December Happenings

 Snack time.  Sami has started closing her eyes whenever a picture is taken - I laugh every time.

 Sisterly love.

 We didn't have grandparents in town on get-our-tree-weekend this year.  As a result, it was Annika, Lauren, and me making a quick trip to Lowes and picking out a tree (in the fastest time ever) while Daddy watched the twins at home.

 Ashley and Allison helped us decorate the tree. . .

 and then took our annual Christmas family photo. 

 Ever since Lauren broke her arms falling down these stairs we have strongly encouraged safety (on your tummy!) when going downstairs. 

 Grandma Pollack provided these cute Christmas dresses for the girls.

 

 We went to the Garden for the annual holiday train show and Rudolph showed up.  Annika was thrilled, but Lauren started crying and running away.  Clearly she has not outgrown her fear of people dressed up as animals (see previous posts re: the Easter Bunny, the Griffin mascot, etc.). 

 The train show this year was the Appalachian Trail.  Lauren wasn't so interested in the trains - she was keeping an eye on Rudolph and looking for the nearest exit.

 Audrey and Sami have discovered the trampoline and love it!

 Yummy Christmas cookies. 

 Our friends Joe and Kristin came over for dinner and joined us for a drive through of the Tilles Park lights.  We went on a Monday night and there was no line - perfect for 2 toddlers! 

 Our church Christmas program.  Lauren is in the purple. 

Lauren is left middle with her hand by her mouth and Annika is upper right with her hand in the air. I think they were singing Away in Manger and the motions were hmm. . . a little off.

 Annika's school Christmas Program was at a Baptist Church in Ferguson (north St. Louis).  Here she is front and center. 

It was a beautiful setting for a Christmas program.  Little did we know that freezing rain was creating a sheet of ice on the parking lot while we were inside.  Let's just say there was lots of drama (complete with Karl falling while holding Sami, Annika and Lauren huddled together crying on the grass, and Karl almost falling again while trying to help Lauren's teacher across the ice) on our way back to the van. 

 Lauren's school Christmas program was a simple sing-a-long in the car pool room.  It was over the lunch hour so Daddy was able to come as well.

 Annika was sooo excited to show off her gingerbread house that she made at school.  Being the recyclers that we are, we used it as a white elephant gift at our weekend party (with Annika's approval of course). 

Audrey is into blankets these days.  Here she is hugging a naked barbie while curled up on the couch. 

 We love going to the zoo during the winter b/c nobody else is there.  Audrey was fascinated by the naked mole rats. 

 Can you spot the joey?

 Ashley, Allison, and Deana took Annika and Lauren on a second annual sleep over.  Lots of fun was had by all.  The suitcase in Annika's hand was mine when I was a little girl.