Winter Break

We've been trying to fill the empty hours of Winter break by going on field trips. The kids have been really into ice skating lately. They still refuse to let go of the buckets but they love it. Here's a cute video...

Here they are on a ride @ Happy Hollow. The two on the far right (Madison is in the Santa hat)...

Skiing

These are a little out of sequence but here are few clips of Madison & Luke cruising down the ski slopes over Thanksgiving.
Madison (and the kid lounging on the hill is Luke-man)...

Luke...

Christmas is Here!

Two little angels, dreaming of Christmas

Sure enough, Santa was here!!!

Stockings overflowing

Even Moo Shoo & Peanut got presents!

Santa sure is a messy eater

It was an Angry Bird Christmas for Madison

Greta, Abby & Peanut watching the show

Maddie rocking out to her iPod

Sisters & best friends

Christmas is Coming!

Moosh is a huge help around the house when it comes to prepping for Christmas. Her favorite thing to do is to nap under the tree...

The kids diligently making cookies for Santa

Luke sneaking a taste of frosting

Madison making sure Rudolph & his friends have some carrots to munch

Can't have cookies without milk!

Letters to Santa

Can't wait for Santa Claus to get here!!!

Genetics

So many people commented on how similar Madison's school portrait is to mine that we threw them together for a side by side comparison. First Grade (1983 vs. 2011)...

Junior Kindergarten (2011 vs. 1974)

Santa Claus

Our absolute favorite part of getting ready for Christmas...our annual visit with Santa Claus! Luke has certainly shaken his apprehension of old St. Nick...

Thanksgiving

I know I'm a month late but here goes...we spent this past Thanksgiving up at Lake Tahoe. We didn't get a chance to make our annual trip up there for Bagga Judy's birthday so we spent the holiday there instead. The weather was gorgeous & the view from the cabin was stunning. Unfortunately I was incredibly sick & spent one full day in bed. But the kids had a great time, playing chess/checkers & going skiing. Here's Madison desperately trying to take Uncle Jason in a game of checkers...

The view

Madison patiently waiting to hit the slopes

Luke heading for the gondola

Unfortunately there were just too many kids in ski school that day. The kids did a lot of standing around. Next time, private lessons...

I had to throw these in here. Madison made this bed for Moo Shoo & she absolutely loves it!

Moosh enjoying her new digs