Happpy New Year!

Happy New Year's, London Style...

So, my kids go to bed early. Lately they haven't been napping. So, I'm talking like 6:30 early...

They would never make it to midnight but I want to share with them the celebration of New Years. So, Rob had the wonderful idea this year of inviting all of our friends over for a "London New Year's". You know, since London is six hours behind us..... So, that's what we did. If I may say so myself, I think it was a great idea. I know my family had a blast and I believe others did as well. Granted, it was completely over stimulating and overwhelming,... but fun in my book!

To make it super crazy, I decided it would be a good idea to stuff confetti into over 60 balloons to be popped at "midnight". Andy agreed that this was, indeed, a wonderful idea. This boy loves balloons.
My neighbor brought over these oh so fun little party glasses.
Even little Ezra was able to celebrate with us.

At a random point when it was getting a little wild and kids were starting to melt down, I declared it "London New Year's!" I think it was actually around 6:30 or so. We all gathered in the family room and made an enormous ruckus.
The balloons were popped and the confetti idea did not disappoint.
Even my super good sport got in on the fun.
Andy was a little upset because his balloons were popping. He was carrying around the little remnants begging anyone and everyone to please blow them back up. I'm a little saddened to imagine what he may think in the morning when they are all completely gone.




It was a ton of fun. Judging by the mess in my house afterward, it was a successful party.


Let's just say this was used in part of the clean up....
The absolute BEST part of a London New Years? My kids are sound asleep, my sweet hubby is across the street for a neighbor's adult "after party" and I'm drinking my second fabulous left over Mike's Lemonade from Cynthia. Bad, bad, Cynthia. My house is cleaned back up, my New Year's Post is done, and the ball hasn't dropped here just yet. Although, I may just hit my pillow before it does... hiccup... ;)

Happy New Year, Everyone! Thank you for being such wonderful friends and helping me create such wonderful memories! May you have a wonderful, blessed 2010!

A super long Christmas Post

I realize that posting over 40 photos in one post is insane. Lemme sum up.... Nearly my entire family lives out of state. I want them to feel included in our celebration of Christ's birth and the joy their gifts brought my children.... so just scroll quickly. Plus, unlike Diana and Melanie, I don't purge well. ;)

The catheter was a hit. Bunny was cathed a few times Christmas day and I can report he is feeling much better now.



Andy is becoming a super star.

I just love this photo and his mischievous smile of holding his sister's lovie.

Grammy enjoyed her book.
Thanks, Gramma, Amaw, and Aunt Barb! Suzy loves to be read to.
Andy is also enjoying his books from Aunt Barb, Amaw, and Gramma.

He also enjoyed his puzzles from Aunt Deb. On a side, he carried around the little baby Jesus and manger a large part of the morning. It's as if he knew who we were really celebrating. Ha!

Suzy's teacher said this was her favorite book. That's exactly what she said when she opened it. :) "MY FAVORITE BOOK!"
A rare moment when Andy was allowed to open his own gift unassisted.
Do you see the frustration on Rob's face? Do you notice Andy walking away?
Yup, he independently opened the correct drawer and brought Rob batteries. They were even the correct size! So funny. He's a handy little helper already.
His first big truck.
More Baby Jesus.
His first candy cane.
Andy's first Christmas Sweet Tea Ring.
Grammy and Papop bought Suzy her first bike. Hello Kitty at that. And a bag. Suzy LOVES bags and Hello Kitty.

I love that my kitchen is ginormous and Papop could teach her to ride a bike inside it.

Then out to the Cove for a big test ride. She did great! (She's currently at the park with Daddy as I type this...). My sweet big girl!
Suzy also has renewed her love of Curious George.

We call this a "Suzy Sandwich". I love her face here.

Andy's first Gingerbread house. He did surprisingly well with not eating all the candies.

Mamaw and Dopadop sent Suzy an adorable hat, apron, purse, and garden set. She loved it so much she took it to bed with her.

They sent Andy his first very own back pack that is absolutely adorable. He loves his new little drum shaker as well. Thank you!
Grammy and Papop also bought Andy his very first train set.


Suzy was pretty sugared up by the afternoon when we broke out the train set. So spunky...
Andy was more interested in disassembly vs. assembly.
He does try and be helpful.
I finally decided to glue a portion of the track to a board so that he could actually figure out that the train should be able to roll on the tracks and not just take the tracks apart. Me and Liquid nails, yeah, we're tight. ;)
I left a portionopen to build on later when he's a little older.
Andy is really starting to communicate and I love his little thoughts and ideas.
Since I seldom throw things away, I kept the cut portion of my little train board and turned it into a stair slide. The kids LOVE it!

Whew! You made it to the end! I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas as well!