Two of a Kind

 

One of the girls' Christmas gifts from Grandma Jan were these matching handmade knit snowman sweater outfits.

Abigail looks like a cute baby here. She has 6 teeth now even though you can't see any of them
She's into saying "mah!" a lot.

Lydia likes to say "cheese" and forget to look at the camera.

Christmas Eve & Following

 When we got to Grandma Jan & Bruce's house, Abigail found all the pretty decorations right away.

 Went to kid's Christmas Eve service where they invite all the kids to dress up as part of the nativity scene. Lydia was up front for a good while as an angel.

Back at the house, we had dinner and exchanged gifts with the step family and kids.

Before bed, Lydia put out carrots and celery for Santa and his reindeer.

 

A white Christmas means sledding! Lydia was timid last winter, but not this time! She was moving her body weight to go go go! Bruce helped her get back up the hill.

We went to Grandpa & Kathy's on Christmas Day. Had a nice time with Addie, Kathy's parents, and Dan & Kaitlyn.

 

 

After a few days at home, we went to Sarah's to exchange gifts. Abigail had fun playing with the step between rooms. Then we went to Grandma Linda's house and I woke up totally sick. Thanks to Stacy for pulling the girls in the sled in the snow and Mom for giving me a rest. When we all feel good and healthy again, we're going to take a Fun Day!

Christmas at Home

 Lydia heard Santa's reindeer on the rooftop, so we went downstairs, and we found presents under the tree.

 first present

 Haha! Love this one.

 Everyone getting into it

 Yay!

 Medical kit for Lydia

Big finish: Princess, Ballerina & Fairy. The trifecta!

Lydia's been busy playing ever since :)

God blesses us with everything we need and more!

A white Christmas too!

Early Christmas

Lydia's the ultimate helper when it comes to opening presents.

This Saturday we went to see Great Grandma Doris, and Aunt Lisa, Uncle Dave, Jake & Anna too! They got to meet Abigail for the first time.    

Lydia and Abigail each got a good book, Great Grandma's signature gift.

Still working on standing on her own!

Have you been good?

Banging for more pancakes at the Oak Creek Breakfast with Santa in time with the guitar duet.

Community Center Santa didn't thrill the kids, but overall it was a nice program.

I think I can confidently say she was my favorite gift this year.

Sarah & Matt took Lydia to a kid's Christmas concert, and afterwards Lydia talked to Santa.

Likes: Walking with walker!

In addition to learning to walk, Abigail likes her sippy cup of water, eating real food, getting into whatever Lydia's doing, music and lights, banging and clapping, and climbing stairs. She dislikes baby food, sleeping through the night, and manicures & pedicures. Hopefully her attitude towards sleeping through the night will change soon. And for the mani-pedis, at least with Lydia it didn't take long for them to be at the top of her "likes" list!

Sugar & Spice & Everything Silly

 

Lydia loves to decorate. Last week she "decorated" the table for dinner with Christmas boxes and play food. Then I found that she swapped my Christmas door knob hangings. I guess she thought it looked better that way. I did my best at letting Dad and Lydia decorate the gingerbread house without my input or guidance. I watched Lydia carefully put over-sized candy on the gingerbread man. Of course his weight couldn't support it even with a gummy spearmint support, and we later had to swap them for smaller candies. 

Lydia only stole one candy for her mouth, much improved from last year! But don't be fooled, she still loves candy. In fact, when we talked about the Advent wreath and what she Hoped for, she replied, candy. Ha! Not sure how I was surprised by that. And so, the next day we gave her, yup, candy...

 A silly start to the day, then off to Pleasant Prairie to the Jelly Belly warehouse.

We got a train ride tour and funny hats.

Lydia was amazed with all the colors and decorations to look at.

 On the drive back, I gave Lydia jelly bean paper and crayons. She tells us she drew five princess castles because her princess needs lots of castles.
That made us chuckle. I don't see them either.

And a cute pic of Abigail eating pureed Jelly Bellys, green been flavored. 

Just kidding!