HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Showing posts with label Holiday Fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday Fun. Show all posts
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter!
First, a real quick catch-up to last week's sad picture. Emi is doing MUCH better. In fact, by Tuesday afternoon she was pretty much back to her old self - terrorizing me (and the dog), running wild and a happy girl. I didn't take her to school as I thought she needed that extra day, but by Wednesday this gal was ready to roll! We dressed her up and off she went. There was no stopping her as it was her Easter Party. I have to say, if anyone is in the greater Aiken (SC) area and is looking for an awesome Mother's Morning Out program, this is THE place. Trinity UMC Preschool. Warming, loving, nurturing - exactly the perfect first experience for school anyone wants for their child. Emi loved it from the very first moment, but they are so wonderful (and SO gentle) with the ones that aren't so sure ... I am amazed at what I see there. GREAT school!
With no family within a reasonable drive for a short weekend, we are home - hanging out, just the three of us (and Max - who doesn't get the whole egg thing at all). But, Jeff and I spent so many years waiting for this ... that's just fine. We did the egg and goodie hunt this morning, and OH! THE! FUN! Emi had a blast, and enjoyed every moment. We didn't do 'real' eggs. We were going to, as I broke down yesterday and decided to boil some eggs (but, that's fodder for another post ... coming soon!). Let's just leave it right now with what worked: stuffing plastic eggs with chocolate, pennies and trinkets. Here's a few from this morning. We have plans to hide some this afternoon outside and get more pictures (yeah, imagine that!).
Easter Menu: So, what is everyone doing? On our menu this year, Jaden Hair's Easter Ham with Mango-Ginger Glaze. Well, except I can't leave any recipe alone. We aren't huge mango fans (I know! odd!) so we are using apricot (I know! we like apricots and not mangos? odd!). But, you can't ask for an easier recipe (6 ingredients), love that! We are also going simple for the rest of the meal. Rice in the steamer, acorn squash (in the microwave), rolls, and pumpkin cake (yeah, odd - what can I tell you, we really really like pumpkin!). That's it food-wise, I am determined to spend the day (woooohooo, outside!) with Emi and Jeff.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day, spending it just the way that's perfect for you and your family.
After the egg hunt at school (Wednesday), rehiding the eggs and finding them. We played this for well over an hour! I'm thinking Emi might get more of a kick from eggs than Santa gifts. Maybe instead of under the tree, he should hide the presents. EB is a hard act to follow in our house!
More pictures! I just can't resist these - look how much older she looks with her hair up in a 'pony' (sob, sniffle!) - with most of it falling down, haha! Plus, the fact that the grand's and a special aunt/uncle combo had to miss Easter this year, so they need *extra* pictures!
My fav's from this series:
(This is Friday ... no sleeves! yes shorts! Oh, and Jeff checked the weather back in Washington ... highs in the low 50's, lows in the LOW 30's and extreme winds all day long ... 20-30 mph. Gosh, I sure don't miss all that. Especially with the simply gorgeous weather we are having right now!)
(This is Friday ... no sleeves! yes shorts! Oh, and Jeff checked the weather back in Washington ... highs in the low 50's, lows in the LOW 30's and extreme winds all day long ... 20-30 mph. Gosh, I sure don't miss all that. Especially with the simply gorgeous weather we are having right now!)
With no family within a reasonable drive for a short weekend, we are home - hanging out, just the three of us (and Max - who doesn't get the whole egg thing at all). But, Jeff and I spent so many years waiting for this ... that's just fine. We did the egg and goodie hunt this morning, and OH! THE! FUN! Emi had a blast, and enjoyed every moment. We didn't do 'real' eggs. We were going to, as I broke down yesterday and decided to boil some eggs (but, that's fodder for another post ... coming soon!). Let's just leave it right now with what worked: stuffing plastic eggs with chocolate, pennies and trinkets. Here's a few from this morning. We have plans to hide some this afternoon outside and get more pictures (yeah, imagine that!).
