Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

We went to the zoo today. We are squeezing in as much family fun time as possible before Ed goes back to work on the 7th.

After a long line to feed the giraffes, baby girl decided she would let Daddy feed them and hide behind Mommy while Mommy took pictures.

A random woman was looking for someone to ride the seesaw with and no one in her family would, so Leah volunteered, my sweet child!

Young Artist

Young at Art Museum

Happy 24th Birthday, Mimi

My "middle child' turned 24 today. Not sure how that happened and its hard for me not to call her "the baby". We literally called her that till Leah came home. Yes, she was 19 at the time but was our youngest for a long time. For a long time we thought she always would be. It was a nice day. We took her shopping and then family came over to sing happy birthday, eat cake and enjoy some of Ed's famed barbeque.

Christmas Morning 2012

As we know, Leah is still a little afraid of Santa. Last night as we were getting ready she told me to ask him to leave her things outside. She did not want him in her house! When she woke up I asked her if she thought Santa had been here already and she said no, but ran to the living room anyway and started jumping when she saw the gifts and was excited. She knew immediately what gifts Santa brought as they were not there when she went to sleep last night.

The first thing she opened was Bouncy the Dog. She opened her eyes wide and said "I needed this!" Suddenly she climbed over everything and went for the big boxes first. She opened a tiny corner of one box and froze just staring at it. She looked up at me and almost speechless, she whispers, "a helicopter. WHAT?!" Then the Disney Princesses. YES, ALL OF THEM in Barbie size! What was Santa thinking? Highlights include Justin Beiber doll, which she broke out into song right after she kissed the box, Lord help us she is only 5 years old! A furby, a VReader, doll carrier, lalaloopsy dolls, a Dora mermaid that actually jumps in the water and swims. A larger size Merida doll. Those were the things played with before 9 am.

As we were opening gifts, big brother came home from work. Poor thing worked midnight to 8 am.

We made him open gifts immediately but was in no mood for pictures. He them immediately went to bed.

Eventually, big sister rolled out of bed and joined the party.

Santa Picture Success!!!!

We did it! Well, Mimi did it. I hurt my back a week and a half before Christmas and spent a few days where I couldn't get out of bed. But I was determined to get a picture with Santa no matter what it took. Mimi picked Leah up from school early on the last day before Christmas vacation and took her to the mall. It was a struggle with lots of bribing, tears, coaxing, nerves, etc, but Warrior Mimi made it happen. Even if in the end she ended up in the picture. I won because its what I wanted but she had no intention of being in the picture initially. She quickly realized it was not going to happen any other way, so I got a beautiful Santa picture of both my girls!

American G***rl Bistro Christmas Brunch

We paid yet another visit to the American G*rl Store the Saturday before Christmas. I had actually made the reservation for this the day before the store even opened. We were supposed to go with my friend Mary and her two daughters, but both girls ended up with strep. We missed them but had a great time. Leah chose Ivy to take along as Ivy didn't have a holiday dress and needed to get her hair done. After brunch we walked around the store and shopped a bit while we waited for Ivy's hair appointment. It was in the 40's that morning so it really felt like Christmas was nearing. It didn't last, the high for the day was 60's.

Kindergarten Christmas Program 2012

The program was adorable! Leah's class sang Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Rap. I will try to upload the video later

Madeline's Christmas

Leah and Mommy had a wonderful day. We went to lunch at the French Bakery on Main Street and then headed to the Broward Center to see Madeline's Christmas. The musical play was wonderful and we enjoyed it. Leah's face was glued to the stage and she loved dancing along with the little girls. Leah chose to take Ivy, one of her American Girl dolls along.

November Ended

November came to an end with my aunt getting out of the hospital. We discovered she has, according to the doctors "an insignificant mass" in her brain. This was causing some swelling and pressure that was causing the seizures. They sent her an anti-inflammatory and anti seizure meds, observed her for a few more days and sent her home. She is doing great and appears back to her normal. As soon as she was out of the woods and home we headed to Disney to film the Christmas parade. You can watch our studio kids on Christmas morning on ABC from Walt Disney World. Pictures coming soon. Right before my aunt got sick we did manage to celebrate Thanksgiving and go to the Miracle on 134 Street parade in The Falls. Leah had a good time, as immediately after the parade we paid a visit to the American Girl store.

Some of Leah's art work from the season

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

One of two trees is up.

Elf on the Shelf Won't Stay on the Shelf!

Our Elf arrived the Friday after Thanksgiving. Leah named him Kenneth. This year our elf has been a little naughty. Last year and the year before re rally just flew around the house and we always found him in odd places. But this year he keeps getting into stuff.