Last week Carina had her Christmas program at school. They went through a day at school showing the parents what they learn and practice and then they sang songs and put on a play at the end. Carina got to be the inn keeper. Very cute!

We have a friend! This is a really friendly squirrel who tried to get in the house! He came up to the window and watched me mop the floor the other day... I think he is looking in the pantry wondering if I will give him any food!

For the past three years we have gone to Macy's and to the holidazzel parade with the McGuire's. We didn't want to miss it this year so we have decided to make this a tradition. The kids had such a good time looking at the exhibit "A day in the life of an Elf" (yes this was the same exhibit as last year, supposedly back by popular demand; however, we believe back by the pressure of the economy). It was still neat to see Macy's does such a good job. Afterward the kids see Santa, which I have to say I was a little disappointed with... you can see for yourself in the pictures!! Later that night we went to the holidazzel parade, dinner and then back to the McGuire's to exchange gifts. We had a really good time and look forward to next year!!

Carina and Gannon at the holidazzel parade
Meeting Santa - Sam is not in the picture - thinks the Santa is too weird - Audrey is in agreement but is forced to sit on his lap!

Sam and Paige at Macy's looking at the exhibit
Carina and Gannon

Audrey - yes she has something in her mouth - she was eating
Just hanging out!

Making sugar cookies - Paige, Gannon and Carina
It was a little messy - Sam had a little powder on him but Paigers...
Had a lot of powder on her!!
Audrey stayed inside while the kids played outside!
Carina loved the snow!

Carina making a snow angel

Sam thought it was a little too cold (and it was!) The kids only played outside for about 15 min, I think with windchill it was negative 10?

Paige

Paige and Sam having a conversation...

Whatever she was having was GOOD!!
Audrey had to sit in the bumbo because her highchair is at Grandma Connie's.
My friend Allie and her kids (Caroline and Garrett) came over to visit while we were in Minnesota. The kids had a really good time.
Here is Sam getting into costume - I'm not sure why he decided to take off his pants? Maybe it has something to do with the crown he is wearing? Oh never a dull moment around our house!

Ahhh back in Minnesota, we went back to our house for a week after our trip to Wisconsin. It was good to be in our house and visit with friends. The kids have a few toys still there and they ran in saying "my toys", "I remember this house"! Sam became very fluent and excited about saying "my room"! I didn't realize he liked his room so much, it's not like he has ever slept in there :)

I had to take these pictures of our backyard, this is what I will miss the most about my house. We have been looking at neighborhoods but nothing will compare to our big pines!



Carina and Audrey playing
They did not wait a moment before ripping into the toys!

For the past two years we have gone to Wisconsin for Harry Christmasgiving's - this is when we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with Jeff's family (The Wiltz's, the Mundo's and the Purdy's). We have a great time, the kids put on a dance show in dance studio in the basement and there is a lot of talking, eating and good times!
Audrey really loved Brent and Nina (they are expecting their first baby in April)!
cuddle time with Jack
The great cooks (Karen and Kara) -Thanks for hosting!0

Sam and Carina had so much fun with Karaline.
Carina reading with Kara
It is a tradition that when we go to Wisconsin Carina and Jillian sometimes the boys will put on a dance show - Here Carina is posing in her costume
Jill and Carina
Here Carina has on another costume and is dancing with Dillon on the bed - you can see Sammy trying to get in the mix!

Hoosh and Audrey
Three cousins - Carina, Jillian and Audrey
Sam and Jack - over the weekend Jack was Sam's best friend! Sam likes to call him "Da" (we are working on it :) )
Oldest cousin with youngest cousin (Nathan and Audrey)