A long overdue visit

This past week my mom visited us. This was the first time she had met my kids or seen where I live, so needless to say it was a very eventful week. We played every game and toy we could think of, had a day of beauty, went out to dinner, showed Grammy the girls schools, bonded, shopped, threw tantrums, ate, slept (only a little), and gabbed gabbed gabbed. Man can we talk up a storm. Bennett worked really hard on getting his second tooth (contributing to the lack of sleep). And the rest of us tried to cram every last bit of life into the few days we had together. Tonight we took her to the airport and said a tearful goodbye, but are very hopeful that it will not be another 5+ years before we can get together again. I just can't possibly say how wonderful it was to have her here and for my kiddos to finally know who I am talking about when I say "Grammy" or "my mommy." I know that she had a great time too. So I would like to say "Thank You SOOOOOOO Much!!" to Carl (Mom's BF) who made it possible! That was the best Christmas present we could have ever imagined!

Snow, Santa, and Saying goodbyes....

On Christmas Eve we got 14 inches of snow. Driving was no fun, but once we got our stuff done, we had a blast playing in the snow. This was the first time the girls had ever seen this much snow. Bennett took a nap while we made snow people (first a mini snowman then "Lizzie the snowman girl"), and snow angels, and even threw a few snowballs.




On Christmas Eve evening we had a lovely ham dinner and set out some cookies for santa. The kids had fun in their santa hats. On Christmas day, we opened presents and played with all the kids new toys and games. Sooooo much fun!




For Robs "last supper" before deployment we went to Red Robin, the kids favorite restaurant. After he left the girls and I made a paper chain to count down the days until his return. Now we are trying to find our groove again....

Pictures

I just got the picture CD of the pictures that Sue took when she and Shar visited for Thanksgiving/PreChristmas. I loved them ALL! So I made a few collages so that I could share them more easily. I hope you enjoy them too!

Family :


The Kids:


Zoe and Sydney:

The Many Faces of Bennett:

Update

So....solids are a hit! Bennett is loving eating in his highchair and being at the table with the big people. The Thanksgiving/PreChristmas visit of the inlaws was lovely. We covered most of our usual Christmas traditions such as a fancy dinner out and Secret Santa exchange. All went splendidly, if a bit compact. I was of course terrible about taking pictures, so I am waiting for Sue to send me copies of her photos, then I will be able to post a few.

Next week is the last week of school for the girls. Rob is planning to go visit each of their classes during the week. Hoping that this will be a great memory for the girls.

As for Rob, he is on deployment countdown. Getting everything ready to go. As for me, well, this is the most bittersweet Christmas I have ever known. I love the holidays, but thinking about Christmas makes me cry. Everyday. I hate to think of the months ahead when I wll be virtually a single parent and my husband will be away in a dangerous place missing all of the day to day action back home. If you can't tell, I am having some trouble with all of it. Trying to put on a brave face for the kids and convince myself that I am emotionally prepared for all of it, but really I'm not sure that I am. So if you are the faithful sort, please keep us in your prayers.

Bennett

At his last doctors visit Bennett was 26.5 inches long and about 14 lbs.

His doc was still hearing a hear murmur so we had an echo done. He has pulmonary stenosis just like Sydney, although his is a bit worse than hers, there is no need to worry for the time being. We will recheck it in 6 months. He is such a happy baby. Still not sleeping through the night though. Hoping that solid foods will help with that a bit. Per our July baby tradition, he will have his first rice cereal on Thanksgiving (yep, tomorrow....so exciting).

Alboquerque Turkey

Sydney sings "Alboquerque Turkey" a song she learned at school for Thanksgiving.

Update

Well. We are finally getting rid of the cold that has plagued our household for nearly a month now. Nanny and Auntie are out for a visit. We will be having Thanksgiving together tomorrow and then squeezing in some of our Christmas traditions before Auntie has to leave. Nanny will be here for another week after that. Not too much excitement these last couple of weeks since we have all been ill, but everyone is in good spirits and excited for the holidays.