Snow family!

After many cold days of only being able to make snow piles, finally there was enough of a warm-up to pack a real snow man. Ernie calls him Frosty the Tinman, because of his big heart.

Little Len rocking and feeding her beebee

Lenora taught herself to rock in her little chair recently, and she's such a good dolly mommy.

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First sledding of the season

The first snow that covered cement was an opportunity to go for a sled walk.

The glamour of having an alleyway

Recently Ernie woke up from his nap and screamed "There's a road roller in the alley!!!!!" It wasn't a dream, it was a perfect reality. Lenora naturally woke up soon after (thanks, Ern) so we all rushed outside, pushed a patio chair against the fence, and (do not try this at home) Ernie stood on the back of the chair while I stood on the seat holding Lenora up to see. For about 45 minutes. That's how long it takes for watching a road roller to get old.

Holidays by Post

We couldn't see so many of our beloved Halls over the Holidays. The kids got the benefit of gifts streaming in through the mail to keep the holidays coming.
Aunt Heather and Uncle John sent some really cool books, an awesome Yankees hoodie for Ern, and adorable I [heart] NY sleeper for Len. Uncle Chris and Aunt Amy sent the new Lite Brite! They both love playing with it/throwing the pegs everywhere and picking them up. And it's helping with Ernie's letter identification, since the guides have the first letter of the assigned design color.

Aunt Tricia sent some awesome marionettes and a very inspiring musical Disney princess pop-up book. Ernie may be dressed as Peter Pan here (for no particular reason) but he has been as many Disney princesses since receipt of this gift. Most often he is Snow White, Lenora is Sleeping Beauty, and I am Arial (pronounced "Oriel"). Daddy gets to be Prince Charming.

Recent conversation while Prince Charming was lovingly scooping snow from the driveway:

Snow White (Ernie): Mommy, why does Prince Charming love us so much?

Arial (Mommy): I think he's so sweet to us because we're sweet to him.

Snow White (Ernie): And also because we're sooooooo pretty!

Mohrs for the Holidays

Uncle Darren and Aunt Liz came down for playtime and bedtime, and read the kids everyone's favorite book. Ern and Len were so happy to see them and spend time with them.
We proceeded to the Mohr household for a holiday celebration with the whole family. Ernie spent most of his time running the Christmas train (well, assisting the first mouse, and the last mouse, and all their assistants who operate the train).

Len looked so sweet in her little tutu.

Costumes and pajammas - he's in heaven.

And Dad made a quilted reversable beaded tree skirt for Laura and Tim. We're very proud of our crafty Pop.

Halls for the Holidays

Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Denie came over in the afternoon for gifts with the kids and a nice meal with the 'rents.

Bonnie made Ernie this sweet doctor's coat to go with his new medical kit. He spent plenty of time giving all of us full check-ups, that ended in "A shot. It's going to hurt a lot, but don't worry, I'll play my harmonica for you and you'll feel all better."

Lenora's baby got a new carrier accessory! She loves being able to move her around and put her in and out.

Checking on Len's heartbeat.

Home for the Holidays

We had a fun morning celebrating with just our little family. Ernie's big gift was a design drill, and Lenora's was an adorable mini diaper bag and accessories. Of course the little stocking gifts were a huge hit. Here's Ern serenading us all on his new harmonica. Len's expression pretty much sums it up.
Did you know they make Snoopy Snow Cone Machines just like the old ones? And they haven't even bothered to correct any of the design flaws? Mmmmm, shaved ice.

A girl can never have too many bows.

And since we're growing, we upgraded to some new underwear! He's still so excited about them that he may flash you without invitation.

The (resistant) Reindeer Dance

Every year for the church's holiday program each classroom performs something. This year the preschoolers were supposed to sing Rudolph and do a reindeer dance. Ernie was not so enthused.

He did like ringing the bells after he returned to his seat. And Lenora was content to play with her gloves and nearby church members.

Pajamma Jammie Jam

Pajamas are Ernie's favorite costume, and in a season of giving we decided we should get the kids some matching pajamas. Ernie wishes we ALL had matching pajamas, including Chester and Ally. Well, Target couldn't fulfill that wish, but they sure look cute just the two of them.
Ernie has us build him, because he's Frosty the Snowman in these pajamas, and pack his legs nad body and arms and finally add the head with coal eyes and button nose and corncob pipe. He really wishes he had a real corncob pipe.
And the pajamms taught Ernie how to button!

Oh, Christmas Tree

It was FREEZING at Spilker farms this year. We tried to be swift, but we are not a family of decision-makers. They dropped us off in a very mature area, so our seemingly small tree turned out to be the tallest we've ever had.
Ernie with one of his favorite ornaments, the Charlie Brown musical one.

Len was very happy to have frequent access to the softer unbreakable things on the lower three feet.

Giving Thanks

The Halls hosted us for dinner with Cathie and clan. Len and Ern decided that crawling under fabric-covered chairs was the funnest thing ever. We stayed overnight with the Mohrs, and Ernie got to help Grandpa set up the Christmas train.