Feeding the pig ~ That's a whole lotta eggs!
(EB brought a stuffed bunny and a piggy bank!)
(EB brought a stuffed bunny and a piggy bank!)
Finding more ~ Another one found!
Easter Menu: So, what is everyone doing? On our menu this year, Jaden Hair's Easter Ham with Mango-Ginger Glaze. Well, except I can't leave any recipe alone. We aren't huge mango fans (I know! odd!) so we are using apricot (I know! we like apricots and not mangos? odd!). But, you can't ask for an easier recipe (6 ingredients), love that! We are also going simple for the rest of the meal. Rice in the steamer, acorn squash (in the microwave), rolls, and pumpkin cake (yeah, odd - what can I tell you, we really really like pumpkin!). That's it food-wise, I am determined to spend the day (woooohooo, outside!) with Emi and Jeff.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day, spending it just the way that's perfect for you and your family.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Halloween
So, a week late but thought I should post "What We Did for Halloween". I've read all the cute posts, seen all the cute pictures on the blogs and thought I should share. Except.
Yeah, Halloween wasn't thought out very well this year. We completely blew it. We did, however, manage to buy Mama something totally outrageous and awesome.
Not the greatest picture, but I will get more soon (ha, trust me on that). Jeff wanted a Prius, or even an Insight. I wanted to rock and roll, have a hatch back of some kind (yes, both of those do have one) and sit up a bit higher. This is totally a fun, we don't need something this big, kind of thing. There is zero reason for this, except I wanted it. (smile)
Poor Jeff.
But, ooooh, I am loving it. Well, except that we drove up to Drew's yesterday. 3/4 of a tank of gas later ... ouch. But it was worth the drive, Emi loved seeing Drew (she woke up yesterday at SIX am, stop laughing mom, and her first word was .... DEW?!). Yeah, there's some hero worship going on there. Helps when he lives 2.5 hours away and never has to say no to her. No wonder she thinks he's so wonderful!
So, how does this all tie into Halloween? This is what we did for five hours on Halloween afternoon. We missed the first wave of trick-or-treaters (the cute ones that Emi and I would have enjoyed - we put Jeff on door duty after our first attempt).
We needed to go back on Sunday to pick up Mama's Sweet Ride. So while Jeff was moving Emi's car seat from the Ford to the Honda, I needed something for Emi to do. While she and I were transferring stuff from one car to the other, we came across my umbrella. That was the end of Emi's help. But, she had a complete blast and I took about 40-50 pictures!
THANKS HONEY!!!
*Only because the first kid to knock on the door scared the @&%# outta her. Maybe if kids are old enough to dress up that scary, they are too old to be out? It was pretty scary, and bloody. I didn't blame her.
- Emi didn't go trick-or-treating
- Emi didn't wear a costume
- Emi handed out candy to exactly ZERO kids*
Yeah, Halloween wasn't thought out very well this year. We completely blew it. We did, however, manage to buy Mama something totally outrageous and awesome.
2010 Honda CRV.
Oh, baby.
Oh, baby.
Not the greatest picture, but I will get more soon (ha, trust me on that). Jeff wanted a Prius, or even an Insight. I wanted to rock and roll, have a hatch back of some kind (yes, both of those do have one) and sit up a bit higher. This is totally a fun, we don't need something this big, kind of thing. There is zero reason for this, except I wanted it. (smile)
Poor Jeff.
But, ooooh, I am loving it. Well, except that we drove up to Drew's yesterday. 3/4 of a tank of gas later ... ouch. But it was worth the drive, Emi loved seeing Drew (she woke up yesterday at SIX am, stop laughing mom, and her first word was .... DEW?!). Yeah, there's some hero worship going on there. Helps when he lives 2.5 hours away and never has to say no to her. No wonder she thinks he's so wonderful!
So, how does this all tie into Halloween? This is what we did for five hours on Halloween afternoon. We missed the first wave of trick-or-treaters (the cute ones that Emi and I would have enjoyed - we put Jeff on door duty after our first attempt).
