Happy New Year!

For New Year's Eve the kids and I went to bingo at the club. Tonia came along, and we are so glad she did. Allison was the only winner this time. She won a dino/car huge transformer and three bottles of wine. Tonia, Aidan, and I thought it was great! She, on the other hand, was not as thrilled. Don't worry. She picked out a toy at the store on the way home.

The kids rang in the new year around 7 with some sparkling white grape juice. I remembered to not put it in straw cups this time. Allison loves it. Aidan said, "Pew-ey, dat's gross!"

Christmas 2012

We spent Christmas at home this year. We have coined it "The Great Grandparent Invasion of 2012."

On Thursday, Dec. 20th Omie, Papa Fred, Nai Nai, and Papa Jerry all arrived. We opened gifts with Omie and Papa Fred, and a couple of the favorites were a jump rope and new train.

The first couple of days we had thumb wars, head stand lessons, visits to the park, delicious meals, and a ton of time spent playing train.

Poor Daddy had the flu and really felt awful. Somehow it didn't stop him from doing this. (I'm sure I will be in trouble for including this picture.)

The morning my parents were leaving I snapped a picture of my mother getting ready in a sea of pink among the Barbies and ponies. Somehow my mother and I are often left out of the pictures, so I had to catch one when I could.

In the middle of all of this I snuck away to go to Allison's school Christmas party on Friday morning. Her school, once again, had amazing performers in the building. The first graders saw a circus performer. He was so impressive.

Afterwards we went back to her room for cookies and juice. She was so happy to have me there, and I loved getting to spend that time with her.

On Sunday Grandma Renee, Papa Denis, Aunt Stacie, Uncle Gregory, Makayla, and Chelsea came over for a visit. Allison cannot quit talking about her baby cousin Makayla. She absolutely loved having her here. I really wish we lived closer and could visit more often. Note to self - Add "Go to Fort Worth this summer" to the to-do list.

Christmas Eve was exciting for the kids. They had stared at a huge object in a black bag in the study for weeks. It was their gift from Nai Nai and Papa Jerry. It took a little while to open, but they discovered a gymnastics cheese mat!

We also kept with our tradition of getting to pick one present from under the tree to open on Christmas Eve night. They chose the two that looked alike and were very happy to see Lego sets. These two really love Legos.

That night they set out cookies and milk and sprinkled magic reindeer food in the back yard. Allison asked which way was North, and then decided to sprinkle the food in a path that the reindeer would follow. Aidan was happy to follow her lead. The next morning they found out it had worked!

Santa brought all sorts of goodies including new bikes, a scooter, a Barbie dream house, more Legos, board games, and fun stocking stuffers.

We headed to the park on their bikes and flew the pocket kites that were in their stockings.

We also went to Christina's to let out her dogs on Christmas day twice. Allison and Aidan love this job, and it really did make them so happy to go and play with them in the back yard.

Christmas night the adults played Clue. Oh, and every night we had unbelievable meals thanks to Papa Jerry and Nai Nai. Allison, and especially Aidan, have a new-found love for fois gras, pronouced "fooey-gooey".

On Christmas evening, Aidan took a ride on Papa Jerry's leg around the house. I just thought this made for a cute picture.

We had a very nice Christmas this year. Thank you to all of the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends for the wonderful gifts and for sharing your time with us!

Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker

This year Aidan joined us for his first trip to see The Nutcracker. He really did enjoy it for the most part. There were a few sections towards the end where he was ready to be finished, but overall I was impressed with how much he paid attention and "oohed" and "aahed". The battle between the rats and the soldiers has to be his favorite scene.

Allison, of course, absolutely loved it again. She says that her favorite part is the Arabian dance followed by the snow scene. When it ended she wanted to know why it was so short. I love it!

Before Heading to The Wortham Center

Just Before the Show

Intermission

We had a very nice time are so glad Nai Nai and Papa Jerry were able to join us. It was such a special holiday activity.

Aidan is Four!

Umm, a week and a half ago. :) Today was Aidan's 4-year well visit. He is healthy and happy. Here are his current stats:

Weight: 41 lbs
Height : 41 in

Some things about our four-year-old Aidan. He is absolutely hilarious. Here are some recent quotes:

While riding in the car with Mommy and Allison: "Hey there little ladies."

When he doesn't know the answer to a questions: "I can't know."

When the answer to the question is "yes": "I certainly think so."

When frustrated because my answer is "no": "Oh, bottles!" (He was getting in trouble for saying, "Oh, darn it.", and this is the alternative he came up with.)

When shocked or confused by something: "What da heck?" (I should stop this one also, but it is hilarious to hear!)

He also has plenty of goofy faces these days.

Some of his favorite activities are playing trains (still), going to the park, legos, playing with trucks and cars, watching movies (he has couch potato tendencies, so we'll have to watch this one), and most recently he wants to help to cook every meal.

Making Peppermint Bark for his Teacher Gifts

We are going through the argumentative and sassy phase right now, but hopefully it will not last too long. We are also going through the "cheese" phase for pictures.

We love our little guy. He makes us laugh, smile, and gush all the time. He is still the most loving and cuddly guy around. Happy Birthday Aidan!

Joy to the World

Yesterday was Allison's ballet recital - Joy to the World. She performed to the song "We Need a Little Christmas". She did a great job. She smiled, knew the choreography, and had a great time.

Before the First Show

Allison and Bree (her ballet buddy)

 

For the 2:00 pm show she had many adoring fans waiting for her when she came out at intermission.