weeks getting everything put (or thrown) away. GiGi (Linda) and Boots (John) flew in from Colorado and were able to join us this year.

And oh the activities!


painting

puzzles

and puddles

oh my!