Christmas Part Two

Christmas Part Two was celebrated with the VanVooren side of the family.  We celebrated Christmas Eve with Gramma, Papa, Auntie Abbie and Emmie.  The night was complete with a delicious spread of appetizers, the kids opened all of their Christmas presents, and of course, no Christmas Eve would be complete without our White Elephant game.

Santa also made a visit on Christmas Eve.  Olivia was so happy to get her kitty piano (she'd been talking about it for months).  Olivia was too scared to sit on Santa's lap.  I guess it was a Christmas miracle that we got her to sit on his lap at the mall.

We rang in Christmas morning at Gramma and Papa's house as well.  These kids must have been really good this year, they sure brought home the mother load.  Livy brought home a washer and dryer, a baby changing station and a kitty piano (among other things).  Finn's prized possession is a John Deere mini power loader.  Look out Hampton!!

However, Santa really outdid himself this year with the gift that stays at Gramma and Papa's house - a riding gator.

Christmas Part One

We spent our first Christmas celebration in Wisconsin this year.  We lucked out and had pretty good weather while we were "up north".  It wasn't too cold and we actually had less snow up there than in the Quad Cities.

Santa came over Friday night just to make sure the kids were being good.  Olivia was too scared to sit on Santa's lap this time and Finn was eating, so well...he was just too busy to do anything else.

Saturday we spent the afternoon at the Waletzko Family Christmas.  The kids had a grand time running around together with their cousins and Finn excitedly learned how to open doors at the party. GREAT!

On Sunday we celebrated Olivia's third birthday at Gramma Judy's house.  All of the cousins came over to help her party and eat cake.

Christmas was also celebrated at Gramma Judy's house.  These kids are so spoiled.  They got lots of new toys and clothes.  Olivia had a great time opening all of her presents as well as everyone else's.

Finn spent most of his time on the couch (which he also learned how to climb on while at Gramma Judy's house).  I think he wanted to snuggle with baby Zander or steal the remote control.  Finn sure loves that baby.

Birthday Party Number One

We celebrated Olivia's third birthday in Wisconsin this year.  The day was filled with lots of cake, gifts and cousin love.

We can't forget about Meatball, he was there too!!

Happy Birthday Olivia

Olivia, at 3 years old you:

*are one of a kind. You are sweet, funny, ornery, and too smart for your own good sometimes.

*are 38 lbs and 33 inches tall (the 75% for both)

*wear a 3T (sometimes 4T) clothes and a size 8 shoe.

*have been completely diaper free during day for over 6 months as well as during nap time!  I think we have a ways to go at night, though

*are a lover of all things sweet, however, you do eat healthy as well.  You love sharing Mom's green juice with her in the morning.

* you know your ABC's and can count to 12.  We may have to work on your numbers a little more.  You can write your own name, you even signed Papa's birthday card all by yourself.

*your favorite movie is Despicable Me.  You may even have a Minion cake in your future.  You don't watch much TV but are a pro at watching YouTube on the iPad.  Your favorite thing to watch is "Playing with Play dough"

*enjoy coloring, drawing, and reading books. You are a girl's girl who loves to have her nails painted, wear sparkles, and anything pink or purple.  It's usually a fight to get you to wear something besides a dress.  

*love your little brother (most of the time)

*you love going to school.  You were even disappointed when we told you that you couldn't go over Christmas break.

*are a handful! You are not afraid to make your feelings known. You have opinions (lots of opinions) and can argue and talk your way around almost anything....this is very trying in a toddler but will serve you well in the future.

*still haven't had a haircut. Not even a trim. And don't think it's coming any time soon.  Mom just can't fathom cutting those little curls off.

Christmas Cookie Time

Olivia and I spent some time baking Christmas cookies today.  

{Cutting out the cookies!  Olivia had a hard time refraining from eating the dough.}

{Watching her masterpieces cook.}

{Time to decorate.  This is the best part!}

{I'm not eating anything}

{The finished product, we have a lot of purple, pink and orange cookies this year.  Olivia didn't understand the whole Christmas color concept, she went with what she though was the prettiest}

{Did someone say sprinkles?}

{Finn slept through the baking fun, but woke up just in time to taste test for us.}

The Climber

I've given up!  There is no point in trying to get him to stop climbing up there.

Olivia didn't want to be left out of the picture fun!

Introducing the Flying Olivia

Cape made with love by Gramma!

Finley's New Hobby

Finn has a new game he likes to play.  It's called "Throw Everything I Can Find Down the Stairs".

He thinks it is a riot to watch the toys he throws bounce down the stairs and ping off the walls.

However, he is never very happy when we won't go retrieve the toys for him.

Of course, Olivia is never very happy when one of her toys is launched down the stairs.