We needed to go back on Sunday to pick up Mama's Sweet Ride. So while Jeff was moving Emi's car seat from the Ford to the Honda, I needed something for Emi to do. While she and I were transferring stuff from one car to the other, we came across my umbrella. That was the end of Emi's help. But, she had a complete blast and I took about 40-50 pictures!
Special Announcement: The dealership is closed on Sundays so we had the place to ourselves (that tidbit is for anyone about to give me grief for allowing her to run around in the parking lot).
Just running around, chasing the wind-blown umbrella
Hiding Emi, love the toes ... love her peeking out!
My favorite
THANKS HONEY!!!
*Only because the first kid to knock on the door scared the @&%# outta her. Maybe if kids are old enough to dress up that scary, they are too old to be out? It was pretty scary, and bloody. I didn't blame her.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter
Update: Some of the photos from today are finally up. I don't think I realized how fast Emi was moving, not as many clear photos as one would hope, but I guess that means she was having fun!
Happy Easter!
We had a delightful morning, sharing with Emi the fun of hunting eggs and baskets and goodies. Moments like this is what I was waiting for, what I was looking forward to, in raising a family.
It took some time for her to get the whole finding of the eggs (she had forgotten from last year). But after being lead to the first one or two and the excitement of the hunt caught on, she was tickled pink. Instead of carrying the empty basket along with her to collect the eggs she left it on the ottoman and would run to it to drop off her findings. A whirling dervish, caught up in the hunt. After finding them all, she then proceeded to open each, oohing and aahing (and a bit of sampling) of the goodies. She enjoyed the little paper book with the pencils and stickers, the necklace (love the bling) and the fingernail polish (I had forgotten I had this) that we will paint her toenails with later today for the very first time. The puzzle and the train were also huge hits, in fact she is right this minute playing with both. She has already rehid the eggs (for herself), and found them. Delighting again at the find.
It's been a wonderful, laid back morning. Exactly us, as we are laid back kind of folks.
I hope everyone had as wonderful a morning as we. Celebrating Easter and Spring in your own way.
Easter Basket & train ~ finding puzzle
Finding eggs and running them to the egg basket
Happy Easter!
We had a delightful morning, sharing with Emi the fun of hunting eggs and baskets and goodies. Moments like this is what I was waiting for, what I was looking forward to, in raising a family.
It took some time for her to get the whole finding of the eggs (she had forgotten from last year). But after being lead to the first one or two and the excitement of the hunt caught on, she was tickled pink. Instead of carrying the empty basket along with her to collect the eggs she left it on the ottoman and would run to it to drop off her findings. A whirling dervish, caught up in the hunt. After finding them all, she then proceeded to open each, oohing and aahing (and a bit of sampling) of the goodies. She enjoyed the little paper book with the pencils and stickers, the necklace (love the bling) and the fingernail polish (I had forgotten I had this) that we will paint her toenails with later today for the very first time. The puzzle and the train were also huge hits, in fact she is right this minute playing with both. She has already rehid the eggs (for herself), and found them. Delighting again at the find.
It's been a wonderful, laid back morning. Exactly us, as we are laid back kind of folks.
I hope everyone had as wonderful a morning as we. Celebrating Easter and Spring in your own way.
Easter Basket & train ~ finding puzzle
Finding eggs and running them to the egg basket
Friday, April 10, 2009
Easter Eggs
Update: I forgot some of the things I found for her basket. Scroll down to the ** if you've already read this post!
So, what to do with them? We did not (and are not going to) color eggs again this year. The thought of doing that with Danger Girl frightens me. However, I am hoping to be able to do it next year. What we will do is what we did last year, hide the plastic cheapy ones. She got a huge kick out of it last year, so much so that we had to keep hiding them and finding them for days. We didn't put anything in them last year, but I am thinking that would be pretty cool this year.
