Christmas Eve…

My family has always opened gifts after church on Christmas Eve.  This year, we went to the early children’s service at church which Elaine enjoyed.  She went up to the alter for the children’s program with her buddy Lane and they were both behaved, thankfully! 

After church, my parents came over for a dinner.  We had salmon, potatoes, asparagus (one of Elaine’s favorites) and one of Dad’s favorite childhood desserts.  Elaine loved opening gifts and, as usual, was treated very well.  We are very blessed!

Christmas hugs from her best buddy!!

Dad’s favorite dessert–no particularly special name.  My grandfather used to make them.  Pineapple slice, plain chocolate cookie, real whipped cream, plain chocolate cookie, real whipped cream, plain chocolate cookie, real whipped cream.  I think you get the drift.  Mine aren’t the prettiest, but my dad likes them so!  =)

Ready to open gifts!

Elaine was helpful to everyone–so was Morgan!

The normal assembly–what chaos!!!

Our Little Cookie Maker…

1.  Help Mom cover cookies in frosting…

 2.  Put on sprinkles and decorations 1 at a time–yes, even sprinkles!!  And yes, this does take an incredible amount of concentration!

 3.  Proudly display your work of art…

 4.  Show off all your work in 1 place…

 5.  Truly enjoy your work!!!!

North Pole

We, like most people I know, have tons of favorite holiday traditions.  I’ve spent the past couple of days thinking about how I was going to get everything into 1 post.  To be honest, there is no way to make that happen and there are too many moments I remember.  I’ll just spend the next few days highlighting our fabulous Christmas.  I hope your memories are as bright and cherished as mine.

When we were growing up, my parents took me and Marty to the North Pole every year on Christmas Eve.  This is something Jerry and I have done the past 2 years.  We all had such a great trip there this year.  Elaine actually told Santa what she wanted for Christmas.  Although she didn’t sit on his lap, she did manage to stand next to his chair without bursting into hysterics.  She adored the rides and little did she know that fun was only the beginning!

 

 

 

 

 

Newest Pictures…

Friday Fun…

I had the teachers over Friday afternoon to celebrate being finished for break.  Elaine loves having the kids join her on these days.  She exchanged gifts with Lane and Shai who are always so good to her.  Elefun was a huge hit and it was fun seeing how the different ages participated with the game.  My winter break started out with a bang and I’m  looking so forward to being home for a while. 

Obvious height disadvantage

 

Now that’s better!!

Lane gave Elaine a cheerleader doll–this doll is going to see lots of AF games!

SSL…

Elaine, Jerry and I attended SSL show tonight, Sesame Street Live–Elmo Makes Music, that is.  Elaine affectionately calls it “Melmo Moosick.”  Tonight I sat in the Pikes Peak Center and watched the classic, timeless Sesame Street characters sing and dance across the stage and I couldn’t help but feel like I was 4 years old.  The show started out with characters introducing the standard letter and number of the day.  These introductions were followed by the story created around the characters all of whom were as heartwarming, friendly and familiar as I remember them.  Elaine clapped, nodded, danced,  participated when she was asked, tried to sing along and yelled out ”Elmo!”  Jerry and I had so much fun reliving Sesame Street through the eyes of our very enchanted child.  She loved it and I loved when “The Count” came out and the pinball number song started Jerry and I looked at each other and said, “I loved this!”   And if we’re lucky, in 30 or so years, maybe we’ll be able to say the same while watching our grandchildren enjoy Elmo too!

She wanted the SS soccer ball–I couldn’t resist!!

Actively participating

Family shot

Elefun…

At our neighborhood Christmas party, Elaine got the game Elefun.  This is a super cute game and Elaine loves it.  A plastic elephant body is filled with small paperlike butterflies and a fan pushes the butterflies up through a 4 foot trunk.  The goal is to catch the butterflies as they flutter to the ground.  What we’ve accomplished so far is a lot of lucky catches and giggles.  It’s a great time for all–even Morgan likes to try to catch the fluttering creatures!

First time–obviously trying to figure it out!!

Setting up again

Second try–we’re working on our catching!!

Skyway Party…

We had our Skyway Christmas party on Sunday night at Fargo’s pizza.  It was a fun time for all and whenever Lane and Elaine can spend time together, they’re happy!  When Elaine can see Nick at the same time, she’s very happy!

Game room treasures!

Racing against Nick

They’re such buddies

Eating YUMMY carrot cake–it’s so good!!

Rough housing in the booth–end of the night, for sure

Neighborhood Party…

We have officially entered the craziness that is December and our first party has come and gone.  Saturday night we had our neighborhood kids Christmas party.  Almost 30 kids exchanged gifts at our annual Christmas celebration.  Not only did the normal fun come together last night, Elaine enjoyed a small dinner and lots of dessert and organic blood orange spritzer.  This year, Santa delivered gifts which was a hit with all the kids but Elaine who sat on my lap on the stairs away from the action trying to hide.  To improve her feelings about the party, the fire truck arrived equipped with all the lights and sirens one would expect.  This arrival was an expected one as a neighbor is a firefighter and he was on duty.  All the kids LOVED getting to sit in the fire truck and see the equipment up close and personal.  On top of spending an evening with almost all of her favorite friends, she got a terrifcally fun gift which will be detailed in a future post.  This holiday season has already proved to be a fun one for our very lucky little girl. 

This is what it looks like while 30 kids wait for their gift.  CHAOS!!

Elaine getting her gift with her buddy, Debbie

She got a great game!

Waiting to sit in the fire truck

Talking with a fireman

Standing on the back by the big ax

She’s driving!!!  =)

Normally on the days that Elaine is at Ms. Nancy’s house, we go to the park if she’s cooperative and well-behaved.  Last week was too cold so we opted to head to an art show instead.  Our friend, Ms. Leah was a featured artist.  Elaine enjoyed wandering around discussing the art, having 2 cookies and some special time with our artistic friend!  I don’t think a little culture is a bad substitute either.