Day after Christmas Bowling

The whole crew takes up a couple lanes

Playing with trucks down a ramp

Annabel missed the annual "Day after Christmas Bowling" because she was napping but Griffin and I had a blast bowling with all the cousins. Then we had Skyline which was delicious as always. My favorite part of the outing...hanging with Gavin whose mom was home sick. Without her around he was my best buddy :)

Christmas Day and Night

Christmas Eve- Lyons side

On Christmas Eve night we celebrated with the Lyons extended family side. As always Griffin and Annabel had a blast with their cousins and other family members. Annabel ate approximately one pound of dumplings (served for dinner on Christmas is a tradition in their family).

Christmas Eve- Gunderson side

These past 3 days have been a whirlwind of fun. We have been to about 5 parties and have had lots of quality family time with family members, many of which we only get to see once a year. Our house looks like Toys-R-Us threw up in it but the kids are in heaven. I even stored half the toys to open later. These pictures are from Christmas Eve morning with the Gundersons, which Gavin and Annabel slept through most of.

Holiday Junction at the Museum Center

Breakfast with Santa Part Two

Giving Santa his letter

Not the best shot but Annabel was flipping out and we didn't have much time

Fountain Square is beautiful this time of year

Annabel wearing her mom's coat from when she was little

Enjoying the train display at the Duke Energy Center

Thoughts by Griffin, handwriting by Mom

Messy is an understatement

Annabel has discovered real food and wants nothing to do with baby food anymore. She fed herself spaghetti, bananas and wheat bread. And by "fed" I mean, shoveled it in her mouth at a rapid pace, missing the target about half the time. I think she still ate more than her brother though.

Snow Day!!!

Griffin, Annabel and I met up with some friends of ours that live down the street from us to go sledding today since school was cancelled. This big hill is perfect for sledding on and its only a few blocks away. They were both huge troopers through the cold and both at one point got a face full of snow but didn't complain. And yes, that is a little boy's snowsuit on Annabel but I can't rationalize spending money on something she will wear only once or twice. We all three went down the hill together four times and then played around for a little before heading inside for homemade chicken soup at our friends. I love snow days.

Breakfast with Santa

This was his exact face upon seeing Santa come down the stairs while everyone sang, "Here comes Santa Claus". Not too excited.

Coloring pictures for Santa

Mommy holding Annabel up high so she could get a better view

Showing off her new skills

Griffin was on the verge of tears and Annabel couldn't get enough of the beard.

The whole family went to have breakfast with Santa this morning. It was through the Mariemont Parents of Preschoolers group which I am in, and love. There are so many wonderful childrens' activities to do through this group and it is with people who live in our neighborhood mostly, therefore Griffin and Annabel are getting to know other kids who will be in their class in elementary school in a few years.

First School Picture

Sorry about the bootleg picture but I couldn't wait for everyone to see Griffin's first school picture!