Christmas programs

EVERY program of any kind up until this year Annika has walked right into my arms as she moves toward the front of any performance venue. This year she has undergone a complete transformation. She can't wait to be up front and show us what she has learned.

Here she is singing with joy. We had a couple of different Sunday School teachers tell us how much they enjoyed watching Annika sing her heart out in practice.

I spy Annika and Lauren. Can you? Lauren was actually supposed to leave the stage with the other 2 and 3 year olds after the first 2 songs. She stayed and enjoyed every minute of it.

A church program isn't complete without food and fellowship afterwards.

Annika and Lauren's preschool had a day called "Santa's House" which all the parents were invited to attend. Here they are making crafts at one of the 5 classroom stations.

One of the stations was Annika's class performing the story of Jesus' birth. Annika was so excited to be an angel. She even had lines to learn. The school administator was the narrator. They did a great job.

The teachers were kind enough to let Lauren be a fill-in shepherd.

A "multitude" of angels.

The wisemen, the angels, the shepherds, Mary and Joseph, and baby Jesus.

Lauren's nametag. She didn't want her picture taken.

The last station was "Santa's House." As a family we're introducing Santa as a modern representation of Saint Nicholas. Annika was very excited to meet Santa. Here she is in "line."

"Santa, I would like jewlery for Christmas."

Lauren was almost as frightened of Santa's big white beard as she is of the Easter Bunny.

December Happenings

Jonathan and Sage kindly gave us some "create your own Christmas cards." Annika loved deciding what to put on the outside of each card. She did a great job - there was only one that ended up upside down!

I know, I know. . .why do you need a snow sled for babies when you live in St. Louis? Well, I couldn't resist this craigslist item knowing that we are heading to Michigan for a week. Hopefully, I'll have some action snow photos soon!

Christmas cookies. . . they (the cookies, that is) were barely recognizable after I let Annika and Lauren apply the sprinkles.

The best Christmas present - a box!

No furniture blockade is going to stop this determined crawler.

So I leave the house for an hour. I come home and Karl says, "Audrey stood up by the gate." Go figure - she does it for the first time when I'm gone. I'm with her almost every day, all day and she pulls herself up when I'm not around. She better not do that with walking!

Annika has decided that now that she is 5 she is big enough to carry the babies around. Sometimes Audrey likes to be Annika's doll. . .other times she does not and yes, she lets Annika know which way she is feeling.

I think we may need to establish some "baby carrying" rules.

Ready to head off to church. . .

Lauren always asks Annika if she can come over to her (Annika's) bed, but Annika usually says no. Last night Lauren decided to try another tactic and ask Annika if she would come into her (Lauren's) bed. It looks like Annika said yes. Again, we may need to establish some new rules. This time related to "sleeping in a bed big enough for 2."

Out and about

Last week Friday night Ashley, Deana, and Allison came over to watch the kids while Karl and I went to the Basilica to hear Christmas music. It was our first time leaving all 4 kids for an entire evening with someone other than grandparents. As you can see, they had a great time.

On Saturday night we took Annika and Lauren with us to a Christmas party. Parents of friends of ours hosted it - complete with neighborhood carriage rides! Annika and Lauren loved it.

Giant horse! He had a name, but I don't remember. . .sorry, big guy.

Christmas is comin'

The last few years we have gone and cut our own tree. Due to extenuating circumstances (i.e. little children) this year we stopped at Home Depot on our way home from the Garden. Consider yourselves lucky, trees in O'Fallon. We will be back next year!

Our tree trimming was piece meal this year - little bit here, little bit there. Annika said over and over again how much she LOVES the tree and the BEAUTIFUL ornaments.

First time ever on a camel. . .the 3 wiseWOmen

Our annual trip to Lady of the Snows to look at the lights and feed the animals.

It was only a matter of seconds before Audrey started crying.

Yikes - that's a lot of stockings!

Thanksgiving and birthdays

Enjoying time on Grandma's lap.

Miss Linda was able to join us for Thanksgiving. This was probably her favorite moment of the whole day.

Matching bibs.

Grandpa and Annika supervising turkey carving.

The feast. We have much for which to be thankful.

Where has the time gone? Happy 5th birthday special girl! Thanks be to God.

Annika was thrilled to frost her own cupcakes - with Grandma's supervision, of course.

Annika discovered how much she loved grass sledding 2 summers ago when Uncle Eric and Aunt Lesley introduced her to it. Karl has been looking for one on craigslist (they don't make them anymore) ever since. Two weeks before Annika's birthday he found one - perfect timing!

Lauren is prepared to launch. All systems go.

Pure joy.

The birthday girls: the 29th, the 30th, and the 26th.

Look at how big we are getting. . .and look at our beautiful sweaters from Aunt Lesley!

We went with Grandpa and Grandma to check out the annual train show at the Garden. I love Sami's expression in this photo. . .

The Japanese Garden - in miniature.