Christmas 2011

We had a fabulous holiday along with a few tears. This is one of those classic pictures. Eva was mad because she liked Leah's shirt. Claire was tired. But the picture had to be taken anyway. 

Leah opening her stocking. Surprised at her new cover for her iPod.

The tree after Santa visited

Santa was good to Ronan and got him the skate board he asked for, and of course some new pads.

We were lucky enough to have Nana and Papa along for the holiday.  Nana is trying the new hat we bought her.

Leah with her loot. She got new earrings and a jewelry holder from Santa. A crayon maker, pottery wheel, new ski coat and hat, some books, ds game, crackle nail polish and makeup.

Santa brought Ronan the skateboard. He also got a fort making kit, a new coat, some cars, a nano bug, some books.

Santa brought Eva a jewelry box and earrings too. The girls can't wait to use them in 2 weeks. Also a vest, stuffed pokemon that arrived late thanks to fedex, some books, crackle nail polish jewelry, bracelet kit, and loom.

Claire loved all the help opening and so did her helper. She got a new sled, piano, walker, and a busy ball popper too.

After waking up at 6 opening presents, making breakfast, and getting out the door to church we were all tuckered out.

Ronan gave his new skateboard a go. I didn't notice his knee guards around his ankles til I looked at the pictures.  

Here she is what a beauty. We were able to get a real tree this year and it was wonderful. The smell the beauty. Cut down by a local scout troop in the Tahoe forest. Now if it would have just snowed it would have been the perfect Christmas.

We had our first every Christmas Eve show. Each of the kids got to perform something for the rest of us. Leah made up some jokes that were hilarious. Here they are....What do elfs call their ABC's... the Elfabet.  What so snowmen have for breakfast?... Snowflakes.  What do snowman have a drink?  Ice tea.  Why did the snowman use his head for bowling?... He wanted to snow bowl.  

Nana and Papa's Visit

We had a great visit with my mom and dad. The kids had a really long time off of school so I was excited to fill in the break with some grandparent time. While they were here we heard that my laptops hard drive had crashed. Luckily they were able to retrieve all my data since I hadn't been good about backing up. Dave and I were able to take a night to go get our new iMac and finish some Christmas shopping. Nana and I took the big kids swimming while Papa watched Claire. Then Dave and I got to do on another date night as well. 

One day we went on an adventure to Nevada City. It is about 1 1/2 from me. And the cutest city I have ever seen. It was a gold rush town and mostly built in the 1900's. It is just like stepping back in time. We enjoy 60 degree weather there. I can be honest I didn't want to leave.

Ronan and Eva in a make wooden tee pee 

My dad has only skied a couple times in his life and has always wanted to try it again. I was really impressed that he gave it a go while they were here. Eva was his coach and taught him everything she knows. Like to take off your ski when you fall and can't get up. 

Nana enjoyed the village and babysat Claire while I took the rest of everyone up to ski. 

Claire 8 & 9 Months

Here is our ever growing girl. The months keep flying by and I can't believe all the new things that Claire has been doing over the last few weeks.  Here is her 8th month pictures. Which may be really only 2 weeks from her 9 month. If she doesn't look much different to you.

One of the biggest developments this month is pulling herself up on stuff. She even will shimmy along furniture. I don't think we have too long before she starts walking. Also she is crawling like crazy. The wood floors here hurt her knees so she does these peg leg crawls one knee and one foot. I'll take some video of it its hilarious.

Here is Ms. Clair at 9 months. She has starting talking this month. Her first word was dada. She says it all the time. Dave also taught her to wave and now she says hi. When he comes home she'll wave and say hi dada. When she wants something to eat she smacks her lips together. Especially when I am eating something in front of her and not sharing. Every time I am singing or we are playing music she sings too. And she loves to dance and bounces to the beat. 

Oh this sweet thing melts our hearts. Everything she gets into is just cute. I love watching her explore. Even unrolling the toilet rolls or taking things out of cabinets.

I bought this cute globe that plays Christmas songs and lights up. Claire loves it. I wanted to add it as a prop to our Christmas photos.