Baby Rilla

My sister Emily had her fifth baby right before Christmas. We were so glad to spend Christmas with them and get to see Baby Rilla! She is so adorable and so tiny! I was interested to see how Daniel and Nora would be with her. They were VERY interested and wanted to hold her constantly but they were very gentle.

Annie and Rilla

Daniel is a real pro. He was so sweet and gentle.

I thought this picture was so sweet: Ruth, Daniel, and Rilla

Getting lots of practice for when our new baby arrives...

Rilla and Shannon: Shannon stole little Rilla every chance he got. He loved holding her.

And Baby Three Makes Five...

We are happy that we will soon be a family of five with baby #3 on the way! Due June 23rd.
Daniel and Nora are very excited. When we first told the kids Daniel said he wanted to name the baby "Sweet Love." I have no idea where that came from but thought it was pretty funny and Nora's just excited to have her own real life baby doll.
Daniel originally said he wanted a brother but after visiting my sister and her three week old baby girl for Christmas he told me it would be ok if it was a baby girl. We'll find out in a couple of weeks!
Can't wait till June!

Baby Naomi

My sister Kathryn and her husband Ken had baby #2 right before Thanksgiving! Baby Naomi (my great grandmother's name-I love it) is so adorable and I wish I lived closer! She's so cute. Nora wants to look at pictures of "baby Nomi" as she calls her-everyday.

Preschool Christmas

Before we left for the holidays we were able to go to Daniel's preschool for their Christmas program. Parents/family members were able to come and watch the kids sing all of the Christmas songs they've been learning. Daniel did a great job.Then we had snacks and the kids were surprised when Santa came to visit the kids bringing each of them a toy!

Nora loved watching Daniel sing with his class. She kept yelling out for him, waving saying "Daniel, Hey Daniel!"

Santa gave Daniel some spy binoculars and he also brought something for Nora: a my little pony.

Daniel with one of his teachers.

With his other teacher.

Gingerbread Houses

My kids look forward to decorating gingerbread houses every year...and I must admit I do too!

Radio City

This year we took the kids to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in the city. Shannon took the day off work and we all spent a fun filled day enjoying New York at Christmas. When the show was over Daniel said "That was GREAT!" so... I think they had fun.

Nora was so cute during the show. She loved seeing the Rockettes dance. She kept kicking her toes around while she was sitting in her chair trying to "dance" like the Rockettes.

The Rockettes as the reindeer

There is a nativity at the end with live camels and sheep which Daniel thought was SO COOL!

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

We went into some toy stores so the kids could look around. Daniel loved this lego Santa.

Gotta have some roasted chestnuts when you're walking around the streets in NYC at Christmas!

Decorating the Tree

Daniel made these "hats" for Nora and himself out of wrapping paper.

We have a tradition from my childhood of sleeping under the Christmas tree one night. So fun!

Books with dad

The Christmas Tree

This year we decided to go to a tree farm and cut down our own tree. Dad was still in town with us so that was great. We got some recommendations from several friends out here that go to this particular farm and we loved it. I'm so glad we did it.

Climbing up the hill.

All bundled up.

Way to go guys - cut down that tree!

Sitting around the fire enjoying some hot chocolate before the drive home.

Writing letters to Santa.