Christmas Day morning 2011

James didn't wake up extra early, which was a relief.  He did wake up, go downstairs to check it out, and then come back upstairs to get us.  We heard him and waited to see what he'd do.  I knew he wouldn't rip into the presents but I wasn't sure what would excite him- the presents, the cookies that were gone, or the extra something special that was left behind by the elves.

The prep and landing elves left behind their night vision goggles!!  Whoooops!  These are the special elves who scout out the house, prepping the stockings and christmas tree for the presents.  They also make sure that not a creature is stirring and the milk is the right temperature for Santa :)

The stockings are full!  Well, James' is.  We adults didn't score much.  Ha.

Oh but Jim did get some coal in his stocking!  Not real coal of course because he is the BEST Dad and Husband in the world, but it's chewing gum coal.  Funny!

Yay!  Legos!

"This present is for me.  J-A-M-E-S!"

My blanket that I asked for!

And my Lego alien ship!

James was happy. So far he received everything he asked for.  What more could he want?  Oh just wait until we go to Grandma Rose's!

Christmas Eve 2011

We met Grandpa Roger, Linda, Joe and Shannon for breakfast on Christmas eve morning. It was nice to see Roger and Linda before we all became busy with everything else in our jam-packed weekends.

After breakfast we headed back to our house for gift opening and Christmas cookies.  Grandpa Roger got down on the floor and played with James and Legos.

Thank you Grandpa Roger!

Later that day Jim and I exchanged our gifts. I guess we both just couldn't wait.  I received an iPad (!!!!) and I gave Jim the pool cue case that he really wanted.  James can really keep a secret!  He helped me pick up this gift at Grandma Laura's (where I had delivered) and he knew I wrapped it, and didn't say a word!  Scary how he can keep a secret :)

We went to Grandma Laura's for Christmas Eve dinner.  James loves tinkering on the piano.

Is this what I think it is?  Legos!

And the rubber stamps he wanted!

Grandma Laura opens the Charlie Brown Christmas tree that my boys thought it was so funny to give :)

Wow!  James receives a magic show set from Grandma Laura.  Unexpected and wonderful.  James was at a magic show at his school the other week and he was chosen as the Helper.  He helped the magician make flowers appear (or something like that) and he loved it.  I think he will love this magic set!

And Uncle Joe brought James a new sled!

Trying out the magic set...

When we got home that night we stopped on the front steps to put out the reindeer food.  James wanted to lay down and look at the stars.  Cute!

The magical reindeer food is oatmeal and glitter :)

And we left out milk and cookies for Santa.  And carrot sticks for the reindeer!

We knew Santa would come because Sneaky had been giving him GREAT reports all month long.  Sneaky left us the day before.  We were sad to see him go but things have been much calmer since he's been gone :)

WJDN?

Magic show set, from Grandma Laura!


-Blogging while living life!

WJDN?

Tracking Santa!



-Blogging while living life!

Merry Christmas! from New Horizon

Finally! I'm able to post about James' Christmas party at his daycare. I had quite a bit of trouble uploading these videos to my usual places. Finally they're all set and ready to be oooooh'd and ahhhhh'd upon :)

Jim and I both volunteered at the daycare party/fieldtrip.  We had to help the small children with their coats and lining up.  And then we walked over to the senior apartment building for some caroling and cookies.  And then we walked back for the hot chocolate and book exchange party.  Woohooo!   Party animals :)

Here, Missy (one of the most patient people I've ever witnessed) lines up the kids to practice the carols one last time.  The teachers actually had to move the children to another room for a breather because they were so wound up with the parent volunteers there.  They came back after a brief time.

Walking over to the apartments.  James said, "I think it's going to be beautiful in there!"

It is NO SMALL TASK getting all 31 kids to line up and not dart into the street.  There were plenty of parent volunteers but still...

Missy, to get their attention, asks them to FREEZE!  They throw up their arms and freeze.  It works!

