Happy Birthday, Emma!

It's so nice to have Emma's birthday during the Christmas vacation because we can always have a nice family gathering, especially with the extended family that are in town.

We took a chilly day trip to Mount Vernon with Jimmy, Alex and Hayley.

It was beautiful to see everything all decked out for Christmas.

James was super good, and didn't mind the cold day.

This sweet lady was "Lady Washington" answering questions and telling stories. It was extra nice to visit her and sit down because it was warm inside.

Patrick was able to earn a Scout patch during our visit there. He also got in free while wearing his uniform!

William played Angry Birds while we waited in line for the mansion, where we got to go up to the third floor, where the cuppula is.

This gingerbread house was just lovely!

We then went to Pap's house and celebrated some more.

7 years old!

New bed!

My William has moved into a new bed!

This firetruck bed was Patrick's, and he just loved having it.

William wasn't too thrilled initially with the new bed (he kept saying, "it's not good, Mommy.") and seemed to enjoy the rug we put down in his room to play with his cars, but I think it had grown on him. The Lightening McQueen sheets helped a bit. :)

I told him he had to stay in his new bed until the sun was up and Frosty is down (Frosty the snowman in our front yard). It was adorable to see him in the morning at our door, telling me that "the sun is up and Frosty is down. Can I get up now?" Sweet boy. I am not sure I am ready for such a big kid step, although the next step is way bigger: potty training! One step at a time, mommy.

Merry Christmas!

Santa and the kids

Santa Claus made a visit to the Pack meeting for the scouts, and all the kids (big and small) got to visit with him.

These pictures of William are so adorable! He doesn't quite have the hang of "what do you want for Christmas" talk, so each time we see Santa he asks for a candycane, and each time he is not disappointed. It's so cute!

William recently had an encouter with the tile floor at McDonald's, and as you can see the floor came out victorious. Poor little guy.

Each time Emma has seen Santa, her list for Christmas gets longer. My favorite thing that she asks for is "a bag of socks." One Santa chuckled and Emma said it was because "she can never find any when she needs them." LOL What a nut.

Patrick is so predictable, but he has only asked for 2 or 3 things, at the most. And it's always the same things. He's so serious too.

And here is the token Mommy and James photo. We were there too! (And, if any of you are wondering, I am using an Ergo carrier, courtesy of the Iveys who are always so generous, and am totally.in.love with it!!! I can't believe it's taken me this many babies to discover the joys of a good baby carrier.)

Christmas in my home

My big helpers to finish the tree.

" Is it time to open mine yet?"

The first bit of mischief this boy is into.

Our sacrifices and good deeds go into the manger as straw to make His bed soft.

My Fontanini creche!

They are homemade and look it, but they are finally all sewn. If I could only find the things to cross-stitch the rest of the names.

We are counting down the days!