And, here we come to the reason for the post. What to put in them? I would love to have suggestions! I did buy some little stickers, but I am not sure if they will fit into the eggs. If not, I will tuck them into her basket. I bought a small handful of those tiny little M&Ms (in the bulk food section at the grocery store). A bit (key: A BIT) of chocolate will be a treat. I also bought a bag of those miniature marshmallows in pastel colors. I thought they would be fun and a bit different, and she's never had marshmallows before so it should be quite the experience. But, that's it. I'd love a couple more ideas, but I am fresh out (specifically non-food items).
Into the basket will NOT be a chocolate bunny. Call us mean old parents, but at least we aren't completely off our rockers (hahaha, get it? I slay me!). The year will come that one is added. When she understands that one doesn't eat the entire bunny in one sitting. Before breakfast.
** Updated - I forgot I had a small package of mini chocolate chip cookies and another of tiny bite sized granola things (like the technical term?). I could use those inside the eggs, if need be. But the idea was to stash them in her basket as then they could be one-shot eating (pick one to open, kind of thing). I wanted a selection of goodies, but not a ton - so small packages or just a few tidbits per egg is the plan. I also found pretty spring colored pencils and a journal type thing. Not that she's writing (!!) but she loves to scribble right now and it's another quiet time activity so I thought new pencils and a notebook would be cool - also to tie into the stickers.
We do have a couple of puzzles (yep, more M&D) and instead of a stuffed bunny (we have too many stuffed animals!) I picked up the Little People Tow 'n Pull Tractor. Wow, well if anyone is looking for that - Target has it for almost $3 less, heck even Amazon does too and yet another wow - the FP web site even has it cheaper but you'd have to pay shipping. Yet another reason I rarely shop at TRU. Okay, I got side-tracked. :)
I meant to plan ahead better, had wanted the cute little Easter train that FP put out but kept thinking Easter was coming. Ha. Easter is here! But I've been eyeing this tractor for quite awhile and know she will love it (her fav LP things tend to be with wheels).
The plan had been to get her one of these cool cameras, I even had it all picked out ... then forgot to order it in time (and yes, we are aware that they do not take the greatest pictures - it won't matter to Emi right now). So, that will come later. Emi is really into camera's right now. When I was struggling to get Emi to look at me/the camera, Magi had this great tip: take Emi's picture and then show it to her in the viewer. Well, that was magic and it works. Except, too well. Now if she sees the camera we must take pictures RIGHT NOW and LOTS OF THEM. Yep, nothing in moderation for our gal. In fact, for your viewing pleasure, here are Emi selected photos (Emi points at what she wants me to take a photo of):
Emi's car ~ Emi's shoe ~ FP Airplane and toys
It's easy to see the things that are important to Emi. :)
So, what to do with them? We did not (and are not going to) color eggs again this year. The thought of doing that with Danger Girl frightens me. However, I am hoping to be able to do it next year. What we will do is what we did last year, hide the plastic cheapy ones. She got a huge kick out of it last year, so much so that we had to keep hiding them and finding them for days. We didn't put anything in them last year, but I am thinking that would be pretty cool this year.
And, here we come to the reason for the post. What to put in them? I would love to have suggestions! I did buy some little stickers, but I am not sure if they will fit into the eggs. If not, I will tuck them into her basket. I bought a small handful of those tiny little M&Ms (in the bulk food section at the grocery store). A bit (key: A BIT) of chocolate will be a treat. I also bought a bag of those miniature marshmallows in pastel colors. I thought they would be fun and a bit different, and she's never had marshmallows before so it should be quite the experience. But, that's it. I'd love a couple more ideas, but I am fresh out (specifically non-food items).
Into the basket will NOT be a chocolate bunny. Call us mean old parents, but at least we aren't completely off our rockers (hahaha, get it? I slay me!). The year will come that one is added. When she understands that one doesn't eat the entire bunny in one sitting. Before breakfast.
