Christmas morning

Christmas morning we woke and just had to see what Santa put in our stockings! So, we climbed in bed with mommy/daddy and "quietly" opened them up while Elijah slept a little longer....

It wasn't long and e-man woke up and joined the fun~!

(ignore the fact that the "1st Christmas" stocking says 2006...it's a revolving stocking for us!)

Next...Santa presents were opened...

Followed by mommy and daddy's surprises!

Hannah got a dolly, which she promptly named it "baby Jesus"....
which has occupied her day and night
since opening her dolly Christmas morning.



I am a super-duper Badger football player now!

Elijah patiently waited while the rest of us tore into our presents...

and then it was his turn....
E-man was very satisfied with a teething ring!

and then there is poor Bridger.....
who moped as she watched us all get more attention!

Christmas "Jam" session

As a gift to our family, we (built off of Noah's suggestion) decided to give a little concert on Christmas day. Here are some captured footage from our "rehearsals" leading up to Christmas day! Enjoy!!!!

"Drummer Boy"


"Away in a Manger" - "rock and roll" style


"Away in a Manger" - Hannah-style :)

sing-it-proud!

Here I am, participating for the first time
in my preschool Christmas sing-a-long
(last year I was present, but just stood there :)

Mommy wasn't sure you could catch all the words,
so here is a more "private" concert for you all!

(she apologizes...she forgets she can't do video vertically
and then rotate it later!)

Even Hannah has heard it rehearsed so many times
that she was able to contribute to the video as well!

I had a whole cheering-squad....
Santa made an appearance and gave us all neat books...

followed up by cookies and juice!

Elijah didn't get the cookies, but he came to cheer me on anyway!
I helped mommy serve....before I helped myself!

6 months

Just a few shots of e-man today,
his "look" is ever-changing....


Here he's sitting so quietly while big brother and sister are napping.

His paci doesn't so much pacify
as it does provide another toy for him to play and chew on....

He and Bridge are becoming good buds...

This smile is replicated many times throughout the day....
whether it be Bridger or Hannah entertaining.
Hannah has a special ability to have Elijah grinning ear to ear.

Cold December Days

The last week or so has been pretty chilly;

providing minimal to no outside activity
(aside from shoveling after an occasional blizzard :)

So, we have found fun new indoor adventures to explore.

First up: Acrobatics.

I discovered this new talent of mine
and taught the rest of the family
how to perform this number as well!

Hannah and daddy are doing their own number here....

which turned more into a "jump on daddy"....

and "daddy get Hannah" type of event.

Elijah just studies us ...
and plans his escape route!

Actually, little e-man (getting bigger by the day...6 MONTHS ALREADY!)
is learning to babble and wants to tell the world....




What better to do, really, on a cold winter day than snuggle and sleep?
We have mastered this skill on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Christmas prep - 2009

This post is a little delayed....as it was the weekend after Thanksgiving that we went our Christmas tree hunt. Our very generous friends welcomed us to their home/yard to find our perfect Christmas tree this year.

It was unusual balmy late-November day....

It was very hard to decide which tree to bring to our home...

the sun was gleaming down on all of them.Even E-man got a vote...

(here's our attempt at a family photo)

...and the final outcome!!!!

Mommy's favorite tree....ever!

The Christmas music is a frequent sound in our house now...

and lots of good holiday cheer.This little man looks like he's got tricks up his sleeve...

Let's hope it stays standing until Christmas arrives!