Again, they were really, really super excited and needed a calm down activity.  Missy led them through "Balloon Yoga".

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The kids enter the performance area.  There are seniors and parents in the audience.

My little James did a TREMENDOUS job!  He sang every song!  There were lots of kids who didn't sing, who just fidgeted.  Not James.  He rocked back and forth on his heels and sang.  I wish I could have picked out his voice but I'm sure he was a strong singer :)

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Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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Afterwards James enjoyed a cookie with Mom and Dad.

Back at the classroom James handed out his teacher gifts.  His wonderful Mom bought Tavern gift cards and baked Triple Chocolate Biscotti for FOUR teachers.  I hope they liked it.

Hot chocolate party!

Jim and I left soon after the Hot Chocolate party.  It was getting late and we had each only taken off half a day.  We were so proud of James!  He is a big, big boy with many skills!

Sneaky the Pool Shark

When James and I come home from work/school he right away looks for Sneaky. See, Sneaky moves around during the day too. He usually just sits somewhere, but doesn't do anything too mischievous.

But on this day he was nowhere to be found. We found some clues though...

James' pool cue case at the top of the stairs??

Pool balls leading down the stairs??

Sneaky!  Playing pool!!  James was so surprised.  He hadn't ventured down to the Man Cave until now.  I hope he doesn't get too comfortable down there :)  Good job, Dad!

And then while dinner is being made, or James is busy playing, I sneak around and grab Sneaky under my shirt and place him really discreetly- sometimes right in front of James!  James was sitting right next to my chair, playing, and didn't even notice Sneaky for a few minutes.  By that time I was busy cooking dinner and so it was obvious that Sneaky is magical and moves on his own!

And he swiped Blankie!  James very carefully took Blankie back, careful not to touch Sneaky and take away his magic.

Who would want Blankie??!!

December 22- Sneaky

I think Sneaky used darn near a whole roll of masking tape making these roads in our living room. The roads start at the bottom of the staircase (where James would first see it) and extend all the way to the living room, winds around, goes into the kitchen, and then goes back to the hallway. I found a bunch of Jim's old matchbox cars (blew some dust off of those) and set up some traffic jams.

James liked it but has since used the roads for his McDonald's and lego cars :)  The tape is still on the carpet.  I hope to convince James to clean it up with me tonight.

December 21- Sneaky

Handy Sneaky- he built this little car for himself.  He even has a mini Home Depot apron!

December 20- Sneaky

Silly Sneaky.  He found our dry erase markers and went to town on our family pictures.  I particularly like the Mom tattoo on Baby James' arm.

December 19- Sneaky

Jim had to help me with this one.  We tied curling ribbon from the stair banister to the dining room light.  Sneaky is zip-lining through our house!

Suuuuuuuuuuuuuper Sneaky!

James was very amused by this one!

In other news, he is still loving that Lego McDonald's.  It's maybe better than any Lego set :)  James said he is NEVER taking it apart.  I love that kid :)

Saturday Fun

The day started with this gorgeous face.  But we really noticed that he needed a haircut.  Dad took James and got it done.

James wanted to make a Lego movie.  Here's my first attempt with him.  I believe Jim also taped a "movie" too.

In the afternoon we headed to Russell's birthday party at Perpetual Motion.  This was my first time going to one of these parties (Jim has taken James to the other parties here) and so I was curious how James would do, with so much independent play.

I sat with the other Moms and watched our kids tumble, run, and jump.

The group picture.  A cute bunch!

December 18- Sneaky

James continues to be slightly obsessed with his Lego youtube videos.  I think we are setting good boundaries but it so darn funny to hear his laugh.

So I came up with this idea to make our own McDonald's drive-thru.  Not to encourage fast food eating, but...

I printed out some logos, clipped them a bit, and used a bit of sticky tape.  I have some leftovers so James can have his own fun with scissors and tape.

We'll see how he reacts!