Happy Valentine's Day

Another fun preschool party!  To celebrate the Valentine's Day, the children made "Love Bug"ears,

 and played a game of picking up candy hearts with chopsticks.

A picture of the general chaos during party days...

At home, we tried for a loving sisterly Valentine's picture, but couldn't get both smiling at the same time...

Happy Valentine's Day!  Lots of Hugs and Kisses!

When Dad comes home...

It's always been amusing to see what happens when Dad comes home -- from the girls' standpoint.  Brooke's behavior has evolved from screaming (in delight), shouting, running around, hiding, jumping up and down, etc.  I think I have some video of the screaming phase somewhere... 

Keira has also learned what it means when we hear the garage door, and her behavior has also evolved from shrieks, running to the door, yelling "Daddy", etc. 

Lately, if Keira's not already sitting down eating dinner then she'll run to the basement door and lay down at the top step staring down into the basement towards the garage door.  Or, if she is sitting down to dinner already she'll start yelling "Daddy, Daddy".  I'm sure it is music to Daddy's ears after a long day at the office.  (Brooke has lately been alternating between hiding behind chairs in the family room or dancing at the top of the steps) 

Though, with both girls we have to watch out as Maddie also vies for room on the stairs, and I fear one of them falling down soon...

Endless Nap Shenanigans

Brooke is endlessly fooling around in her room during naptime.  Well, I guess naptime has evolved into "quiet time."  At least is she stays in her room somewhat quietly that'll do.  On this afternoon I guess she decided her bed wasn't comfortable for naptime, so she built a bed for her and Snoops on the floor, and caught a few zzz's.

Taking Brooke to Lunch

Ah, winter weekend mornings equals goofy playtime in the house. On this particular day Brooke discovered she can fit inside the cooler we use to carry our lunch to the pool! The photos don't quite do justice to how funny it looked!

Meanwhile, Keira discovered she can move the empty Keurig box around in the pantry to sort through the shelves.  Perhaps she's looking for a spice to help make dinner.

More sistertime, in Keira's room

The girls are endlessly amusing each other and "playing" in one another's rooms...  This day it was building a bed in Keira's room.

Keira Finally Says "Yes"

Keira's 2 favorite words:  "Mine" and "No"

I don't think I have ever heard her say "Yes" until tonight.  We were driving home from "family movie night" at Brooke's pre-school and Dad, Brooke and Mom were talking about how fun the movie night was.  The girls got to wear PJ's to it, it started after dinner which meant going out and staying up past bedtimes, they got to eat lots of popcorn, raisins and Teddy Grahams, and cuddle with Mom and Dad on a blanket on the floor of the church's community room. 

So, to include Keira in the conversation we were all agreeing how much fun it was and asking Keira what she thought.  Well she responded with a "Yes Yes".  Earth shattering, ground breaking!  The one and only time we've heard her say "yes".  Wish I had a tape recorder!

Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas!

Keira, being an early riser, was first down to see what Santa brought.

 She was happy to unwrap a new tutu!  (can never have enough tutus, dress-up clothes, costume jewelry, etc!)

Brooke was so excited to open up her "horse trailer".  It was "Just what I wanted!" she exclaimed.

Christmas dinner was enjoyed by all...Maddie probably even swiped some food off Keira's tray.

Merry Christmas to all,

and we thank God for the gift of his Son!

Christmas Eve 2011

First off, notice our tree.  There are no ornaments below (adult) waist level.  All ornaments needed to be moved up as little hands kept re-arranging and playing with them.

We tried for a family picture; only tried a couple times, and none of those really came out good.  Oh well.

Opening Christmas Eve presents -- new snowmen pajamas!

Besides Grandpa and Mimi in town, we also had another guest in the house...one with four legs: Buckeye!  A black lab belonging to friends whom went out of town on vacation.  Even though he probably has 3 years on Maddie, he kept her busy as he was always initiating play.

After opening the Christmas Eve gifts, we needed to leave the reindeer their food,

as well as cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.  Hopefully Santa didn't have any trouble with those logs we mistakenly left in the fireplace.  He probably twisted his ankle or something!!!

Brooke borrowed Grandpa's Santa hat for a while, thinking she was the one hollering "Ho Ho Ho!"

Maddie was exhausted from all these preparations.

Safe Travels to Santa!

Brooke's Preschool Christmas Party

Brooke had a great time at her preschool Christmas party.  One game we played was "Decorate a Christmas Tree" with one child being the tree while two other children decorated him/her.  Pretty hysterical! 

Brooke laughs as her friend Luke also gets decorated.

Classic Christmas Santa Picture

Keira and Brooke with Santa Claus.  Brooke was happy to tell Santa about the 8 horses and 5 dolls she wanted for Christmas.  Keira, uh, not so happy.

Keira's behavior wasn't too different from Brooke's when Brooke was that age ( 1 1/2 years old -- Dec 2009). 

Brooke getting some 1-on-1 time with Santa after the removal of a terrified Keira.