Christmas!

Since we're playing major catch-up here, I'll probably keep the anecdotes to a bare minimum. We got to see some friends on Christmas Eve, which is always fun.Christmas morning was not any earlier than any other morning (which is still early) but we figure next year will be. The girls were ecstatic with all their loot.

Kaylee wondered why Santa wasn't still there. She was under the impression that Santa stayed to watch her open her gifts. (I was prepared for a lot of questions...but that one caught me off guard!)

She wasted no time getting on her new princess phone to thank Santa for all her neat new stuff.

Then it was time to don their frilly dresses!

Kaylee's favorite gift was not from Santa, but from "Rowan."

Rowan's outfit was provided by: Emily's closet. I figure for those special occasions Rowan will never have to think she always wore Kaylee's hand-me-downs...sometimes they'll be Emily's hand-me-downs.

Then off to Grammy and Grampy's house for yet more plunder.

My Pal Violet is easily Rowan's favorite gift. Its a cute little toy, she still drags it around anywhere and always seems flabbergasted when it sings or says her name in a song/activity.

As you can see, her reluctance to part with Violet began very quickly

Then Rowan serenaded us on the piano for a while.

Kaylee, who got a whole bunch of art supplies from Grammy and Grampy, was eager to try out some of them...so she colored a wooden duck (think those 50 cent model plane type wood, it was perfect.)

One of the girls favorite activities at Grammy and Grampy's house is too look at the new fish (read: "bish" if you speak Rowanese) mobile.

The next day, we packed up the troops and headed down to CT to Ba's place for our last Christmas celebration.

Kaylee did some couch gymnastics when she thought no one was looking.
And 1...

and 2...

and 3...

then it was time for round 3 of presents. Gosh these kids are spoiled.

I am not really sure why, but I really like this little moment of Rowan and Ba.

Kaylee's surprise favorite present was this glo-doodle from Bampa, still a big hit around here.

And then it was time for some tea.

Rowan made the seating arrangements.

Kaylee set the table.

And Meme served the tea.

Before dinner, it was time to do some sledding.

At first neither girl was so sure about this activity.

Rowan especially, wasn't so sure about the seating accommodations...

But even after Kaylee bailed, Rowan still wanted to try this out a bit longer.

Seems to me like she liked it just fine.

She stayed on for quite a while, as long as Daddy didn't pull too fast that is.

Why did Kaylee bail, you might ask? Bampa, Auntie Abbie and she built a snowman!

It had cracker eyes, and a cashew mouth which now the only way that is acceptable to build a snowman to Kaylee.

And that was Christmas!

a bunch of stuff

So our 15-month old is already practicing her runway strut.We are not sure how we feel about her proficiency in walking in these little heels.
And they are not exactly 'little' heels either.
Last weekend we went to Charming Faire Farm for Santa's Big Party. While we waited for our hayride Kaylee got to go on a hayride.
Her pony's name was Snickers.
She had a lot of fun on the little trail.
She wanted to go again, but there was lots more to see.
All sorts of animals to pet and feed. Rowan and Bampa examined the sheep.
Kaylee got up close to the sheep and fed them some grain pellets.
It was pretty cold out, but Rowan's only demand was that she not be expected to walk. So Bampa carried her most of the day.
Our friends the Levy's joined us.
Kaylee and Emily boogied down in the barn area.
When we finally got to the party, it was time to meet the characters...Rowan's reaction was slightly better than it was in Disney, allowing herself to be brought within a foot or so before complaining.
Kaylee, on the other hand, loves all characters and couldn't wait to give them all hugs.
Kaylee and the Christmas Penguin.
We took a quick break for some cookies and cocoa by the fire.
Rowan didn't seem to mind the Gingerbread Man.
Kaylee, of course, had to get in on that action too.
Kaylee's favorite winter character is definitely Frosty. Rowan was not as easily convinced...this was the closest she'd get.Kaylee gave several hugs though, to compensate.
Kaylee and Christmas Bear (we didn't even bother trying Rowan with this Towering figure.)
Even though Kaylee said she wanted to go give the Grinch a hug...you can tell she wasn't quite so sure once she got up close.
Rowan became enthralled by the Christmas Penguin when he came up to say good-bye to her.
But before heading out we had to get one more picture...with the Big Guy.
We got Rowan to agree to pose too.
And finally Daddy joined the picture. Merry Christmas Giffords (and Santa.)
We had a few fun activities in the last couple of weeks too.
Here Kaylee decorates some ornaments (which now proudly adorn our tree) at a MOMS Club Christmas Craft activity.
We also had a cookie decorating activity with the MOMS Club.
Yummy.
Rowan didn't decorate a cookie, but she definitely partook in the eating of one.
And finally, we all celebrated Hanukkah last week too. It was great listening to Kaylee repeat the blessing.
Of course, Mommy likes the irony of lighting the candles in our Santa hats.
Kaylee had a lot of fun lighting the candles with Mommy.
Mesmerized by fire.
And finally one with Rowan as well.
And that about wraps it up. Happy Holidays.