December 6, 2009

Today was the day of our neighbor brunch, were like the two years before we celebrated the holiday season with two of our fellow cul de sac families. Here Grace gives Kate a quick hug before our guests arrive.

Looking out the window to see our friends coming up the walk.

Kate runs to the door to see who's coming.

Viviana, Kate and Suki are entertained by Erin.

Grace shares a toy with Viviana and Kate.

Kate was so amused by Bob!

A few of our friends around the dining room table.

The walking musical penguin joins the meal.

Back in the living room, Erin, Grace, Suki and Valentina find a toy to share.

Kate is so gentle with Vivana, her long standing friend (Viviana was born a month and a half after Kate).

So gentle!

Antonio and David chat while Kate and Viviana "share" a cup.

Kate goes to visit Valentina.

So sweet.

Marcia and Viviana, Valentina and Kate.

Viviana gives Kate a fake-o cracker.

Suki shows Viviana how this elf and snowman set work.

Valentina pours out the pretend food so Kate, Viviana and Suki can play.

Suki decorates a tree from Grandma.

Grace was happy doing her decorating homework.

Take a look at this photo of Kate and Viviana from last year! Unbelievable how much they've changed.

December 5, 2009

What a treat! This morning we had our first snowstorm -- we got tons of snow (6 inches? It's tons for where we are anyway).

Like their dear cousins, these girls had chocolate chip pancakes to celebrate the first snowfall.

We canceled our plans and went outside to play as soon as possible.

Snowball!

Snowball fight!

My little guys were astonished to see the hijinx in the cul de sac.

We had so much fun building snow creatures on the front stoop.

Grace and Suki pose beside the snow cat and snow dog.

Grace decided to put leaves on the snow duck like feathers.

Playing with their Colorforms set from Granny.

After naps, we decorated our gingerbread houses from Grandma.

Practicing her piping skills.

Decorating with gumdrops.

Posing beside the final product.

What a great winter day.

December 4, 2009

This morning Grace was in so much pain we went to the walk in hours at our pediatrician's office before 8 am. She always does know when she has an ear infection and today's was a doozy. Kate continues to recover from her croup and Suki from her cold, but it made for a quiet, sometimes antsy day in.

We were glad that we got to Skype with Aunt Tina, Clara and Elena

What a sad, sick day.