Christmas Eve

A BIG Box...what could it be? Let's "Open!" it to find out!Ooh, a lion! "Roar," and "it's soft," Lydia said.

Thanks, Uncle Tom. She loves riding it.

Here are almost all the Bolgert cousins after dinner and presents, but before the carolling.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Ben, Julie & Lydia

** OUTTAKES **

Children's Discovery Museum

We spent Saturday morning at the Children's Discovery Museum in uptown Normal. It's "three floors of hands-on play experiences that inspire the love of learning!" Well, if they had only two exhibits on one floor, I think Lydia would have been just as thrilled, as long those two were Water Works and Paint Wall. These had her fully engaged for a long time, and might I add, Daddy may have enjoyed playing with the hydraulics just as much, as did Mommy with the painting. The Fresh Market was also a hit as Lydia could assemble a deli sandwich and collect fruit in her basket. It'll be interesting to see what engages her most if we go back in a year or two.

Christmas Crafts

We let Lydia help decorate the gingerbread house this year. I was a little anxious about the mess that she was making at first, but then it turned out to be really fun with her help. She sprinkled balls on the roof and placed gummies at odd spots on the siding.

This morning was really the first time I had her do a little craft. She enjoyed carefully applying a dot of glue to the tree,

and then placing a cute ribbon piece.

After each little decoration was applied, she would exclaim, "I did it!"

I think she learned that from Dora.

Oh, she was so proud of herself, and I'm so proud of her too!

St. Nicholas Day

Tree decorated.

Angel overlooks.

Stockings hung.

Presents received.

Big Girl Bed

Lydia instantly loved her new big bed...

there's more room for her to jump around!