** Updated - I forgot I had a small package of mini chocolate chip cookies and another of tiny bite sized granola things (like the technical term?). I could use those inside the eggs, if need be. But the idea was to stash them in her basket as then they could be one-shot eating (pick one to open, kind of thing). I wanted a selection of goodies, but not a ton - so small packages or just a few tidbits per egg is the plan. I also found pretty spring colored pencils and a journal type thing. Not that she's writing (!!) but she loves to scribble right now and it's another quiet time activity so I thought new pencils and a notebook would be cool - also to tie into the stickers.
We do have a couple of puzzles (yep, more M&D) and instead of a stuffed bunny (we have too many stuffed animals!) I picked up the Little People Tow 'n Pull Tractor. Wow, well if anyone is looking for that - Target has it for almost $3 less, heck even Amazon does too and yet another wow - the FP web site even has it cheaper but you'd have to pay shipping. Yet another reason I rarely shop at TRU. Okay, I got side-tracked. :)
I meant to plan ahead better, had wanted the cute little Easter train that FP put out but kept thinking Easter was coming. Ha. Easter is here! But I've been eyeing this tractor for quite awhile and know she will love it (her fav LP things tend to be with wheels).
The plan had been to get her one of these cool cameras, I even had it all picked out ... then forgot to order it in time (and yes, we are aware that they do not take the greatest pictures - it won't matter to Emi right now). So, that will come later. Emi is really into camera's right now. When I was struggling to get Emi to look at me/the camera, Magi had this great tip: take Emi's picture and then show it to her in the viewer. Well, that was magic and it works. Except, too well. Now if she sees the camera we must take pictures RIGHT NOW and LOTS OF THEM. Yep, nothing in moderation for our gal. In fact, for your viewing pleasure, here are Emi selected photos (Emi points at what she wants me to take a photo of):
Emi's car ~ Emi's shoe ~ FP Airplane and toys
It's easy to see the things that are important to Emi. :)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day!
Have anything fun planned? Romantic evening out? We don't have a whole lot planned. Jeff is taking a load of stuff to the hazardous materials recycling place (old paint, etc). I am going to clean Emi's room. Yep, romance is alive and well here! I still don't know what I am going to make for dinner as I forgot to take the meat out of the freezer (we were going to have Cinnamon Beef Noodles, sigh). I am seriously thinking of making Pasta with Creamy Pancetta-and-Pea Sauce though and I really want to make a nice dessert - I have something up my sleeve if I get the time but want it to be a surprise. If it works out, I will add it to my menu plan post on Monday. The pasta looks great and I really want to try it. Plus, except for the bacon and ham, Emi would eat it. I think Jeff and I would love it!
Yesterday Jeff brought home roses for me! They are simply beautiful but no, I have no picture (yet) to share. I have sort of misplaced the camera. Oh, I am sure it's around here somewhere but I can't seem to put my hands on it. (Shhhh, don't tell Jeff!)
We are going out to brunch at a local place tomorrow, so our Valentine's Day will continue for another day. Added bonus of having President's Day on Monday, so it's a three day weekend. Always a plus. If the weather turns nice, maybe we can get outside and go for a walk. Emi loves that!
We aren't planning any special dinner/date thing for Jeff and I again this year. We had fourteen very long years before Emi. The next few will be family celebrations. All too soon, it will be time for Emi to be having her own things to do on this day so spending the day as a family is a good thing. Besides, Emi's bedtime is 8 pm, plenty of time for us then. :)
Have a wonderful day everyone!
P.S. Odd, I hit publish this morning and it didn't. Operator error, I am sure.
Have anything fun planned? Romantic evening out? We don't have a whole lot planned. Jeff is taking a load of stuff to the hazardous materials recycling place (old paint, etc). I am going to clean Emi's room. Yep, romance is alive and well here! I still don't know what I am going to make for dinner as I forgot to take the meat out of the freezer (we were going to have Cinnamon Beef Noodles, sigh). I am seriously thinking of making Pasta with Creamy Pancetta-and-Pea Sauce though and I really want to make a nice dessert - I have something up my sleeve if I get the time but want it to be a surprise. If it works out, I will add it to my menu plan post on Monday. The pasta looks great and I really want to try it. Plus, except for the bacon and ham, Emi would eat it. I think Jeff and I would love it!
