Sick as dogs

All 4 of us have been held hostage at home sick this past week. Starting early Monday morning (2:30am early) Jack woke up throwing up in bed. We thought we were in the clear after Jack resting and not throwing up anymore by Monday afternoon. Unfortunately come Tuesday early evening, Maggie started throwing up. By that point I was starting to feel pretty miserable myself. Since Tuesday evening all 4 of us have been miserable. We have one of the worst flu bugs I have ever experienced. The whole stomach upset, body ache, stuffy, headache, etc. I feel terrible for the kids because they don't really understand the whole sick thing, but fingers crossed it is Thursday evening and I think we are finally heading toward the end. No one has gotten sick at all today, which to me is a good sign. We've watched Lion King about 5 times in 48 hours and about 40 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. We've camped out in the family room and all napped together in Mommy & Daddy's bed. I'm certainly ready for this week and illness to be over!

Here are poor Jack & Maggie passed out this morning during yet another showing of Lion King

Santa

Last weekend we went to see Santa. After our experience last year:



I tried talking up Santa as much as I could. We talked about what Santa does (brings presents on Christmas morning), what he says ("Ho-Ho-Ho, Merry Christmas!") and that we would sit on his lap and smile for the camera (which to that Maggie said "Oh boy, oh boy! It is going to be so much fun!")

Not so much. We were the last picture before Santa had to go feed his reindeer. We gave Jack & Maggie a few seconds to warm up to the big guy and Jack even gave him a high five. When it came time to sit on his lap though, neither one was having it. I couldn't even get Maggie to loosen her grip and say hi. Santa took charge, stood up and said, "How about Mom & Dad, you sit here on Santa's chair with the kids and I will stand next to you for the picture?" And here you have it:



Jack was perfectly content with this idea, I had to tickle Maggie to get her to even appear interested.

A musician is born

Thank you Uncle Danny & Aunt Anne-Marie

Since they were in town for Thanksgiving, and won't be here for Christmas, Jack & Maggie got their Christmas presents early. Originally they were ladybug and dragon pillow pets, but Jack was afraid of his dragon. We happened upon the Mickey & Minnie pillow pets one day while out shopping and decided to exchange the "scary" for Mickey. Jack is definitely not afraid of Mickey, and of course Maggie had to match with Minnie. They love them!!

Love you Daddy!

What happens when Mommy gets behind in laundry?

Grab one of Maggie's!

Stinker

I was downstairs entertaining our friends during the kids' play date a couple of weekends ago. Meanwhile Jack snuck upstairs and got into a cup of milk left behind on the table. So proud of himself too.

Thanksgiving

Yeah, it has been a few weeks since Thanksgiving, but here are some pictures from the great family day. We had dinner at Aunt Patty & Uncle Mark's house and the kids loved getting tons of attention from the family.

Our family



Jack trying to hug Maggie



She was having none of it



Oh my goodness, do I need to clean the fireplace glass! The bronze needs to go too...

Maggie & Mommy

Family pictures 2011

This year we returned to Portrait Innovations for our holiday family pictures. It was a great success and much easier than last year. We didn't have to wait long and the kids cooperated as well as any 2 1/2 year old is willing. The family picture Christmas cards are going out this weekend, here are some of the kids shots.