What Is That White Stuff?

Lolly is not quite sure. I don't think you want to go out there, Lolly. Its a blizzard!

Stinky the Garbage Truck

Do you think that Devin liked this gift?

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Christmas Eve 2010

This year we were lucky enough to have Erick off on Christmas Eve. Usually he has to work all day, delivering the mail, and then meet up with us later, either at my parents' house or at my grandmother's house, depending on what time he gets out of work. Because we had Erick with us we were able to get a lot of errands/stuff done around the house in the morning and then go to my parents' house to exchange presents in the afternoon. In the evening we went to my grandmother's for the extended holiday party.

Here are Mom, Micki, and Memmere enjoying a few quiet moments before the hustle and bustle.
Here is Devin focused on opening his presents. He was certainly spoiled and one happy little boy!
Devin and Uncle!
TOY STORY 3!!! "Just what I wanted!!!!"
Here are the 5 great grand kids at Memmere's house.
This was one of my favorite moments of the night. Watching the excitement of my cousin's 10 year old son as he opened the gift that we got him. It was a Nerf thing that he REALLY wanted, like begged me for, in a really cute way. He is such a handsome boy!!
Once we got home, we had to put out Santa's magic key. Then it was time to get Santa's cookies and milk ready.

Daddy's Girl

Lolly is such a cuddle bug. And boy does she love her Daddy!(Don't mind Erick's over-relaxed look here...haha!)

Family Photos

As promised...Here are the family photos from our photo shoot in November. The first one is the one we used on our Christmas cards.

I Spy

red wrapped presents,

Christmas books,

a kitten,

and an ornament.

Elf Sighting

I spy Frain and he brought a new Amelia Bedelia book for Devin for having a great day. At least it wasn't coal and a reminder note from Santa (this time!).

Mischievous Monday

Family Photos

Last weekend we used Brave Photographers to get some pictures done. It had been about a year, so we were due. Here is a sampling of the pictures.
This one of Devin and Emma is too cute. They are the same age (both four and a half) as Kim and I were due on the same day. Buddies since about 20 months!
Did you notice I didn't post a family picture? You will just have to wait and see if you get a Christmas card! If not I will post one in a couple weeks ;)

So, which picture is your favorite?

Show Me the Mommy

Christmas Traditions

One of Devin's favorite Christmastime traditions has become Elf on the Shelf. Ever since he realized that Christmas was approaching (I guess about a week or so before Thanksgiving) he has been asking when the Elf was going to come to our house. The concept of the Elf is that he/she goes back to Santa each night to report on the behavior of the child/children of the house. The Elf works by magic and if you touch it too much or play with it, it will lose its magic. Each morning the child has to find the Elf in its new hiding spot, where it landed upon returning from Santa. It can be quite fun!

One of the things Devin has asked for this year is new books. *Squeal* Can you feel my excitement? Of course that thrills me (the reading teacher!)!! So I decided to buy a bunch of books for Devin through book orders at my school. The Elf, Frain- this is the name Devin gave him last year, will be able to give Devin a new book about every other day.

I also have a couple of pieces of coal if need be...

.

Settling In

Lolly has adjusted to our house and family quite well. She has spent a lot of time in the evenings getting comfy and cuddling with myself and Erick.


The mornings and afternoons, though, are for playing with Devin. Those two can play for over an hour! Its a riot to see them play with her little toy mice and run around.

We decorated the house for Christmas this week-end too, and so we've been teaching Lolly not to touch the Christmas tree. She really dislikes the noise from the Dust buster so that makes a good deterrent for her. She touches the tree, then the Dust buster gets turned on and she runs. Its working because she has been leaving the tree and decorations alone! She seems to be a really good girl! Lolly sleeps all night too.

Meet Lolly

Lolly is the newest member of our family. She is a 12 week old short haired sweetheart. Devin has been asking for a cat or dog for a while. We automatically had to rule out a dog since they are not allowed in our complex, but also had ruled out a cat since Erick is "not a cat person" and I have developed some dog/cat allergies since having Devin. Well, the idea began to grow on me after a few days and I began to consider it. Mr. I Don't Like Cats looked at the Humane Society website this morning and found this little kitten named Lolly which he immediately liked. He printed out the paper and suggested that we go see her. Needless to say, we didn't walk out empty handed. And after a trip to Pet Smart, we came home with a very hyper 4 year old and a mellow, cuddly kitten. Mr. I'm Not a Cat Person has been converted! He melted when she was in his arms!!

Here are some more (not as good) pictures of Miss Lolly on her ridiculously large play structure. I have no idea where we will house this thing! At least we know she likes it, she has been hanging out on it, even sleeping here. Oh and notice I took full opportunity of her being a girl and put some pink on her right away! She has a pink collar on (even though she is a house cat only) because it has a little bell on it and I am afraid she will hide somewhere or something! This way we will hear her.
Devin said this is my sister. I am her brother!
Wish us luck. This is our first family pet. (says the person who said she would never have a pet!) Oh and I guess we will see how bad these cat allergies are. I am hoping that it will be ok, since she is short haired. Cross your fingers!!

Purple Belt

This morning Devin received his purple belt in Little Ninja's at karate. After he completes his purple belt he will be moving up to the second half of the Little Ninja's program, which will include a new time and day for his class. For now, though, Devin needs to remember that he is one of the leaders of his class. He will be front and center in class and the other kids will be looking to him as a role model/leader. (YIKES!) I hope he can focus and follow through on this new role.

Here are some pictures from this mornings ceremony. (I played around with some of the pictures on my computer picture editing since I originally took them all on my phone...don't laugh!! I'm not very good at it!)
(getting "the boot" to the next level from his main instructor and studio owner...this is a kenpo tradition)This morning Devin told me that he loves Karate! Keep up the good work Devin!

Devin 4.5

Devin 4.5 has been a bit feisty. He is testy with his tone of voice and knows what he wants and how to get it. He needs to be gently reminded often. Some of our favorites are, "Are you talking nicely?" and "Hands and words are not for hurting." He is also extremely lovable, a complete Daddy's boy, very into reading and learning how to write/put words together, and a total social bug.

Here are some Devin 4.5 pictures from this week-end at Memmere's.
Playing ball with Sammy.
Are you done yet Mom?

Razzle Dazzle

...that's Devin's favorite word.

"That's pretty funny, right Mom?"

Wordless Wednesday~ Cool Weather in Style

Halloween 2010

Race Car Driver Devin

Despite a nasty virus that has (temporarily) taken over Devin's asthma, we managed to get out for Trick or Treating today. Dressed up in warm layers we braved the cold temps to check out the costumes, decorated houses, and of course collect some candy!

Here he is with Grandma and Papa!
Being a little silly!
Checking out the flashlight.
Family Photo at Miss Kristen's :)