A whirlwind visit (Literally)

We were lucky enough to have my Aunt Jane spend the holiday with us. We tried to show her a good time, but anything we could have done was definitely overshadowed by her being stranded with us by the big blizzard! We didn't get hit here in DC, but planes couldn't get to Bradley in Hartford due to high winds so she got to stay an extra day..

She had Christmas morning here with us:

The next day we braved the fierce winds to go to the Air and Space museum annex right near Dulles Airport. It was VERY cool in that they have an actual space shuttle right in the giant hangar..

And on the final bonus day, we headed down to see "cousin" Megan Platenik and finally meet her, Josh and the kids for the first time. It was great to see their brand new house - I'm seriously impressed with how much work they've already gone, given they've only owned it for 10 days :) Thanks Megan, for letting us come and play for a while!

Christmas is here!

Putting cookies out for santa..

Finishing up the cookies Santa left behind - after all, Santa can't possibly eat ALL the cookies at ALL the houses. We'll just have to clean them up - for breakfast. What the heck, it's christmas :)

And away we go...

Daniel likes being a reindeer..

Wiped out - but loving his pillow pet and Thomas blanket..

Loving her bike...

Relaxing with her pillow pet and princess sleeping bag

and the mother asks, "How is it only 9am????"

Ready to go on Christmas eve

We believe in dressing according to one's life passions:

Daniel is passionate about trains

And Sydney is passionate about candy :)

Giving - from the 3 year old perspective...

Our babysitter has a new grandson - baby Isaiah.. And yesterday when I went to pick up the kids, the babysitter enthusiastically thanked me for the "radio" for baby Isaiah - saying that Sydney had given it to him earlier that morning..I said, "You are welcome" and didn't give it a 2nd thought.

Then we were getting ready to leave and Daniel had his radio in his hands. It was a toy he'd gotten for Christmas last year and I just figured he'd decided to bring it from home in the morning. Then the babysitter tried to take it, saying it was for Isaiah and it needed to stay at her house...

So I got very confused and said, "But didn't he bring that from home this morning?" and the babysitter got an odd look on her face. Apparently Sydney had decided that baby Isaiah needed a present, and had chosen Daniel's radio and wrapped it up and brought it to the babysitter's for the baby. There was a big presentation and they unwrapped it and everyone was excited.

Great idea - in theory - Except, she'd decided to give away Daniel's toys - so I had to step in. The babysitter and I cleared up the confusion and decided that Daniel could keep his radio, but we'd absolutely find something else of Sydney's that we can give to the baby as a present.

So on the way home, Sydney was very upset. And we started talking about giving, and how it's not fair to give away other people's things, that we'd go through Sydney's toys and choose something. She was quiet for a minute, and then says, "but why would I want to give away my OWN toys???"

Ahh, there's the 3 year old view. We're on the right track with the idea, but she definitely needs to learn a little bit more to firm up the execution :) She's a funny girl, my Sydney...

Just "writing this down"

I sing with my kids...in the car...loudly. We have a great time on our rides each day.

Sydney likes to make up her own lyrics. Today's song was "Christmas is coming, christmas is coming" to the tune of Fere-Jacues (sp?). She also likes solos, and often tells me to quiet down so she can start "her concert"

Not to be outdone, Daniel is getting into the act too. He's working hard on Twinkle, Twinkle, and loves "the cry song" otherwise known as Santa Claus is coming to town. We belt out Jingle Bells and Hey Diddle, Diddle..too. He likes it with a rock-n-roll, head banger kind of beat...

These are times I don't ever want to forget...

Santa Train!!!!

Huge shout out to Megan Platenik for telling us about this. It was a huge hit for our little guys!!

Everyone waiting at the station:

Our gang waiting patiently - it was COLD!

Here he comes! To be honest, the cheer from the crowd as the train pulled up made me absolutely weep. It was 200 kids just cheering with pure joy. I got emotional :)

In our seats and ready to go:

Daniel talked to Santa, but didn't want a picture on his lap (surprise - not!)

In an actual surprise, Sydney didn't want a picture with Santa either. Not sure why, she's usually up for any photo opp..

Christmas is coming!

We got our tree...

Santa came through the neighborhood on a fire truck.....

And our daddy made our house look truly beautiful.....

I LOVE the christmas season :)