Yesterday Jeff brought home roses for me! They are simply beautiful but no, I have no picture (yet) to share. I have sort of misplaced the camera. Oh, I am sure it's around here somewhere but I can't seem to put my hands on it. (Shhhh, don't tell Jeff!)
We are going out to brunch at a local place tomorrow, so our Valentine's Day will continue for another day. Added bonus of having President's Day on Monday, so it's a three day weekend. Always a plus. If the weather turns nice, maybe we can get outside and go for a walk. Emi loves that!
We aren't planning any special dinner/date thing for Jeff and I again this year. We had fourteen very long years before Emi. The next few will be family celebrations. All too soon, it will be time for Emi to be having her own things to do on this day so spending the day as a family is a good thing. Besides, Emi's bedtime is 8 pm, plenty of time for us then. :)
Have a wonderful day everyone!
P.S. Odd, I hit publish this morning and it didn't. Operator error, I am sure.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year!
On the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on Monday, January 26, 2009 which is The Year of the Ox. Loosely, if you were born in 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985 or 1997, you were born under the sign of the ox. I say loosely because following the Western calendar Emi (born 2007) would a pig (if memory serves) but because she was born on February 2, 2007 she is a dog if following the Lunar calendar. It's really only confusing if someone is born in January or February, then you need to look at the date.
(Oh, and most of this is going on memory. I am by NO means an authority on this subject.)
Here is something that explains it better: Most people’s understanding of the Chinese Zodiac Calendar doesn't extend beyond what they see on the paper placemats that cover the tables of their favorite Chinese restaurants. But there really is much more to know about this doctrine that dates back more than 2,000 years. Something else that people don’t understand from most Chinese Zodiac overviews is that it is based on the Chinese New Year which does not begin on January 1. The date varies but typically is towards the end of January. Therefore, when determining the correct animal, most people born during the month of January should be included as part of the previous year. Also, the 12 phases that make up the Chinese year are lunar months, coinciding with the appearance of each New Moon.
The above information was taken from Chinese Zodiac. There is a link at the top of the page for folks to find their 'real' animal.
We don't have big plans again this year. We had hoped to head on over to the big celebration on Bainbridge Island, but we are going to save that for another year. We are attending a dinner on Friday with our local Chinese adoption group but so far that's all we have planned. I keep researching, hoping to find something else. I think Emi would love to see a lion dance or a parade, just need to find one within reasonable driving distance.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Christmas ... Part 2
When we last left our intrepid readers ...
err ...
um ...
Anyway.
BTW, it will be noted that this is New Years Eve. And I am still writing about Christmas, so that means that my New Years post will also be late. I'm okay with that. At least I had my Christmas cards out on time, for me, that's an accomplishment!
So, we left our story with Santa so kindly arranging all the gifts (he really is a pretty great guy, I wonder if he's a brief or boxer kind of guy, errr wait ... family blog ... moving on).
Emi slept (and I use the term loosely, her sleeping straight through the night is NOT something we got for Christmas, nor any other night of the year but it is getting better) until around seven-ish. We should have kept to our regular schedule, Cheerios and milk and coffee (age appropriate) in the office while Jeff and I read email and Emi noshed while coloring at her desk and generally 'helping' us read email. Instead we thought she'd do Cheerios and milk while opening gifts. Right.
