Christmas Day

After a long evening of wrapping, we managed to get up around 7am when the girls came in bouncing up and down.  Santa had finally arrived and they were beside themselves.  Kailei asked for a piano, an ipod touch and Camp Rock 2 DVD and between Santa and us, she got all that she wanted.  Keara asked for a kindle, a new comforter, and an American Girl doll and bed.  Santa wasn't able to provide the kindle this year but she did get a new comforter and lots of American Girl loot.  Grammy actually got her the American Girl doll so Santa didn't have to worry about that one.  Naturally they got some clothes and a few other items and were excited about all they received.  It was fun to watch them open their presents.

As is tradition we traveled over to Grammy and Poppy's for breakfast.  Despite Mom's temporary handicap she seemed determined to cook and served up a delicious breakfast.  The kids gobbled everything up so they could move on to opening more gifts.  Grammy and Poppy spoiled them as usual (and us as well). 

Later we enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner, took naps, played games and had a great time. Thanks Mom and Dad for making Christmas such a special time. 

Christmas Eve

Still don't have presents wrapped which means a late night but enjoyed Christmas Eve with the family.  We went to church at 3:00pm so we could get a seat.  It was doubly important this year since Mom was on crutches.  As usual church was packed but we managed to find a place where we could all sit together. 

After church we went back to my house for some "party food".  I always like this part of the evening.  Everyone looks so nice and we eat fun food.  It is also nice to be reminded that it isn't about the presents but rather a celebration of Jesus' birth and the gifts he has given us. I can't think of a better was to honor him than being with friends and family.

Wildlights

Managed to squeeze in a little fun and go view the lights at the Wildlife Museum.  We've done this for the past few years but I don't whether is was the date or the weather but it was packed with people.  Haven't run into the lines before but will remember it next year.  I was hoping the kids could talk with Santa but the line was way too long.  We went with the Lawrence's and the Wyman's and had a great time despite the lines.

Cookie Day!

While Lynn and I live no more than five minutes from each other, we still struggle to find time to get together.  We both lead busy lives but despite that challenge we both make sure to set aside time for COOKIE DAY!  Neither one of us are great bakers but the laughter we share makes up for it.  Naturally the girls help but we look forward to the day when they do most of the work and we can just sit around and gab.

Archer's Out on the Town

Our annual dinner out with the family was tonight.  We went to Mt. Fugi which is a Japanese restaurant in Parker.  The kids really love it since they cook everything right in front of you.  We missed not having Kevin and gang there but will look forward to next year when he should be here.  Mom was a little gimpy this year as something bit her foot and she was in urgent care shortly before dinner.  She came hopping in with her foot wrapped as she had a pretty bad infection.  We got lots of laughs at her hopping around but hope her foot heals quickly (Tracie and I are worried we might have to cook dinner).  :)

Davison Christmas

Spent the weekend in Walsh celebrating the Davison Christmas.  Hadn't been down there for Christmas in a long time and really enjoyed it.  Phyllis filled us with lots of great food and way too many sweets.  Unfortunately Merle woke up and was very sick.  Ended up with walking pnemonia so we didn't see much of him.  Zeb actually went down on Friday to attend a wedding which was fun since many family members were there.  Mitch came down on Saturday with his crew and we all really had a great time.

I'm learning to play the card game Nertz(?).  I'm terrible at it but it is fun.  The kids loved all their gifts and spending time with the family.  Wish they lived closer so we could see them more. 

Keara's Feis

Keara danced in a feis this past Saturday.  She was very nervous and doesn't normally like to perform but Mom's "encouragement" worked.  She ended up getting a first, a second and a third.  I was so proud and more importantly Keara was happy she did it.  Enjoy her first place dance.

Kailei's Recipe for Turkey

Kailei's teacher created a cookbook for the kids to give their parents for Christmas.  She had the kids recite recipes.  Kailei's was for Chocolate-covered Turkey's.  I'm sure you will be able to make them without issue. :)

"You buy chocolate covered cherries.
Then you get candy corn.
You melt it.
Then you get the mint.
You spread the chocolate on the mint.

The cherry is the tummy.
The turkey feathers are the cookie part."

Kodo - Our Faithful Friend

Kailei's Holiday Party

Kailei's teacher is just amazing.  We are so lucky to have her.  This morning the kids performed a reader's theater version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".  The kids were all just adorable and I know they practiced a lot.  Kailei even bought the book with her allowance and I listened to her read it to me over and over and over and over again.  She memorized her part as Kailei Who and was very excited that I could take off of work to come watch.

After the play the kids had breakfast and made a sock snowman.  The class collected mittens and hats for needy children as their community service project.  I so enjoyed spending the morning with them.

Keara's Holiday Party

Keara's class began the day with breakfast and then wrote letters to soldiers for valentines day.  They got to wear their pajamas to school all day and celebrated with a movie before leaving for break.

Kailei's Poem

MWCC Holiday Party

Another year was celebrated this holiday.  My "Mom's With Children from China" group continues to enjoy each others company throughout the year.  While the families don't change the number of children do.  Thomas and Matthew were adopted this year and baby Trautman will be here soon.  It is not often we can get the whole gang together but we managed this season and had a great time. 

MWCC Highlight Video

It's that time of year.  We have our holiday party tomorrow so I created a video to highlight our activities this year. So lucky to have these folks in our life. 

Daddy/Daughter Date

Zeb treated Keara to The Nutcracker today.  It was indeed a special day for her.  She has been asking to go for years so she was very excited.  Bruce and Elizabeth joined them for this special event and they all had dinner together as well.  So glad they had this special time together.

Gingerbread House Fun

One of my colleagues from work invited the girls and I over to make gingerbread houses last night.  I've attempted to make them before but often fail rather miserably so I was a little leery.  She was confident her method was foolproof and I became a believer when she told me we would need to bring hot glue guns.  I wasn't sure Kailei or Keara would be able to handle the glue guns but alas it was I that burned from hot glue.  The process took quite a while and Tina treated us to dinner and we ate our way through candy for dessert. The girls had an awesome time.  Keara was especially proud of her house and for good reason.  Kailei as expected ate more candy than anything.  My house was actually a barn of which I was proud too.  We had a great time and look forward to doing it again next year. 

A Story From Kailei's Writing Journal (exactly as is)

I had a sleepover at my Grammy and Poppy. I was fun relly fun. It was fuuuuunn. I loved it so so much excsept wen she wake me up in the mitel of the nite. Then I cod not sleep. It was horabol. I codint blevit. It was the wrste nighte evr.