Date Night Christmas Party

Jim and I had a holiday party at the Ritz last night.  It was fun to get dressed up and go out without the boys for a few hours.  My parents kept the boys overnight, so I got to sleep in this morning.  Jim didn't get to sleep in.  He got up at 3:00 to go in to work.  Yuck!

Trains and Snow!

Last week we made our annual trip to the Botanical Gardens to see the trains with Grandma and Grandpa.

This is definitely one of Jack's favorite outings.

I think he could stay and watch the trains for hours.

Patrick wasn't as interested in the trains as Jack was.  He did enjoy cruising around and seeing all the flowers.

He found a ledge that was the perfect height for a seat for him.

Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa!

We got some snow this week!  While Patrick was napping, Jack and I bundled up to play in it for a bit.  When I asked Jack to stand on the steps for a picture, this is what I got:

Then he ran at me.

"Alright, Jack.  Mommy is just going to take one more picture before I put the camera inside and we do a little sledding."

Once we were inside, I made some hot chocolate (warm chocolate for Jack - he didn't want it hot), and he played with his MagnaDoodle.  He came to show me what he wrote:

I didn't know he was writing MOM.  He didn't say anything or ask me how to spell it.  Awww...what a sweetie!  Of course I had to take some pictures.

Santa Claus is coming to town

We are getting excited about Christmas!  On a recent visit to the Magic House, the boys looked at the big ornaments on the big tree (instead of posing for a picture in front of it like I asked).

We met Lily and William there.

I think William just spotted Santa...

 Cuties:

At one point, I looked around and couldn't find Jack. He had found a construction book that he decided to sit down and read by himself.  I love that independent boy!

I got to go on my annual shopping trip with my mom, aunt, and cousin a couple weekends ago.  It was so nice to spend the weekend with these 3 lovely ladies. 

Last Monday, we went to the Oakland House to see Santa Claus!

Our friends Garrett, Nick, and Zora went, too!

 Sitting on the steps outside the Oakland House:

Last Thursday, Jack's preschool had their Santa House.  Jim took off work and got to go with Jack.  He made this wreath with his handprints on it.  Sweet.

Jack is waiting on the "train" to see Santa.

It was difficult to get a good class picture.

I'm not sure any two people are looking in the same direction.

On Thursday evening, we made our annual trip to Our Lady of the Snows to see the light display.

There were lots of lights!

Little Visitors

The week after Thanksgiving we had a few little visitors.  First, my buddy Connie came over with her daughter Alexa.  They currently live in New Jersey, but will soon be moving to sunny Arizona.

Connie is such a good mom to sweet Alexa.  We wish they lived closer so we could see them more often!

Later that week, I watched my friend's daughter one day because her babysitter cancelled.  Anna was such a good baby.

She enjoyed watching the older boys. 

I got out the exersaucer for Anna.  Guess who had the most fun in it?



Thanksgiving

I've put off posting pictures from Thanksgiving weekend long enough.  In less than 3 weeks it will be Christmas!  Thanksgiving in St. Louis looked a little like Christmas.  It snowed!

 I took some pictures of my brother Michael and his fiancee Kathleen.  Brrr...it was cold!

They are getting married in June!

She is so sweet and we are excited that she will be part of our family!

Uncle David was still in town!  Can't you tell how excited Patrick was?

The cousins enjoyed their Thanksgiving feast.

Uncle David got a picture with his nephews.  I should try to figure out how to photoshop Aunt Melanie in this picture!

Then, Nana and Papa had their picture taken with their grandsons.

We continued the tradition of sharing Thanksgiving with Uncle Matt, Aunt Sue, Mark, and Rachel!  Mark and Rachel flew in from opposite coasts for the holiday!

Patrick loves to cruise, but does not walk on his own yet.  He will take 3 or 4 steps by himself.

Is Lukas really this short?

The day after Thanksgiving we went to the zoo.  It was cold outside, but we got to see lots of animals inside.  Then we played at the Zoomagination Station, which we had to ourselves!

Patrick loved this playhouse!

I think he's listening to Weezer!

This picture is blurry, but I love it.  The boys were having a blast with the puppets.  No matter what animal puppet was on stage, the alligator puppet would come eat it!

Uncle Patrick enjoyed the puppet show.

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the annual Turkey Bowl!  I think this year was the 15th annual!  Jack and Patrick were troopers to come out in the cold to watch Daddy and Uncle Michael play.

In a couple (okay, more than a couple) years, this kid will be out there, too!

That's Jim in the green shirt.

Finally, one last picture of our little rock star!