Merry Christmas (Eve)

Merry Christmas everyone!  Today was a day filled full of old Christmas movies (A Christmas Story, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and Home Alone to name a few), a little bit of shopping, and some fun craft time.

Full on craftin'

The proud girls with their creations

I did it all be myself, I swear!

Following dinner with our famous homemade pizza, the girls took quick baths and then got to open one present.

One of Violet's handmade goodies

Sylvia's GoldieBlox

Both were then very happy to go to bed, knowing Santa is on his way.  Last check on NORAD, he was dropping off gifts in England.  He will be here soon!

Ho Ho Ho

Merry Christmas everyone!

Sylvia's Christmas Program

Last Thursday night was Sylvia's 1st school Christmas program.  The kids have been working for weeks to pull together this special night.

The gym was packed with parents and their camera / phones / video cameras / etc. 

It was tough to get a good picture of the group, but Jamie managed to get one of Sylvia

A little of the music we all enjoyed!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. We don't have a kitty :)

Autumn Pumpkin Celbration

The annual tradition of the fall celbration is becoming the annual weekend of rainy, cold weather.  That being said, when a group of friends get together, we can manage to make the best out of anything.

It turns out a clean garage with a space heater serves as a great pumpkin carving location.  This year people got even more creative with their carvings.

Sydney's Guy

The Happy Pair

Jen and Theo w/ the pint sized "o-face"

Liz and her lady friend

Per normal tradition, following the pumpkin carving, and assuring all the children have arrived, we bring out the pinata.  With the fact that the kids are getting bigger (i.e. stronger) and the cheaply made Target pinata is weaker, we only made it through a couple kids until it broke apart.

Thank goodness we have the 3M stash of tapes!  Between clear packaging tape and decorative masking tape, we were able to fix up the pinata for several more whacks!

Following the "outdoor" fun, we headed downstairs for chili and hotdogs.  The kids (and adults) were all well behaved and we had a great time.

Following dinner, the kids headed back out to the garage for a movie on the big screen with homemade popcorn! 

Another year in the bank.  Maybe 2014 will offer better weather?

Happy Halloween!

Hope you all had a fun and safe night!


Our Princess (with kitty paw) and Monkey (with winter hat) sure had a good time tonight.  Can't wait until next year!

All Smiles

Violet Goofy Face

If all goes well, we will be able to ration out the candy for about three months...

3M Picnic

Once again catching up on old posts...  The 3M Family picnic was held in early August and again was a success.  The girls love the jumpy houses and pony rides as well as the slides from over a half century ago!

Sylvia and Violet spent a good amount of time in the traditional jumpy castle, while the other ones were really only fit for Sylvia.

Raaarrrr

With Auntie Liz now working in the same division as Adam, she and Kevin were at the picnic as well.  It's sliding time!

While Violet wasn't quite sure about this next part, after feeding the pony a bunch of carrots...

She hopped up on her and took her for a ride!

No screaming, no crying, not even a look a fear... 

Until next year when the jumpy houses and pony rides continue!