The simple things

If we had only known before Santa came that all he really needed to bring was a wrapping paper tube cut in half, we could have saved The Big Guy some time!

It doesn't get any better!

We have had an absolute ball for the past two days! It has been so much fun to watch these babies enjoy their first "real" Christmas. Last year they enjoyed Christmas with us here at home, but they couldn't really get out and visit and enjoy our family and friends like they have this year. Let me just say that they have been WAY spoiled by everyone in our family with so many fun gifts. It has been so much fun to watch them interact with everyone, and they have been having a BALL!!!






Rush pouring himself a cup of tea with Fran's new tea set from Aunt Ivy and Uncle Tony

Phil frantically unpacking Rush's new fire truck so Rush will quit playing with Fran's new tea set... HILARIOUS!!


My sister, Ivy, and me (along with sweet baby Kate)


Sweet Sydney with her Gigi



Christmas Morning!!!
I wondered how the babies would react to the presents that Santa left for them last night. This morning, true to their personalities, Sydney Frances took off running and started picking up all of Rush's toys. Rush was a little bit more reserved and walked over quietly and picked up his new bat. Sydney Frances had to touch everything once before she could focus on one toy. She is so funny! I was really kind of surprised by how long they were able to pay attention to all of the new toys. We spent most of the morning playing with all of their new things. My parents came by for a visit to see what Santa brought and to play for a little while. Papa and Gigi read books, played guitar, pushed cars, and helped feed the new baby doll her bottle. We all ate a late breakfast together. It was lots of fun!























Rush (and Phil) received a special gift from Papa this year. My dad had occasion to meet and speak with a former U of A quarterback, Steadman Shealey, from the 1978 and 1979 National Championship teams. He signed a football and personalized it for Rush. Very cool! (I feel the need to add a "WAR EAGLE" here for some reason!)

On Christmas afternoon, we went to Phil's parents house. I have got to get those pictures downloaded for more Christmas fun!


And just for fun... this was our Christmas morning fun from last year. Can't believe how much they have changed!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas!!! Christmas Festivities post coming soon...

All I want for Christmas...

We have been through the wringer here lately! Sick, sick, sick!!! It seems never-ending. See, last year, my children never got sick. Of course, they never left the house either, but that is beside the point. It all started with Rush last week. Took him to the Pediatric Clinic... ear infection. Oh, and a nasty little eye infection, as well. Easy enough... just put drops in his eyes FOUR times a day. Only FOUR times a day as he squeezes his little eye as tight as it will possibly go. FOUR. Oh yes, and also give him the antibiotics that he waves away with his hand each time you come near him. And when he really doesn't want his good buddy Augmenten.. he shakes his head no. Furiously and frantically, he shakes it. Try to ring that mouth. Next up... ME. I never get sick. Never. Maybe a little snuffle here and there, but I hardly ever get a cold. I have one. Just in time for Christmas. Off to Urgent Care for me. Sinus infection + ear infection. Yes, haven't had an ear infection since I was what.. ten? Oh, yes, remember nasty little eye infection from above? Got that too. Despite meticulous hand-washing after each traumatic scream-filled eye drop session with Rush, etc... got it anyway. So, last night at dinner, we were all sitting at the table, and Phil reached over to feel Syd's head. She was "as hot as a firecracker". Fantastic.. or Frantastic, should I say? Off to the Pediatric Clinic AGAIN!! Ear infection. I asked for drops for her eyes even though she doesn't have the infection yet. It will be another Christmas miracle if she doesn't get it. The doctor said I could just call him and he would call in drops for her if we need them. That should be easy enough. So, after spending well over $100 on co-pays, meds, etc., we are finally home and just taking it easy today. Hopefully, we will all be well in time for Santa's visit this Thursday night. We are very excited to see what he is going to leave under the tree for us. :-) We have lots to look forward to in the next few days, and we don't want to miss out on seeing our family and friends. So, Santa, could you please bring me a house full of good health for Christmas? That's all I want.

I could have taken pictures of the never ending streams of snot coming out of my children's noses, but I figured you would rather not see that. So, how about more outtakes?

Christmas Card Outtakes

I can laugh now. At the time... not so funny.

New Household Rule

Effective immediately: Bath time will always FOLLOW meal time while we are in "feed yourself with your hands and be disgusting mode."

Look at my baby girl...



Lovely.

Also.. anyone noticing a pattern here for our girl? Look carefully. Someone is going to have to have a talk with her before we enter the teenage years.

Friendly Debate

So, there has been a little friendly debate around here. Phil has believed for some time that Rush needs a haircut. He often brings it up and has even sworn that he will not get a haircut or shave until Rush does (the haircut part I mean). I feel rather strongly that his curls are VERY cute and must be preserved. Any thoughts?


After his nap today

(OK. Yes, I know. He really does need a haircut. Soon. I'm just not ready. It makes my throat get tight in the same way the insurance commercial does when the little boy hugs his Mama as she gets off the bus from serving in the military and the lady helps her friend with cancer finish the race. Oh lordy!)

Coming soon... outtakes from the Christmas card photo session debacle.

Thanksgiving and Fun Times

We have had lots of fun over the last few days. I was off work on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, so that has given me plenty of free time to hang out with Rush and Sydney Frances. It has been so much fun!

The babies both enjoyed their first "official" Thanksgiving. Last year, they were still quarantined and couldn't take part in any family gatherings during the holiday season. This year, they ATE turkey and dressin'. What a difference a year makes!!!
This year, I am thankful for healthy babies that can eat turkey and throw it in the floor.




They also had some fun tumbling in the leaves in my parents' backyard. Yes, I did let them tumble a few times before I got slightly freaked out by Rush digging underneath the leaves to find all the damp dirty places. :-) I needed his outfit to stay cute.





Aunt Ivy also introduced the babies to the piano at my Mama's house. Although no one but my family would understand this... I believe Rush is playing the same piece Ivy played years ago on Aunt Julia's piano. :-)


Another fun event of this weekend has been.. "I Wanna Sit in a Basket". Please excuse Frantastic's drool. We are also currently living through..."I'm Getting My Molars". That does not fall into the "fun event" category, though.




And finally, my new favorite thing... if you tell Sydney Frances to "love on Rush", she will pat his head and put her head against his. He smiles and seems to love it. I know I love it!!! Sweet, sweet!!



(Michelle.. hope this helps!! Love ya!)