We thought she'd get the opening of gifts as she had started on one when we had them under the tree (reason why they were moved to the counter above the tree). But by the time it was time to open gifts, she didn't have any interest (or thought - hey, we aren't supposed to open those!). We basically opened them with/for her and she did get a kick out of what was inside of each. We had no plans whatsoever for the day, so the fact that it took about 2+ hours to open the presents was no big deal. Emi raked it in and that's with holding folks down to just a few gifts! A darling outfit (Pooh, who is a big fav in the house right now), dolls, books, and puzzles to name but a few. Mama and Daddy did quite well also, that Emi - she's a heck of a shopper! The big hit was the ... WII!!!!! I was told that Emi found a really great deal. Uh-huh. But, oh, what fun!
Emi decided that the presents all needed to be moved ...
After the opening of the gifts I tossed breakfast into the oven (oops, should have done earlier) and then I went into the living room to uncover the kitchen. Take a
look, this room will NEVER look like this again! Jeff then brought Emi in and that's the last we saw of her for days. Okay, not quite that bad but she's in love and having the time of her life in there. She's feeding her babies, us, trying to feed Max (not that he gets 'pretend' food). She has already learned let's have tea and is loving the cooking sounds, beeps on the microwave and the phone. Ahhh, get 'em young and train 'em right ... move over Rachel, here's the NEXT Food Network Star!
err ...
um ...
Anyway.
BTW, it will be noted that this is New Years Eve. And I am still writing about Christmas, so that means that my New Years post will also be late. I'm okay with that. At least I had my Christmas cards out on time, for me, that's an accomplishment!
So, we left our story with Santa so kindly arranging all the gifts (he really is a pretty great guy, I wonder if he's a brief or boxer kind of guy, errr wait ... family blog ... moving on).
Emi slept (and I use the term loosely, her sleeping straight through the night is NOT something we got for Christmas, nor any other night of the year but it is getting better) until around seven-ish. We should have kept to our regular schedule, Cheerios and milk and coffee (age appropriate) in the office while Jeff and I read email and Emi noshed while coloring at her desk and generally 'helping' us read email. Instead we thought she'd do Cheerios and milk while opening gifts. Right.
We thought she'd get the opening of gifts as she had started on one when we had them under the tree (reason why they were moved to the counter above the tree). But by the time it was time to open gifts, she didn't have any interest (or thought - hey, we aren't supposed to open those!). We basically opened them with/for her and she did get a kick out of what was inside of each. We had no plans whatsoever for the day, so the fact that it took about 2+ hours to open the presents was no big deal. Emi raked it in and that's with holding folks down to just a few gifts! A darling outfit (Pooh, who is a big fav in the house right now), dolls, books, and puzzles to name but a few. Mama and Daddy did quite well also, that Emi - she's a heck of a shopper! The big hit was the ... WII!!!!! I was told that Emi found a really great deal. Uh-huh. But, oh, what fun!
Emi decided that the presents all needed to be moved ...
Some of the packages were a tad heavy for a certain little cute elf ...
But then, she thought of a plan!
And implemented it!
Piling them up all around Mama (that's my girl!). (Oh, and the cute little diaper shot is my fav!)
We think the one she is standing on is the Wii. Eeps.
After the opening of the gifts I tossed breakfast into the oven (oops, should have done earlier) and then I went into the living room to uncover the kitchen. Take a
look, this room will NEVER look like this again! Jeff then brought Emi in and that's the last we saw of her for days. Okay, not quite that bad but she's in love and having the time of her life in there. She's feeding her babies, us, trying to feed Max (not that he gets 'pretend' food). She has already learned let's have tea and is loving the cooking sounds, beeps on the microwave and the phone. Ahhh, get 'em young and train 'em right ... move over Rachel, here's the NEXT Food Network Star!
We finally did have breakfast, around 1030. Emi ate like she was starving, and come to think of it she probably was! But then it was back to the kitchen for more cooking fun. Trying to get her down for a nap was interesting, but it did happen. She went back and forth all afternoon between her kitchen and the family room with the other new goodies. She is really into books and puzzles right now, so those got a lot of use (and continue to).
It was a lazy fun day, filled with cuddles and laughter and love. Who could ask for a better day than that?
