Christmas with Children

This Christmas has been so fun for us all. It's actually our 3rd Christmas since we've lived here, but just the 2nd one on our own(we went home in 05). We have tried to create some traditions that we can do every year out here. We both believe that in the end that is what makes Christmas memorable and enjoyable. When I think back on my childhood, I don't really remember many of the presents Santa brought, but I definitely remember traditions we had. We would sing a lot of Christmas carols, and then my dad would usually try and bring in some story or thought to remind us all of the true meaning of Christmas(our Savior). Those thoughts and stories might have appeared lost on little children in the midst of Santa and all the presents, but I am sure they were not. Those are the memories that stick. The spirit and true happiness that was felt at that time of year, in our home. That is the goal we have had, or tried to have. But those feelings and emotions can not be caught in pictures(at least I don't have those skills), so instead we're going to let you view the second best part of Christmas OPENING PRESENTS and hope all the rest of you had as much fun and created just as many great memories as we did.

XMAS EVE/MORN

XMas Morning Jam Session

Olivia's pre-school Christmas Party

The Party

This was an exciting day for the girls. It is one of the few times Maddie gets invited to stay at Olivia's school. Maddie absolutely loves going to school with Olivia. You can see how excited she is and she never leaves Olivia's side-uh except when Santa came into the room. The picture of Maddie sitting in the back on the chairs (with the adults) was when Santa came into the room. Maybe next year, right Maddie?
Olivia sat on Santa's lap longer than any of the other kids. I couldn't hear everything she was saying, but I believe the time she spent up there was all due to her list! We have since talked about how Santa doesn't like greedy children, and how it is better to give than to receive presents. I'm hoping she is starting to get it. She really is a sweet little girl, just a little excited for Christmas morning. (I blame all the commercials and adds out there about Christmas for the faults of my child)

Seeing Santa on the Polar Express

Olivia loved it all-she had her list of things she
wanted to ask for and tell Santa
And she got her bell (just like the movie)



Maddie on the other hand..............
She needed a buffer

The Polar Express

Ahh the Polar Express, what a night. It started with a drive over to Akron Ohio, one of the premiere industrial cities of Ohio-a winner city. (But they do have a rail station that they have converted into The Polar Express) After having close calls with accidents, followed by getting severely lost which then led to nearly running out of gas in the middle of a ghost town which then led to tears shed by us all at the very real thought of missing our departure time of 7 pm-we arrived (6:58)!!! We quickly snapped a few photos of us outside the train then All Aboard! Relax and enjoy 2 hours of traveling through a state park being entertained by full grown men and women dressed up as elves! The girls absolutely loved it though-definitely the highlight of their Christmas so far.

Christmas Packages

The girls(and I) look forward to a lot of things that happen at this time of year. One of them is receiving lots of packages! Sweet Olivia will sit by the window all afternoon if her grandma told her she sent a package. We're waiting now for one of those highly anticipated packages. Poor Olivia has waited an estimated 14 hours staring out those windows (app. 2 hours a day since she heard the package was coming) Thats how reliable our postal service is-if it would have arrived when it was suppose to, Olivia would have only waited 7 hours staring out the windows.

Snow Angels

I have 2 little girls about to make it three and they do keep me busy! Last week we had a big nice snow storm. We are right at the bottom of receiving the Lake Erie weather effect as they call it here. We got about 6 inches in a matter of 2 hours, but then the ice storm came! They are pretty but dangerous. Here are some pictures of the girls making their snow angels. Olivia loves to make them, Maddie is still trying to figure out what you do once your laying on top of the snow. (She doesn't move)

We're Joining the Ranks

Well I've been wanting to do this for awhile now, but Trent has been holding me up-(thanks Trent it's all your fault I'm one of the last one's to blog!!) Actually it's not ALL his fault, I have been kind of lazy these last few months(I don't know why).
To begin-I've been thinking about where I would start with my blog-and it's been kind of difficult for me to decide. If I had more time and creativity then maybe I would start with a summary of all the fun and neat things we have been able to do since moving out here to Pittsburgh. I feel we have really tried to take advantage of being here in the east and all the great cities and landmarks we're so close to now. I actually really do love Pittsburgh, I think it's a beautiful city and very unique with all the bridges and being built upon the two rivers creating the Ohio. But of all the places I have visited it the last(almost 3 years) my favorite is New York. Could never live there, but would love to visit again! The picture is Trent and I on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.