Santa Clause is coming....to Town!!!

Well actually, he came to our neighborhood.

Here he comes....

We waited outside, playing in the yard, in hopes that St. Nicholas would pass down our street.  Then, low & behold, here he came with not reindeer, but a caravan of a convertible playing Santa music, Santa, not in his sleigh, but in the back of his red pickup truck.  He was a jolly old man, with plenty of cheer and candy canes for the boys!  What fun it was to see him pass by our way.

Merry Christmas, Santa & Thank you!

You can take the boy out of Michigan....

But you can't take the Michigan out of the boy!These are the words that kept going through my mind, as Caleb & Josiah were outside the minute they got home & shortly after our first snowfall began.  Caleb kept saying, mom, I've Got to play in the snow & today, he asked if this was the last day the snow would be here.  Truth is, you never know when it will come or go & he has learned quickly that you MUST enjoy it while you can.  So, every available minute...he's out there, with his brother close behind.

All bundled up & ready to go!!!

The cutest toddler on the block - warm in his 1980's winter gear, thanks to our Michigan friends!!

And today...I was a little worried - didn't want to  take anyone to the dr. for a broken something.  But...It went off without a hitch & looked really fun.  There were all giggles and smiles, so must be good.

Then inside for a warm up with delicious homemade hot chocolate - Seriously, best stuff I've ever tasted!  Yummo...

Thanksgiving with the Ciccones

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, starting with a friend, Becky, arriving Wednesday & blessing us with her giggly joy.

The cooking & preparing began Wednesday night with a few make ahead sides & dishes....Yummy!!




Thursday we rolled out of bed with the boys and ate a nice breakfast, then turned on the Macy's Thanksgiving day Parade!  I love the parade & the sound of the parade in the background while preparing the Thanksgiving feast.

We planned to eat about 330, so the 19lb  turkey went in the oven mid-morning.  Delish smells!!

Our friend, TJ arrived early afternoon to enjoy football with Tim and to hang out with the boys until our Feast was ready.  TJ brought over a delicious pie for us all to enjoy after dinner.

The boys napped early, then we got ready and enjoyed our delicious Feast.  It was all yummy & we enjoyed being able to share the day with our friends & family.

Josiah enjoying his special drink for Thanksgiving!  Bottoms up...

So many things to be thankful for this season, as we now anticipate and are getting ready for the birth of our Saviour!

Happy Thanksgiving...

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Halloween - in a nutshell!!!

Halloween 2009 from maria mommy on Vimeo.

Josiah loves pudding

This is Josiah...having pudding for the 1st time?  March, 2009

I ran across these pictures today & just thought they were typical, cute little boy.

Good to the last drop....both the pudding & the boy!  Can't get enough of Josiah's lovin' - He's got the best squeezes and sweet pats!!

A Few Days....

So, our internet went down on Sunday, and we just got back up and running today.  The coolest thing is...I've gotten quite a few things done during this involuntary vacation from the cyber world we all love.

In order to document this occasion, I thought I'd take a break and BLOG!!

Hope you enjoy...

Here is Caleb's 1st night of our Church's Wednesday night programming for 4 year olds - 4th grade, it's new this year and called KidsCrest Connect.  During their 1 hour and 20 minutes at church, the kids sing their Bible verses, play games & have a snack.  Caleb comes home 'jazzed' about something new each week & we are loving all the Scripture we are memorizing through song.  This is the link to the website that has the songs we are all learning - check it out!!
Seeds Family Worship

 

I asked the boys, Caleb & his buddy, Will (whom we carpool with to Wednesday nights) to strike a pose and give me a thumbs up....this is what I got~ Nice work, Boys!!

We always ask the boys to wash before they eat anything, or when they come in from playing outside - so, this day was exceptionally cute, as big brother, Caleb, helped little brother, Josiah, reach the sink!

Clearly, Caleb was a little dirty or wet from playing in the hose, as he became pantsless once entering the house!  Gotta love boys...

This was our 1st Monday of MOPS - Josiah had a little bit of a rough start, but got in the groove, obeyed & had a great morning.

Caleb was trying his hardest to encourage his brother to just smile for mom and the camera - he's usually a great encourager for his brother.

It was a great day and this year has been new and exciting with MOPS & Moppettes!!

Please don't grow up, Boys!

Signs that Grampa & Gramma were here...

1. Happy Children - because Grampa played lots of games & read lots of stories.  because gramma made goodies and found treasures at a garage sale.  because they got to go to the cider mill for a hayride, apples, pumpkins, corn maze & Pancake Breakfast!!!
   
2. Treats hiding around the house - mom always leaves behind goodies.  treats in the fridge, pantry, dining room table decor, well stocked shower!  oh yes, and a well stocked laundry room!
   
3. Tired children - can't believe how much the boys sleep after gramma and grampa leave!  3 hour naps?  Yippee....
   
4. New Books - nobody reads it like Grampa does - we've all been told that by Josiah & Caleb.  Gramma says 18 is the # of times they read the new book.  It's a hit!
   
5. Sad Children - asking where gramma and grampa went & when are we going there to visit - they want to drive down the 'bumpy road' to gramma's house!

Thanks for coming to babysit for the weekend, Mom & Dad - we all had a great time.  

Muskegon Vacation 2009

Where to begin?
So, we stayed with the always wonderful, ever exciting, Hale Family!! We were within walking distance to the beach, so every morning...we walked to the beach, well at least the boys, the puppies & I.
We had a fabulous visit with the Gordon's @ their cottage.
Big Tall Laurie came out for some play time.
Caleb & Claudia dug an impressive hole! Josiah practiced his 'Karate Kid' moves on the beach.