Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve, and they're just a little bit excited . . .

Max - Ho Ho Ho from Shannon on Vimeo.

Grayson & Max - Jingle Bells 2010 from Shannon on Vimeo.

The Pink Pig!

This morning my friend Jordan and I had this great idea to take our kids to ride the Macy's Pink Pig at the Lenox Mall. Apparently all the other Atlanta moms had the same great idea, and we waited in line for about 2 hours. Yes there was whining, even a couple of tears, and Max and Catalina (both 2) kept trying to run away as soon as we were made to park our strollers (with still a 30 minute wait ahead of us!). But we made it, and we rode the Pink Pig twice (a 5 minute ride on a little pink train from the 1950's). And as we left, Grayson turned to me and exclaimed "Mom, I loved that!" which made it all worth it.

Cupcakes with Grace and Miles

This past weekend our neighbors, Grace and Miles, invited Grayson and Max over for milk, cupcakes, and a Christmas show - in PJ's. The kids loved it and Tony and I did too! Grace and Grayson have become good friends, and play together or do crafts or other art projects a couple of afternoons a week.

Kindergarten Christmas Party

Last week Grayson's Kindergarten class celebrated Christmas with a Christmas party complete with goodies brought in by parents and a new book exchange. Grayson's teacher, Mrs. Shaw, is wonderful and really makes learning fun. They are always doing fun things, especially with regard to the Holidays, so the party was really just the last big event in a string of many fun activities the kids have done over the past few weeks.

Granno's Christmas Cookies

Today we made Granno's Christmas cookies. They are really the best Christmas cookies ever, because they are not too sweet (until you slather them with icing and sprinkles - then they're just right) and have a touch of nutmeg for that special Christmas taste.


When you're 2, it's really hard to resist eating the sprinkles.



Eating the cookies is hard to resist for everyone!

Santa Visit 2010

This morning Grayson and Max visited Santa.

Max bravely walked up to Santa, following Grayson's lead. On the way to the mall Max kept saying "Santa, Santa!" so he knew where he was going. But you never know at this age . . .

There they sat for their picture, though Max was a little hesitant.


Then their Christmas lists came out and Max asked Santa for a helicopter.

Grayson took plenty of time to walk Santa through his entire list, and it was not short.

Then Santa had a little talk with Grayson - we hope it was a reminder to be good!

Then they got a big hug from Santa. He's so nice.

Grayson's Kindergarten Musical

Tonight was Grayson's Kindergarten Musical. The kids did such a great job, and the overall production was so cute! They were all gingerbread boys and girls in a musical called "Gingerbread Junction." Each class went up on stage one at a time and each child delivered a few lines and then the class sang and danced to a musical number. The finale, which the kids all sang and signed from their seats in front of the stage (so I couldn't really videotape it) was Sandi Patty's "Love in Any Language." So sweet.


Grayson and his friend Kai.


The gingerbread house in Grayson's classroon is a work in progress.

2010 Kindergarten Musical - Grayson's "Lines" from Shannon on Vimeo.

2010 Kindergarten Musical - The Music Number from Shannon on Vimeo.

Our Date to see The Nutcracker

Last weekend Grayson and I went to see a local production of The Nutcracker. I have fond memories of going to see The Nutcracker at Christmas time, so it was so much fun to share this experience with Grayson. And a couple of his friends from school were in the production, which added to the fun.

6 1/2 Months Pregnant

I've been terrible at documenting this pregnancy . . . below is the first picture taken of my belly (Grayson took it!) at 6 1/2 months. Perhaps the reason is that this has been the hardest pregnancy of all 3. My first trimester I was very morning sick (which is really all day and night sick) and exhausted. I've felt better ever since that ended, but I still have two active little boys to run around after and I just don't run as fast as I used to! And I've also battled a stomach bug and a bad cold/sinus infection in the last month (and both kids had one or both of these as well, and Max had croup). Nevertheless every day (even on the sick days) I am thankful for this little blessing. Her name will be Ella and we can't wait to meet her. Even Max, when asked where the baby is, says "in Mommy's tummy." And Grayson says that as the biggest brother he will take good care of her. I know he will, because he takes such good care of Max and is his best friend already. 2 1/2 months and counting . . .

Picking out our Tree

This weekend we decorated our house for Christmas. Grayson and Max are so excited about Christmas this year. And this is the first year Max kind of gets what's going on . . . and he's caught up in all the fun.

Thanksgiving 2010

This Thanksgiving we had a wonderful and relaxed Holiday at our home with Mima, Pop-pop, and our friends Emily, Chris, and Ethan.

I was pretty happy with how my turkey turned out. And it actually tasted as good as it looked! After brining it overnight I followed a slow cooking method found here: www.howtocookathanksgivingturkey.com and also put herbs and butter under the skin over the breasts - it makes such a difference!