A Holiday Tradition

Tomorrow is Abby's day to share a holiday tradition with her class at school.  We had fun talking and thinking about the fun things we do every year as a family during this special Christmas season.

The tradition Abby decided to talk about tomorrow is baking goodies and delivering them to friends and others who might be lonely during the holidays.  During our brainstorming of our own traditions, we had fun remembering how Abby sang everyone a solo of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" last year.  We also found these photos from some of our visits in December of 2010.     

Sister Wheeler always loves visiting with the little ones.   

This picture melts my heart.  I just recently saw this picture for the first time.  It was one of those treasures on Coley's phone that I didn't even know existed.  As we were leaving the assisted living facility after our visit with the Wheelers, we were called into a room by several elderly women who were visiting by a beautiful Christmas tree.  They saw Abby and Michael and wanted to admire the little ones.  Abby was only three years old at the time, but as you can see, was not shy at all.  She walked right over to this woman and started visiting with her.  Abby touching her face was a very sweet and tender moment.  This picture is an emotional reminder of the happiness a simple visit can bring to others.  I know that the sweet women in that room felt that happiness, but we were also blessed with a wonderful feeling of peace and love.  

Honorary Grandpa

Coley's father passed away before we were married, and my father passed away almost three years ago.  Knowing how important my grandfathers were to me while growing up, it pains me that my children won't have that connection.  Seeing Abby with Mr. Petrucci last Sunday night helped that pain a little.  While they won't have their grandpas, I'm grateful that my children can have someone in their lives that helps fill that void.

P.S.  I had to be very sneaky to take this picture!

Cookies and Caroling

Wednesday night, December 5, we went to the Strong Museum for "Cookies and Caroling."  The highlight of the event was meeting Santa.  From our experience in previous years, we knew we needed to arrive early and head straight for the line to meet Santa.  We had a fun time!

 Dressed in her pretty red Christmas dress and coat, Abby is ready for a fun and busy evening at the museum.   

 Michael and Abigail play while Mommy and Daddy stand in line to meet Santa.  They had lots of fun.

 Tara and Emma hold our place in the Santa line.

 Abigail and Emma had matching red Christmas dresses while Michael wore his little suit.  The plan was to get a picture of the three of them with Santa, but Michael made it clear that he didn't want to be near him.  So... we had an impromptu family picture.

 Abigail wasn't scared of Santa.  In fact, she wanted to make sure Santa knows that she really wants a bike for Christmas.

 Michael wasn't sure about Santa, but he gave Frosty the Snowman a hug!  

 Abigail had a blast playing in the "Dora, the Explorer" exhibit.

 Michael also had a great time in the exhibit.

 Coley and Michael on the carousel.

The carousel has been Abby's favorite part of the museum since she was barely able to walk.

It was pretty late by the time we got Abby and Michael in bed.  In fact, they both slept until almost 10:00 a.m. the next morning!  Even Emma slept for an extra couple of hours!  It's a good thing Abby has afternoon Kindergarten!

Time to Decorate

Last week, we began decorating for Christmas.  It was a rather comical experience with all the help we received from Abigail and Michael.  We did have a good time though!

  

 Check out Michael's approach with the garland.  He took the whole strand, rolled it in a ball, and threw it in the tree.

 Abigail helped put ornaments on the tree while wearing reindeer antlers.

And this is how baby Emma helped.

We are excited about the Christmas season.  It is a beautiful time of year!