Oh, and I whooped Jeff's butt in Wii bowling! /flex
It was a lazy fun day, filled with cuddles and laughter and love. Who could ask for a better day than that?
Oh, and I whooped Jeff's butt in Wii bowling! /flex
Christmas ... Part 1
So, even though I tried so hard to slow it down, Christmas has wizzed by once again. I do think that we succeeded in having a pretty low stress holiday season, but much of that is because our holiday shopping list is getting smaller by the year. So many of our friends and family members can go out and buy whatever they want, when they want so to try and come up with something seems silly. We have agreed to not send gifts.
However.
(There's always a however, isn't there?)
I was sorta bad. I sent a couple of New Years baskets of goodies, and we always do a special box for Jeff's mom. Oh, don't think I actually baked and mailed goodies, pluuuzee. Those days are so yesterday, with a 'helpful' toddler in the house. I ordered them from Wolferman's. They boxed everything up and mailed it. Call that done! We received goodies from W's once and it was SO awesome that now, it's one of my fav things to send. But, I've found a new fav! The coolest thing I did for the grand's and some special friends this year was A Year of Emi. I went over to snapfish and made books! It was fun and now I think I need to add ME to that list. They were a hit with the grand's and my mom made sure to ask if they were going to be an annual thing. Yep, indeed they are.
Christmas Eve was quiet, Jeff had the day off but spent a solid portion of it shoveling snow. Emi and I watched and commiserated, but didn't offer to help. I did make cream of wheat for lunch, warm tummy food! Emi opened a couple of little gifts in the early evening, the annual ornament from my mom (a penguin!) and then her new Christmas pj's, slippers and a new stuffed bear from Jeff and I. Then, it was off to bath time. Emi now knows 'bath' as she will go zooming to her bathroom! I watch her in wonder as I remember tiny little gal just over a year ago that was not at all impressed with bath time. She still isn't fond of hair washing, but she knows that right after that is fun in the water time!
However.
(There's always a however, isn't there?)
I was sorta bad. I sent a couple of New Years baskets of goodies, and we always do a special box for Jeff's mom. Oh, don't think I actually baked and mailed goodies, pluuuzee. Those days are so yesterday, with a 'helpful' toddler in the house. I ordered them from Wolferman's. They boxed everything up and mailed it. Call that done! We received goodies from W's once and it was SO awesome that now, it's one of my fav things to send. But, I've found a new fav! The coolest thing I did for the grand's and some special friends this year was A Year of Emi. I went over to snapfish and made books! It was fun and now I think I need to add ME to that list. They were a hit with the grand's and my mom made sure to ask if they were going to be an annual thing. Yep, indeed they are.
Christmas Eve was quiet, Jeff had the day off but spent a solid portion of it shoveling snow. Emi and I watched and commiserated, but didn't offer to help. I did make cream of wheat for lunch, warm tummy food! Emi opened a couple of little gifts in the early evening, the annual ornament from my mom (a penguin!) and then her new Christmas pj's, slippers and a new stuffed bear from Jeff and I. Then, it was off to bath time. Emi now knows 'bath' as she will go zooming to her bathroom! I watch her in wonder as I remember tiny little gal just over a year ago that was not at all impressed with bath time. She still isn't fond of hair washing, but she knows that right after that is fun in the water time!
What a difference a year makes! (October 2007)
Holding on for dear life
Holding on for dear life
December 2008
No fear and now we have to drag her out!
No fear and now we have to drag her out!
Then, it was off to bed so Santa could visit. But first, cookies and milk. But wait, guess what I forgot? Good thing I had made a carrot cake for Christmas dinner's dessert. A nice healthy slice for Santa and since it was carrot cake, enough so he could share with Rudolph and the gang!
Santa must have liked the cake, as he finished hiding the kitchen and he put all the presents under the tree - nice guy!
To be continued ... I am beat and need to go to bed!
Santa must have liked the cake, as he finished hiding the kitchen and he put all the presents under the tree - nice guy!
To be continued ... I am beat and need to go to bed!
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