Santa Visit

We went and saw Santa today. As much as the kids were excited, as soon as they saw him sitting in his chair, they stopped dead in their tracks. They were scared to death. Lauren started bawling when we moved closer to Santa - just like Alex did at her age. And Alex was adament about not talking to him, but he agreed to the photo op. So, dad has been in past Santa pictures, I guess it was my turn today. Lauren cried and Alex did manage to let Santa know he wanted a train table. Other than that, it was take the picture so I can get outta here! These are scanned pictures from the ones they gave us so excuse the poor quality.

Toys for Tots

Here's a couple of pictures with the kids and their toys that they picked out at the store today to be donated to Toys for Tots. We had Alex and Lauren each pick out a toy at the store today that they would want and then we will donate them to Toys for Tots. Lauren was cool with it, Alex had a hard time parting with his new car. We explained that some kids don't get new toys for Xmas and they aren't as lucky as him. He said he's not lucky and that he's going to get lots of new toys for Xmas. Typical 3-year old: egocentric. But he wasn't happy that Xmas is "too long away." But we finally convinced him as now he's ready to donate the new car. Good lesson for them to learn definitely!

Getting ready for Xmas

We put up our Xmas tree this weekend with the kids' help. Unfortunately, we have to have a fake tree this year as Lauren still puts EVERYTHING in her mouth and swallowing pine needles didn't sound like a good option. Hopefully next year, we can be back to the real tree - I miss it. But anyway, the kids had a blast - Alex put ornaments on the tree, Lauren took them off. And they loved the lights. It makes me really excited for Xmas since the kids are getting older, it's so much more fun. They are excited. And they were so excited to see their stockings and all the Xmas decorations. It reminds me that Xmas really is for the kids - such a fun holiday!

Lauren and her new friend

For those of you who don't know, Lauren is obsessed with Minnie Mouse, Elmo, and Winnie the Pooh. I mean obsessed. We have some large stuffed animals from Aunt Kate, Winnie the Pooh being one of them. We've had them stored for a little while and just got them back out this week and boy, Lauren LOVES her new friend! Keep in mind, it's as big as her!

Alex's first day of school

Alex started "preschool" this week. It's actually a preschool-prep class but it's the first time we've gone to school where I don't stay at all. So because he informed me a month ago that he's older now and ready for preschool, we enrolled him in this. And he LOVED it! Could have cared less that I wasn't there, which is great. He did inform me afterwards that he was a little sad that dad wasn't there but he had a great time. It helps that 5 of his friends from our other classes are in there. After us moms dropped them off, the 6 of them were in the corner of the classroom playing together - I guess cliques start early! He had a great day though. Here's a picture of him with his backpack before school...

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving in Iowa with my family. We went to my aunt and uncle's (Donna and Dennis) house for the big celebration with my entire extended family. We had a very nice day and a great weekend spending time with Gaga and Papa O'Brien. Here's a picture of my Grandma Betty with her 4 great-grandkids on Thanksgiving. I just love this picture. Every time Alex sees this picture, he always says, "There's GG (he calls her that - short for great-grandma), me, Lauren, Carly, and Baby Elise." We look forward to Xmas with both of our families!