Christmas

On Christmas Eve afternoon, we headed over to our neighbors' home to make cookies. All together there were 12 kids between the ages of 7 and 1. First, the kids used cookie cutters to create their shapes. Colin made star, a gingerbread man and a snowman. Tatum went with a flower and a gingerbread man. The kids played while the cookies baked and then came back together to decorate them. Colin used white frosting and loved the sprinkles. He ate one of the sugar decorations whole! Tatum enjoyed the chocolate frosting. When we got home, they each enjoyed one of their creations.
Nana came over around 4:00 to open gifts. Colin didn't like the whole unwrapping thing. It seemed that he felt he was breaking it by ripping the paper. Major meltdown followed! Dennis took him downstairs to regroup and he enjoyed playing quietly. Tatum on the other hand, thought that the ripping was the best part. Her favorite toy was a shopping cart which she filled with her new little mommy cleaning stuff. She also put her two babies in to get pushed around. When Colin re-emerged, he enjoyed his toys once they were unwrapped. His favorites were the puzzles.
On Christmas morning, we had cinnamon buns heated in our neighbor's oven. It seems something had spilled in ours and smoke filled the kitchen when we turned it on. No worries though...Dennis cleaned it as good as new! We opened gifts slowly and Colin did great. Nana came at noon and Bob and Moira followed soon after. The kids were happy to see everyone, but a little leery that Mom was about to leave. Once they realized that everyone was staying, happiness was had by all! It was so nice to spend the day with my family.

First Snow

It started snowing Friday at around 2:00 and didn't stop until Sunday afternoon. Dennis and I brought the kids out on their sleds for a ride around the neighborhood. It was Tatum's first time in snow! She was a bit concerned as to why we were putting her in all the layers, but she was good. Colin has gotten much better about wearing is hat and gloves. I think this year he realizes that he is much warmer with them on!
Tatum sat in Colin's old purple sled and Colin was in the new red one. Both kids fit perfectly! They were so cute! They kept giggling at each other and Colin stuck out his tongue to catch some flakes. We made it half way around the neighborhood and then their noses turned red. Dennis and I had a great time pulling them around and warmed up with some hot chocolate.
Maybe next time, we can attempt a snowman!

Mmm...Yummy

Today, it started snowing around 2:00pm. The kids had their Christmas photos early this morning and did great! It was a bit of a struggle to get there, but it all worked out. Colin was easy. He put on his cords and his sweater. His only complaints was the shoes. Mommy decided that it was not a battle worth having and let him put on his sneakers. Tatum on the other hand...less than easy. I put her in the pretty dress, tights and shoes. Major meltdown. Off came the shoes. Off came the tights. Face plant on the ground. She had her photos taken in a nice striped sweater, some cords and her sneakers. I think she was hoping to dress like her brother! Everyone was happy by the time we left the house. I even got some compliments on the sweater!
My favorite picture is both Colin and Tatum looking at an extra large book. When I get the scanner running, I'll post it. We went over to Target to pick up some milk and easy food before the snow hit. I had the idea of making gingerbread houses, but all the mixes were gone. Then I saw a kit to make Rice Krispy Treat houses!
They were definitely a hit with the kids. I think they had more fun licking the spoon! Both kids were very into decorating their houses when they came out of the form. Tatum had a random pattern of gum drops and enjoyed peeling and placing the button candy. Of course, she used the pink icing! Colin was more deliberate about his pattern and preferred to go by color of gum drops. He chose the red icing and only had one piece of button candy...the doorknob!

Decorating the Tree

On Sunday, we put the Christmas tree up. We put on some music and got started. Tatum helped me by handed me the limbs to put on. (yes, it's artificial) Dennis and I put up the lights and the garland. Colin was playing in the living room and didn't seem too impressed. Tatum was very curious as to what we were doing. She has never seen a Christmas tree before!
Both Colin and Tatum loved putting the ornaments on the tree! It was so cute. They would run over to Dennis to grab an ornament and then come over to me at the tree. We took turns picking up the kids to reach the higher branches. It was the most fun we have ever had putting up the tree.

Next week, we are going to our friends' house to make cookies for Santa. I can't wait for that. We are also going to LaSalette Shrine. They have a wonderful Christmas display with lots of lights. The rosary is lit up around the pond and the Creche is life sized. Colin loves going every year and hopefully, Tatum will too.