Science Museum

We had Brookie's follow-up appointment and we decided to go to the Science Museum.  We spent over 2 hours exploring and experimenting!  We saw dinosaurs and trains, played music, experimented with water and light, and played at a playground.  I loved to watch their eyes light up as we went into each room.  Tatum really enjoyed seeing the rocket.  She loves space and talks about being an astronaut:)  The kids got to go inside and "see" the Earth from space.  Brookie was fascinated with each new thing we saw:)  Her favorite thing was the playground equipment.  Colin loved seeing all the trains throughout history.  He was also very taken with the dinosaurs.  His favorite part was called Take a Closer Look.  They can't wait to go back!

New Year's Eve

We headed over to Rich and Michele's house for New Years.  The kids were excited to see their friends!  We ordered Chinese food early in the day and picked it up for dinner.  After dinner, we all somehow ended up doing some Irish folk dancing in the kitchen:)  Laughs were had by all!  The kids stayed up pretty late and slept in the following morning:)  Dennis and I made it to see the ball drop and then crashed ourselves.  What a great way to usher in the new year!

Christmas

We decorated early this year so that Brookie could enjoy it brfore she went in for heart surgery.  Our trooper was out and home just 4 days after surgery with oxygen levels around 98%!  On Christmas Eve, we baked cookies for Santa and spread reindeer food on the front lawn.  On Christmas morning, we had a wonderful breakfast and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.  The kids were excited to see what was in their stockings and intrigued by the packages Santa had left.  I loved seeing their eyes light up when they opened each present:)  Nana, Uncle Bob and Auntie Moira came over for an early dinner.  The kids loved seeing them!  Colin and Uncle Bob played their favorite word game with many giggles.  Auntie Moira played Ring Around the Rosie over and over with a smile each time.  Nana got lots of snuggles as well.  Dennis made a delicious roast and everyone enjoyed dinner together.  It was so nice to sit as a family and enjoy conversation and each others company.

Brookie's Baptism

We had Brookie's Baptism at Saint Theresa's Church.  The kids were antsy, but okay during Mass.  Actually, sometimes it was pretty funny:)  Brookie announced the she was all done and Colin told everyone, "no dinner shoes!"  After Mass, we all sat at the front of the church near the baptismal font.  Erin held Brookie and Nick did a great job with the candle.  We are lucky to have them as Godparents:)  Brookie was a great listener when it came time for the water:)  Colin told everyone to stand up and then gave a rousing Amen!  Father said he should be an alter server:)  Back at the house, Brookie wanted pictures with everyone, and I mean every single person:)  She was so proud!  She also couldn't wait to eat the cake!!!!!  She has worn her necklaces everyday since and sleeps with her new pillow pet:)