Christmas Day

We did not have an official white Christmas, but were blessed with snow Christmas morning. It was the beautiful, huge, very wet flakes that sort of dissolve once they hit the ground. It made the morning magical.

We were blessed to have Great Grandpa B and Lulu join us (for the second year in a row) for an early breakfast where we dined on my first ever homemade cinnamon rolls (with candles to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus), opened gifts, and had breakfast before church. It was wonderful and we are enormously grateful to have Beryl and Louise so nearby to celebrate with.

Ava's high fever became a super high fever (103-105) on Christmas Day. What a bummer for the first Christmas she could really enjoy! She spent the better part of the day being held.


Grandpa B making the first transaction of Christmas morning


Special gift from Cousin Maddie


Ava was so sweet and really tried hard to be a part of it all. Here she is playing with Lulu. She was a very good sport, but got progressively worse until her fever broke early the next morning.


Henry enjoying his new Motor Trend calendar with Grandpa B


Henry enjoying his cool new ball from Grandpa B and Lulu!

Christmas Eve

We had the privilege of continuing the tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve at my parent's house this year. Ava was not feeling well (high fever), but she was a good sport about it all. We had a delicious dinner and many gifts, though Henry was satisfied with the first one he opened--a cash register. He was (and is still) in love. However, his first love, cars, still reigns supreme in his life.


Our sweet, sick girl getting snuggles from her Gigi


Hugs from Great Grandpa Bob and Sharon (givers of the cash register)



The most hilarious gift of the holiday--a new binki from Aunt Holly--priceless


Love from Auntie--she loves to spoil our kids!


The prized cash register and its captain.

Our Shining Star

Henry performed in his first ever Christmas program yesterday. The program was comprised of two 3 year old classes, two 4 year old classes and one kindergarten that make up his school (which is located at a Lutheran church in Salem). The program was performed in the church sanctuary. It was priceless. We didn't really know what to expect but it was the Christmas story (complete with kindergarteners in costume reciting scripture) with songs in between. The nativity scene was right next to Henry and he was obviously intrigued with it as he would turn to look at it often. He was (I'm sure strategically) standing next to Miss Maren, one of his teachers to whom he gives a warm hug at the end. We were blessed to have so many family members join us. Ava enjoyed them too (she is a little social butterfly). It was a wonderful evening. Below are a few clips so you can see for yourself! Henry is in khakis and a navy sweater. Enjoy!

Hen-EEEEE

When both kids nap, Ava generally wakes up first (as she sleeps longer at night) and the first word she utters upon awaking is her brother's name (pronunciation noted in title). When I explain he is sleeping, she is not deterred and proceeds to knock and call out his name at his door. When it doesn't open, she is overcome with sadness...here is the photo progression...(thankfully Henry is a very sound sleeper).

Happy Birthday to Aunt Holly!

My sister, Holly, celebrated her birthday with Henry and Ava close at hand.



Ava helping to open presents



Trying on Auntie's new ski helmet



Hamming it up!

Christmas Wonderland

Today we went to the Christmas Wonderland in Albany (a town about 20 min. south of Salem). It is a free event (you can bring canned food to donate--but it is totally free!) put on by a group of volunteers that love Christmas and has been going and growing for over 30 years. It is perfect for young kids as there are many Christmas scenes and running train sets--even Santa! It is all indoors (but not heated) and is lined by lit trees (hung from wires) that were donated by Weyerhaeuser (how resourceful they are!). The kids had a great time and the weather was very cold but sunny.



Honestly, this bear is the biggest stuffed animal I have ever seen. It completely dwarfs any fair prize I have ever seen. Ava LOVED it!

Rain, rain come again another day...

It was raining the other day and we went to get the mail. On the way back we encountered a new discovery...the storm drain grate. It was the source of much awe and fascination. I am amazed at how I see the world differently through their eyes.

Ava loved reaching over the curb to touch the running water.




Henry loved splashing in the puddles!

Growing up

Friday we attended a birthday party for Henry's friend Sam (who turned 4). It was at the Kids Club and everyone had a great time. It was my first eyewitness account of Henry cooperatively playing with another child he has never met before. I had to capture it (though the photo quality isn't great). This little girl and Henry were cooperatively building something (I didn't get close enough to hear so as not to disrupt their 'work'), but each clearly had a role and contribution. It was an amazing thing to witness.


Sam, the birthday boy



Cooperation 101



The birthday feast!

She's learning to climb, but she aint got wings...

Ava has entered the treacherous climbing stage. While she has excellent balance and rather good judgment she is more prone to bumps and bruises these days as she is great at getting up and not as skilled at getting down. I walked around the corner the other day and found her like this...she was so proud of herself!