12th day of Christmas

On the 12th day of Christmas, we had our 4th (or was it 5th?) celebration, this time with the Hulchers.  There were very few pictures taken because it was chaotic as usual and Fielder was especially difficult that day.  He wouldn't nap in the morning so he was cranky, teething, spitting up a lot (still has reflux.)  I had to hold him the entire time before we sat down for brunch.  Luckily he cheered up a bit after eating and I could sit down to watch everyone open gifts.

 Uncle Andy wore Grandpa's vest that day! 

Thanks to the Masons and Hulchers for another nice celebration and for all the nice gifts! 

 

Twinkle Toes

Claire was so excited about her 1st ballet class!  (And I was relieved that enough girls had signed up so that they could hold the class.....how sad would that be if they cancelled her Christmas present?!)  She got all dressed up and used her new bag from Sally.  Before class all the girls looked so cute running around in their leotards.  I peeked in the window a few times during their class to see what they were doing - a couple times Claire was off doing her own thing and not paying attention.  At the end of the class, she came out with a very sad look on her face.  She was upset that it was over (30 minutes goes by pretty quick.)  I asked her if she had said thank you to her teacher....so she went back and said "Thanks, but I thought we were going to do ballet?"  I shuffled her out and talked with her - turns out she had in her head that you go to ballet class and automatically you are a ballerina in the Nutcracker.  We've had a lot of discussions since then about how you have to work hard and practice to become a ballerina - just like having to practice with riding a bike, writing, etc.  She went back this past Friday for the 2nd class and still was pouting on the way out because she didn't want to leave.  At least I know she is enjoying it! 

The Doc is In!

We've been an around-the-clock Doc McStuffins clinic ever since Christmas morning.  Love that imagination at work!

 

Christmas #3

On Sunday the 30th, we celebrated again with the Barnes families.  Everyone was there including Coral's sister and her family.  Claire was especially looking forward to playing with Katie.  (Could you not just die looking at that photo of them hugging?!  Oh I love it.)

Katie also got a Doc McStuffins doctor kit from Santa so I gave both girls a headband like Doc wears and Big Books of Boo-boos for them to record all their check-ups. 

Claire also got a V-tech laptop, a new magazine subscription, a bathrobe, an owl purse, and a stuffed animal from Jake that she can draw on.  So many nice things!!  Fielder got diapers, an outfit, and some musical toys.  He also got this giant Mickey Mouse - Rob had given it to Jake when he was 13 months old so it was very sweet of Jake to think of it and pass it on to Fielder!

Coral prepared a very nice dinner for all of us - ham, chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots, rolls, and a red velvet cake.  It was another hectic night (I guess it's just going to be chaotic for the next 5-10 years right?!) but so much fun to all be together.  We don't get to see Matt, Alison, and Katie nearly enough - we were so happy that Alison was feeling better and able to come to Richmond.  (Poor thing got the flu on Christmas)

It was hard to get everyone to settle down for bed that night....Claire stayed up late playing on her laptop and refused to take the bathrobe off! 

Christmas with the Masons

Claire was pretty sad when December 25 was over, but luckily we spread the holiday fun out as much as possible around here and still had several Christmases to go! Saturday the 29th was Christmas Round 2 with the Masons.

We all met up at Mimi and Papa's house for lunch, presents, hanging out, and a very nice dinner together.  It was CRAZY and hectic, but fun!  

We made a rice krispie treat train and the girls had fun decorating (Andy and Tara helped too!) 

Opening gifts was chaotic to say the least.  Claire was having a hard time NOT playing with other peoples new toys....Fielder was typical Fielder......it was just nuts, but so many nice gifts and we are very thankful for everyones generosity!!  Claire got "the biggest giraffe OF ALL" pillow pet from Andy, Tara, and Samara.  She also got a doctor coat, a sled, Lambie (now her all-time favorite toy), ballet clothes, and family fun money!  Fielder got a toy laptop, Inflation Nation $, another toy, and shoes which came earlier in the month.  Rob and I were super excited....we got an ipad!!

How did I manage to not get a picture of the menu or the dining room table or a picture of all of us??  After gifts, mom made a delicious dinner - Mediterranean Shrimp with an orzo salad and green beans.  And we all got to sit down at the same time and relax a little!!  Thank you Masons!

Madeline's Christmas with Mimi

Claire had a special treat on the Friday after Christmas - she went to see Madeline's Christmas with Mimi and then got to spend the night at their house.  I loved seeing these pictures that Mimi sent after the show - they had a wonderful time!  She said that Claire was on the edge of her seat watching it and then they got to meet the actors after the show!

 

Christmas Day Farm Trip

It had been about 8 months since we'd seen Ganny and visited the farm so we were excited to be able to go on Christmas Day.  I was worried about all the driving - Fielder is not the best car trip kid - but he did better than expected.  I was so happy to see Ganny and even happier to see that she looked wonderful!  Claire even whispered in my ear a little while after arriving that she wasn't afraid of Ganny anymore (Ganny didn't quite look herself the last visit.)  We had a nice visit, lunch with everyone, and time to run around outside for a while before watching Ganny open all of her gifts.



We found some bones in the field - everyone immediately wondered if it could be Sir Thomas the cat, but let's just assume it wasn't.  I'm sure it was just a possum or something....

I loved seeing Ganny and she really seemed to enjoy watching the children play.  I'm so thankful for this trip to the farm.

*A funny little thing that I want to write down so I'll remember....Despite being very good about following the rules on Christmas morning and not coming downstairs until 7, the excitement was just too much to bear that night and Claire woke up at 2am.  She came down, tapped on my arm, and asked me how many more hours until 7?  I told her it was "a lot," but she said she would just turn on her light and play with her new toys until 7.  I have no idea how long she stayed up to play, but how could you blame her?  She really didn't get much of a chance to play with any of her new stuff!!