Holiday Traditions

This holiday season has been busy. So busy that I haven't had time to post any holiday pictures. This entry is a big one. So make sure you scroll all the way down.

This holiday season was about traditions. And what better way to start the holidays than decorating sugar cookies.

Cole didn't bother decorating his cookies. He knew the cookie would be just as delicious without the sprinkles.

And Mackenzie quickly learned that shaking the sprinkles directly into her mouth was more efficient.
Cole's last day of school and holiday party was the same day we were suppose to leave for Arizona to visit Jim's parents. But since I'm class mom Cole and I couldn't miss it. And I'm so glad we didn't. It was so much fun to see Cole sitting with his friends, playing on the play ground and singing songs. Last year at this time Cole didn't sing.

It was so fun to watch Mackenzie make herself at home in Cole's class. The teacher had a spare set of bells for Mackenzie to shake while they sang Jingle Bells.

At every class party there is some sort of "art project". This time the kids were suppose to decorate cupcakes with red or white frosting. As you saw from the pictures above Cole isn't into decorating cookies or cupcakes. He would rather cut to the chase and eat the frosting off the knife.

After the class party we hit the road for Arizona. Our 7 hour drive took us 12 hours. As frustrating as that was I'm so happy we didn't miss his class party.

Cole has always had a special connection with his Great Grandma Lilly.

Here are Jim and Mackenzie decorating more sugar cookies at Grandma Fiore's house in Arizona. Mackenzie is an excellent "shaker".

It was so much fun to watch Mackenzie play with her cousin Audrey. They really had a blast with one another.

Another holiday tradition that we started this year was our White Elephant Pizza Party. However, this was the only picture I took. But what a cute one.

On Christmas morning Cole and Mackenzie fought over the new Barbie Jeep.

I got everything I wanted for Christmas, including most of my extended family over for Christmas dinner and a Christmas poker game. Which I won, but even if I lost I was happy to have (most) everyone together again.

As the kids get older I'm finding it very hard to narrow down the pictures. So below is a link to web album that has all of our pictures from this years festivities.

http://picasaweb.google.com/heatherbear511/christmas#

Holiday Season has begun

The holiday season has officially begun. I was a little nervous that Mackenzie would be my screamer and afraid of Santa. But she is fearless. As soon as she walked in she was waving at Santa. We had to bribe Cole with a candy cane so he would as least look at the camera.

Happy 4th Birthday Cole!

Four years ago today you were born. You were 1 lb 12 ounces and 14 inches long. The NICU nurses gave you the nickname Chicken Little.

I remember you were so small your diaper was barely bigger then a post-it. I remember you were so small that your hand was the same size as your dad's thumb. I remember the first day that I got to hold you longer then 30 seconds. I remember the day we brought you home. I remember the day you took your first steps. I remember the day first day you said Mommy and the first day you said Daddy.

A good friend once told me that a child's personality starts when they are born. I didn't believe her at first, but she was right. You came into this world on your own terms. And each day I'm reminded how strong you are and how far you've come.

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Happy Halloween 2009

The weekend before we picked out our pumpkins.

Pumpkin picking can make you tired. Best to rest here for a minute.

A very serious Luke Skywalker, ready to eat candy and save the universe.

Princess Leia never looked this good.

Very eager pumpkin carvers.

"Booo!!!!!" It's a Mack-O-Lantern.

Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca (Heather), and Luke, ready to go door-to-door. Noticed Mackenzie is very scared of the wookie.

Her first trick-or-treat.

"Let's see what I got so far."

Kissing Cousins

My Aunt Tooie came for a visit today. So Rhoni, Brent, Curren and Max came over too. On their way out we told Mackenzie to give Max a kiss goodbye. As you can see from the series of pictures Max wasn't too keen on the idea...

but he did finally give in.

Sneaky sneaky strikes again!

Man, turn your back on Cole for a second and he finds something to get into. This time it was Vaseline! I'm sure my parents will appreciate this, as my sister did the same thing when she was Cole's age. Maybe it just runs in the family.

Cole will have soft and supple skin for a while.

Playing in the Rain!

Can you hear Cole singing?

I'm playing in the rain,

just playing in the rain,

what a glorious feelin',

and I'm happy again!

Yep, he's just like me. He loved to splash in the puddles.

Cole decided to take full advantage of the day and found some mud to play in.

And then I had to hose him off. He loved it.

I have to say that the lyrics from Gene Kelly's Singin' in the Rain, really hit home today. I was feeling blue this morning. So this afternoon, Cole and I played in the rain. And I was happy again.

I hate my spoon!

I hate my spoon!

Hands are better.

Strike!

Today the kids went to their first bowling party.

Mackenzie carefully chooses her ball.

Jim helps the kids with their form.

Are you supposed to be up there?

Mackenzie helped herself to Curren's Cheetos.

A victory cupcake!