Birds Aflame

We had a dusting of snow this morning that happened as the kids were getting ready for school. They were watching it "float and flutter" (Claire) down to the ground, and of course it's sticking because it's VERY cold outside. Anyway, after we dropped Claire off, Landon and I were watching the birds skirting around eating at our bird feeders in the back yard. When the birds would land or take off from the fence Landon would exclaim "That bird's on fire!". I would just giggle, thinking he meant they were moving quickly, but soon he said "See the smoke Mommy?". When the birds would move on the fence, the snow on the fence would scatter around them looking like smoke. Quite an observation from my child...it must have been a miracle none of them burned up!

New Year Weekend

I hope this weekend is the omen of our new year...because it was lots of fun! Busy, but fun! We had two birthday parties Saturday, and they were active ones, so the kids stayed tired! Saturday evening our friend Sara watched the kids while we went out with her parents, the Symons and enjoyed dinner and drinks (and a little guitar hero!). Sunday we were up early for the start of Sunday School, which I'm helping with now. After church and lunch we came home and then Geoff turned around and went back to help with Youth Group at church. Landon went to see Miss Beth and watch the Steelers win, and Claire and I went to Fayetteville to see the Wizard of Oz, the musical on stage! It was wonderful and I would highly recommend it to adults and older children alike. Even if it's not in your favorite movie list, this musical is an adaptation of the book and movie combined, and leaves you with a good feeling as it ends. Claire loved the production and completely clinged to every word said and sung. It's so neat to watch a child experience such a show...and then listen to her rendition of the whole thing when she tells her Daddy about it!

The "real" guitar heros

Landon got a pretend guitar for Christmas. This has been a favorite, but only when he can "rock and roll" to "good" music. The kiddos were showing off their skills last night before dinner and even went with a little bit of an 80's rocker look by adding a headband. They were laughing at each other so hard by the end...it was hilarious!

Another tidbit from Tuesday evening in the truck on the way home from dance:

Mommy: "So Landon, are you ready for your big kid classes at Gymboree?"

Landon: "Yep, and I won't cry."

Mommy: "What about trying something else new, like karate?"

Landon: "I don't like karate...just Gymbo."

Claire: "Mommy, I want to try something new. Like gymnastics."

Landon: "Yeah, I want to do g-nastics too."

Mommy: "Landon do you know what gymnastics is?"

Landon: "Yep...when you get to run and jump and sit on things. It's way better than karate!"

Getting Ready for Bed

Mommy gave both kiddos new PJ's with matching robes for Christmas. They have been a novelty around here! Landon's is Transformers and Claire's is High School Musical. Landon wore his one morning around the house, then, after getting dressed, wore it outside over his clothes! Claire keeps telling me "Mom, it's just perfect; you know me really well". They look so cute in them, all cuddled up brushing their teeth and getting ready for bed that I had to just take a quick pic! (Notice Claire's foot; posing even in the bathroom.)

I wanna pickle!

Landon has had to start over with the potty training. Between traveling and being sick, he's regressed. Today we have started fresh, and actually he's done very well. However, I was trying to come up with a good bribe to keep it going...so I asked him. "I wanna pickle" was the response I got! That's what he got, and is eating right now for going number 2 on the potty. Yeah for us both...I like pickles too!

Christmas Pics

Mommy got Guitar Hero World Tour. Wait, I haven't even gotten to try the drums!

Landon could hardly wait to open more presents.
Claire is now officially a rock star!

Daddy and Landon have some Hokie time after silly Santa brought Daddy some new bibs.
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Uncle Frank and Landon in their matching jackets.

Landon knew it was a big truck before he even got it open!
Claire showing off some of her goodies.

The cousins had fun playing in Papa's garage... painting and throwing balls!

Maddie endured the Kansas wind!

Christmas

So....
Claire was off school the whole week of Christmas. We baked, played and prepped for the long two weeks ahead. It was nice to have both kids around to hang out with...we don't do that as often now that Claire is in school all day long.
On Christmas Eve our family opened presents from each other. Claire and Landon each received toys from each other and Mom and Dad got various gifts too! Then we went to our friends, the Symons'. We opened more presents and then enjoyed a yummy dinner together. We also all went to Christmas Eve service at church together before calling it a night.
Christmas morning the kiddos woke up to Santa presents galore, each of them getting the Nintendo DS's they'd asked for, as well as other loot! As soon as each present was looked over, we packed up in the truck and drove to my parent's house. We did Christmas with them, Unkie, Staci and Uncle Frank that evening. Silly Santa even made a visit! We spent the next couple of days playing, riding Barney and watching it snow.
We went to Geoff's parent's house Saturday evening, and celebrated Christmas with them and the Hooper's. We spent several days in Wichita so the cousins could play, as well as visiting with friends we hadn't seen in a while.
We came home the day before New Year's Eve. Cleaning, laundry, putting away toys, and then prepping for a New Year's Eve party filled the next day. We hosted a party with the Symons' on New Year's Eve. It was all neighbors, and the kiddos were invited too (this was interesting). It was a great time, and a great group to ring the New Year in with.
You would think that January 1st would finally include some down time, but instead Landon was up early. So I took down Christmas, and had it pretty much done before Geoff even rolled out of bed. Yesterday evening we watched the Hokie's finally win a bowl game (Go VT!!), and then slept in this morning.
It's beautiful in Bentonville today, so we went to the mall and the park and took Ranger rides. I am now tired reliving our last two weeks, but smiling in the midst because of the good times with family and friends. That's what this season is all about! I will be adding pics as soon as it's finished importing...300 at once takes awhile!