New kicks!

Sarah and I went shopping today and got her first pair of Stride Rite shoes. I know they are over priced but I am paranoid about ill fitting shoes and it is one of the few stores left that have folks that measure feet and make sure they are the right shoes for the child.

They really are helping her stand up better. It won't be long until she is walking on her own; watch out!

A look back.

Look at our babies sleeping. These were both taken when they were about 8 weeks old.

Merry Christmas to all!

Simon and Sarah prior to Christmas Eve mass. They made it through communion. Not bad for a holiday!

First morning impression after Santa's arrival. I think Simon's face says it all.

A remote control helicopter for Simon for Santa but I think it is really more of a gift for Daddy. What do you think?

Sarah got really sleepy toward the end of gift opening in the morning. I was happy to cuddle with her though.

Joseph reading instructions. Where do those batteries go in this toy?

We had a wonderful Christmas at home. My parents along with Joseph Mom joined us on Christmas Eve through this evening for a holiday to remember. It was great to have Simon is the full spirit of the season this year and really understand what Christmas is all about and we loved having Sarah share in the joy with her first Christmas.

She's up!

I thought that Sarah would be an early walker based on her earlier milestones but I think she will fall right in line with when Simon walked. She is starting to use her walking toy fairly well though. Trust me, I am not rushing her. This year has flown by way to fast in my book.

A couple of shots from the Christmas program at Simon's preschool

He actually sang all of the songs with his class this year.

Simon and Ella.

Why do they make it look so easy on the box?

We had a tornado come through and destroy our gingerbread house.

This is the third one that Simon and I have made together but this year, it just didn't work out. He wanted the entire roof covered with snow like in the picture but I think it was a bit much for the roof to handle. Maybe next year.

Simon didn't mind because he got to eat the gingerbread man after I had explained why he couldn't eat it since it was going to be a decoration.

A Visit With Santa

Dear Joseph surprised me and took Simon and Sarah to see Santa after work. I was getting a little worried we were running out of time before the lines were two hours long. He read my mind.

A Milestone Reached!

At Simon's preschool, you have to be buzzed into the building. There is a button to push and it is considered out of reach of the kiddos so they won't hit it over and over. It has been the mission of Simon's for over a year to push the button himself. Every morning, with Joseph, his stretches as far as he can and month after month has gotten closer. Well, this morning he did it. Needless to say, he is excited.

We promised him we would celebrate when he met this milestone so tonight it was off to Chuck E Cheese.

By the way, it was great incentive to get him to drink his milk and eat his vegatables since we told him that was the way he would get tall enough to reach. I am not sure how we are going to convince him now...