Photos from our visits!

On Christmas day we went to Grandma and Grandpa Arnold's house. We were so busy that I didn't take a single picture while we were there! Here are a few (thank you Mark!)

Matt playing with Mason (the boys love bumping heads with Daddy!)
Opening their Tonka trucks!
Lina and Anna enjoying movie time. Notice the camera that Anna is holding. It didn't leave her side that day.
Mason having fun in Eli's rocking chair.
And the boys hanging out in front of the tree. Olivier has a bit of growing to do before he fits into Daddy's hat!
And on Sunday it was off to Grandma and Grandpa Remillard's house. Here is Anna giving a gift to Natalie.
And Anna "helping" Natalie open it.
Mason, Olivier and Natalie.
The boys had fun playing with the hangers and boxes.
Natalie opening her puzzles.
Anna "helping". :-)
Anna opening the Candy Land game.

Saying "look Mom!"
David helping Olivier. He is all about poking!
And now that it is open he has to poke some more!
I tried to get as many shots with all four as I could, hard to do!
Anna loves her pillow pet! Still working on a name.
And the boys love the cars and racetrack. And of course all the crashes!
And Anna's big gift, a tricycle! She was so excited! She was thrilled to go for rides today. She did four trips around the block before her nap and went out again after. She is a quick one, if you aren't careful she will get away! And that smile is what it is all about!

Whew! Such a busy few days but it is great to see the excitement!

Anna's new camera!

Grandma and Grandpa Arnold got Anna a digital camera for Christmas. Watch out, the paparazzi has arrived! Lets just say she easily took 400 photos today. She had a blast and I am sure she will be more than happy to take your picture next time she sees you!

Here are some that turned out from today's batch. The resolution isn't too good and she is quick to move but she will be thrilled to see these in the morning!

Tom and April's dog, Lily:
Grandpa taking Anna's picture:
Grandpa making funny faces:
And Lina, there was a lot of Lina photos. She loves her older cousin!

Christmas Morning!

Today the kids woke up and Anna was very excited to see what Santa brought! Before breakfast we let her open her stocking. She got barrettes and some Elmo books!

Olivier was excited to get his stocking down!
Checking out all the books Santa brought!
Mason is happy to read us his stories!
Love those smiles Olivier!
Anna opening one of her gifts after she had breakfast!
So excited to see those long awaited Elmo slippers! (Thank you Joe and Heather!)
Showing them off some more.
And now she is looking at the Minnie earrings from Daddy and Mommy.
Showing them to Mommy. :-)
Mason and Olivier got a giant Mr. Potato Head.
The boys were typical kids, more interested in the boxes than the toys!
Anna playing with her princess art and craft kit, and of course she is wearing her Elmo slippers!
Merry Christmas!!

Santa Visits Daycare!

Today Santa took time out of his busy schedule and stopped by daycare to give everyone a few presents before Christmas! We are so thankful to have seen him! We were able to get photos of all three kids as they were getting gifts from Santa, and no tears! Mason did get upset on his second trip to see Santa but they all did really well!

Olivier was the first to be called and he wasn't sure what to think, he did not take his eyes off Santa!
Anna didn't want to sit on Santa's lap but did go to Santa and let him hand her a present! Much improved over last year when she wouldn't go within five feet!

Mason was all about the present during his first visit to Santa. I have a feeling he is really going to love opening gifts this year!
On Anna's second trip to get a gift from Santa, he was asking her to turn around so we could get a photo. We didn't get her turned around for a photo but we did get this one where it looks like he is scolding her, no fear though, she has been a very good little girl this year!

Christmas is almost here!!!

Proof of Mason's climb

And here is the proof that Mason is now climbing up on the couch! Can you tell it makes him happy? :-)

Having Fun!

Today Anna and I went to a Victorian Teddy Bear Tea Party. Anna had a ball! When we first arrived it was time for gingerbread cookies. They had one cookie already decorated for everyone and the kids got a second one that was blank to decorate and eat. I didn't realize how much Anna likes gingerbread! She did not want to do anything while she was eating her cookies!
Then I convinced Anna to visit the Snow Queen. She was little hesitant at first but after talking to the very nice Snow Queen she agreed to sit on her lap for a picture. Of course she made a silly face while I was taking the photo!

After a successful visit with the Snow Queen, I convinced Anna that we should go say hi to Santa. She was much more hesitant but after giving her a small gift and a little help from Mrs. Clause, Anna agreed to sit on Santa's lap so I could get a photo. No smile but our first no tears Santa photo!

After visiting with Santa, Anna went and had her face painted. She liked having her face painted and being able to see it in the mirror after. Lots of fun!
Anna also had a lot of fun dancing with the other girls at our table. I have a feeling we will be getting her some dance lessons for her birthday next year. She loves to dance and twirl. Amazing how many times she can twirl around and not get dizzy. And of course, a dress isn't very good unless you can make it twirl!



I had to attend a work conference and was gone for just over two days. Mason is a Mama's boy and always tends to want to give me love and kisses. After getting back, he didn't want to leave my side and was giving me lots of hugs. It felt good to be missed but I had to laugh because I felt like he was stuck to me all weekend! And this weekend, Mason discovered that he can climb up on this couch all by himself! Yikes!


Olivier has started taking steps on his own. He will periodically walk and take a few steps on his own. We are not surprised that he is our first walker because he has no fear! If he is standing and he wants something that is close by, he will now walk to get it (for the most part) and he is getting more confident. No long distances yet but he is well on his way. Go Olivier go!! Matt was trying to fix his pants because he kept stumbling and instead, Olivier just took off!

Christmas Photos!

We were able to get some great family photos! We knew it was going to be tricky to get it done but we planned all day and when it came time, the first shot was the best one! Always nice when it works out that way!

Matt holding Mason, Anna, Tania holding Olivier

Mason, Anna, and Olivier