Good Bye to 2009!

The last week of the year has been uneventful! We have taken it very easy this week. Dad went back to work and Mom and the kids undecorated the house. We also had Dru and Landon over to play. Jack also went to see Alvin and the Chipmunks with Thomas. They both loved the movie and sat through it with no problems. Unfortunately, Dad had to work on New Years Day so for us it was just another day. We are looking forward to the New Year and can't wait to see what 2010 will bring.

Merry Christmas!

At last, Christmas Day is here! We are so happy to celebrate Jesus' birth. The kids were so excited to see their gifts. Jack woke up at 5:00 but I made him go back to bed. Ed and my parents have told me I can't do this again. I just have to let him get up and of course, wake Caroline up too. Jack did take a peak from the upstairs to see didn't know what to think and had to make sure Baby Sass was ready to go!

Jack loved all his gifts but really was happy to get Ben 10 Humongisaur and his jungle set. Caroline loves her baby dolls but still wants to carry around Baby Sass. Both have really enjoyed playing with their new playdoh sets.

After opening gifts and playing with their Santa gifts, Pop Pop, Ce if Santa had come. We ended up getting up around 6:45 and Jack was ready to go! Carolinook Cook, Uncle Jim and Uncle Glenn came over for brunch and another round of gifts! The rest of our day was spent relaxing and playing with all our new toys.

Caroline's Santa gifts
Jack's Santa giftsTheir stockingsJack coming down the stairs (his smile says it all)Caroline slowly coming down the stair with Baby Sass (Caroline's pants were way too big and fell of while sleeping. We had to find some other pants. Maybe she will be able to wear her 24 month PJ's next year!)Jack exploring all of his giftsCaroline playing with her princess vanity Waiting for round two of gift opening!

Christmas Eve . . . At Last

Finally, it is Christmas Eve. The kids have been looking forward to this day. They got their last surprise from their Advent box. This helps them know that tomorrow is the big day. We went to church for the Family Sing-a-long Service and then headed to our annual Christmas party at Pop Pop and Cook Cook's. As usual, we had a great time. This year Jack and Caroline were the only children but they still had fun.

Uncle Jim being a kid with Jack
Caroline chilling on the couch with Aunt MarthaWaiting patiently to open presentsPlaying together with one of Jack's favorite books

Carriage Ride at the Avenues

We decided to take the kids to the Avenues for a Carriage ride. We had done this a couple of years ago but Caroline was a baby and Jack didn't remember going. While waiting in line, they had some activities for the kids. Both made a cute snowflake craft and both had their face painted. Jack went first a picked out a reindeer. Caroline kept telling the lady she wanted a pink reindeer. The lady tried to get her to do something else because she didn't think reindeer should be pink. Well, in the end Caroline received her Pink Reindeer she requested! Don't try to change her mind.

Jack's reindeer
Caroline's pink reindeer
Caroline, Mom and Jack on the carriage ride (Dad taking the picture)

Christmas with the Bode's

This afternoon, we celebrated Christmas with the Bode's. Ms. Polly (aka Paula) is so creative and made the kids both dress up capes. She knows that Jack's favorite color is green so he got a cool green cape and sword. Caroline got a beautiful pink cape, dress up shoes and Disney gown. The pictures aren't the greatest because neither wanted to "perform." Both have since enjoyed playing in their new dress up clothes. We have some of the best neighbors!

Huck the Elf Playing a Trick on Jack & Caroline

As Huck spends his final days with us for Christmas 2009, he decided to play a trick on us in Jack's room. He returned from the North Pole tonight with a roll of toilet paper from Santa. He had fun using it in Jack's room. He rolled his bed, fan and dresser. Jack and Caroline both thought it was quiet funny. You never know what Huck is going to do. Next year, he will have to get more creative!

Hapy Birthday Landon

Today, we celebrated Landon's birthday at a fun gymnastics party. Jack ended up sick so wasn't able to go. Caroline and I went and had a great time. I forgot to take my camera so Ms. Angie took some pictures of Caroline. Thanks Landon for inviting us to your fun party!

Caroline being sillyCaroline and Baby Sass doing their gymnastics together